Mrs. Dalloway Book Summary

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What is the reason behind Sir William planning to send Septimus to a mental institution?

A lack of proportion (correct)

A lack of memories

A lack of feeling

A lack of communication

Who despises each other passionately, believing the other to be an oppressive force over Elizabeth?

Richard Dalloway and Hugh Whitbread

Elizabeth's history teacher and Miss Kilman (correct)

Sir William and Dr. Holmes

Clarissa and Sally Seton

What was Septimus afraid Dr. Holmes would do to him?

Destroy his soul (correct)

Send him to war again

Expose his secrets

Separate him from Lucrezia

What does Clarissa feel responsible for after Septimus's death?

His life choices Signup and view all the answers

What does Richard intend to tell Clarissa with the large bunch of roses he brings home?

He loves her Signup and view all the answers

What does Clarissa believe is vital to the success of her relationship with Richard?

Complete privacy Signup and view all the answers

What makes Clarissa feel dissatisfied by her own role during the party?

'Sally Seton's presence' Signup and view all the answers

'Septimus and Lucrezia are in their apartment, enjoying a moment of happiness' implies a sense of:

'Joy' Signup and view all the answers

'Clarissa considers the void that exists between people', highlighting her contemplation on:

'Emotional distance' Signup and view all the answers

'Richard returns home to Clarissa with a large bunch of roses, intending to tell her that he loves her but finds that he cannot' suggests a theme of:

'Communication barriers' Signup and view all the answers

Who is the main character in 'Mrs. Dalloway'?

Clarissa Dalloway Signup and view all the answers

What event is Clarissa preparing for during the day described in the text?

A party Signup and view all the answers

What is Peter Walsh's relationship to Clarissa?

Old suitor and friend Signup and view all the answers

How does Peter feel about Clarissa's refusal of his marriage proposal?

He still obsesses over it. Signup and view all the answers

What medical condition does Septimus suffer from?

Shell shock Signup and view all the answers

Where do Septimus and his wife spend time in the text?

In Regents Park Signup and view all the answers

Why did Septimus enlist in the war?

Romantic patriotic reasons Signup and view all the answers

What profession does Sir William Bradshaw have?

Psychiatrist Signup and view all the answers

What effect did World War I have on the English citizens' perception of the British Empire?

It caused them to lose faith in the empire's power. Signup and view all the answers

Which character in 'Mrs. Dalloway' represents an individual who still strongly supports English tradition?

Aunt Helena Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of everyday life in Mrs. Dalloway is constantly influenced by thoughts of death?

All mundane events Signup and view all the answers

How does Peter Walsh react to the idea of death in 'Mrs. Dalloway'?

He becomes frantic and tries to distract himself from it. Signup and view all the answers

Who in 'Mrs. Dalloway' faces death directly and ultimately chooses it over living another day?

Septimus Signup and view all the answers

Which character in 'Mrs. Dalloway' chooses death as an escape from oppressive social pressures to conform?

Septimus Signup and view all the answers

What do Miss Kilman and Sir William Bradshaw share in common in 'Mrs. Dalloway'?

They both seek power through dominance. Signup and view all the answers

What are Miss Kilman's intentions towards Clarissa based on her oppressive nature in 'Mrs. Dalloway'?

She dreams of converting Clarissa due to her religious beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

How does Sir William Bradshaw aim to assert his dominance over others in 'Mrs. Dalloway'?

By imposing his worldview to subdue challengers. Signup and view all the answers

What character in 'Mrs. Dalloway' represents an oppressive force that seeks control over others' beliefs?

Sir William Bradshaw Signup and view all the answers

What does Clarissa attempt to achieve by throwing parties?

To facilitate communication and bring people together Signup and view all the answers

How does Peter describe the contradictory human impulses toward privacy and communication?

He compares the soul to a fish that swims in murky water and occasionally surfaces to frolic on the waves Signup and view all the answers

What makes meaningful connections difficult in the post-war world?

The lack of understanding between those who support traditional English society and those who hope for continued change Signup and view all the answers

How does Clarissa view Septimus's death?

As a desperate, but legitimate, act of communication Signup and view all the answers

What does Clarissa's contemplation of the old woman across the street represent?

The tension between self-expression and solitude Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the impact of the war on English society?

It changed people's ideas of what English society should be Signup and view all the answers

How does Clarissa view the old woman's independence?

She celebrates it, but also recognizes the inevitable loneliness that comes with it Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the characters' efforts to create meaningful connections?

They are not easy to make, no matter what efforts the characters put forth Signup and view all the answers

What does Clarissa feel is the ultimate human mystery?

How she can exist in one room while the old woman across the street exists in another Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is the reason for Clarissa's dissatisfaction with her role during the party?

She is preoccupied with her own inner reflections and sense of isolation Signup and view all the answers