Questions and Answers
What phrase describes Clarissa's potential as a hostess as mentioned by Peter?
How does the quote describe Clarissa's perceptiveness?
She sliced like a knife through everything; and at the same time was outside, looking on.
What is said about Lady Bexborough's interest?
She was interested in politics like a man.
What signifies Clarissa's identity in relation to her marriage?
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What reflects Septimus' loss of identity?
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What does the phrase 'Narrower and narrower would her bed be' connote about Clarissa?
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What action does Sally perform that is significant in her relationship with Clarissa?
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How does Clarissa feel after being kissed?
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What three words describe Clarissa?
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What is Peter doing when he tilts his pen-knife towards Clarissa?
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What does the phrase 'Every woman...had roses blooming under glass' indicate about society?
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What social status does Sally have according to the quote?
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How does Clarissa's character view her social interactions?
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What does the title 'Mr and Mrs Septimus Warren Smith' signify?
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What statement does Septimus make about the War?
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How does Richard Dalloway show his affection through gifts?
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What behavior of Richard shows his concern for Clarissa?
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How does Clarissa demonstrate her lack of political awareness?
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What does Clarissa express about her parties?
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What financial condition does Miss Kilman face?
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What does Miss Kilman think about Clarissa's class?
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What sentiment does Clarissa have towards Miss Kilman regarding her daughter?
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How does Miss Kilman get compared in a metaphor?
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What does the phrase 'the idea of her diminished' refer to?
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What does Clarissa desire in relation to the old woman opposite her?
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How does Miss Kilman view her own body?
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What craving does Miss Kilman express?
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What sets Elizabeth Dalloway apart in her generation?
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What act does Rezia perform that illustrates her internal conflict?
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What realization does the character have related to marriage and aspirations?
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What action does Peter take that reflects a minor but significant moment?
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How does Peter perceive Clarissa at their reunion?
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What conflicting feelings does Clarissa have towards Miss Kilman?
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What new aspect of Sally Seton is revealed through her statement?
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Study Notes
Key Themes and Characters
- Clarissa Dalloway is seen as the ideal hostess, capable of marrying a high-profile political figure, reflecting societal expectations of women’s roles.
- Clarissa’s perceptiveness is emphasized, as she slices through life observations while simultaneously maintaining a detached perspective.
- Lady Bexborough’s interest in politics showcases a growing involvement of women in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
- The transformation of Clarissa into 'Mrs. Richard Dalloway’ highlights the loss of personal identity within marriage.
Identity and Alienation
- Septimus, a war veteran, experiences a profound loss of identity, reflecting the psychological trauma faced by returning soldiers.
- Clarissa feels her spatial awareness diminish, symbolizing her internal struggles and constraints as a woman in society.
- Clarissa's kiss with Sally represents a significant moment of intimacy and urges exploration of non-traditional relationships.
Social Commentary
- The mention of women keeping up with societal beauty standards, likened to roses under glass, critiques superficial aspects of social life.
- Sally’s social status influences perceptions, indicating class disparities that affect the validity of women's voices in society.
- Clarissa’s snobbery is evident as her preoccupations lie more with social hierarchy than global issues, reflecting the privileged indifference of the wealthy.
Relationships and Conflict
- Clarissa is protective of her social events, indicating their importance to her identity and societal standing.
- The depiction of Miss Kilman illustrates the struggles of women outside the elite social circles, representing economic disparity and societal snobbery.
- Tensions between Clarissa and Miss Kilman highlight conflicting ideologies among women, pitting them against one another rather than fostering solidarity.
Female Agency and Future Generations
- Elizabeth Dalloway symbolizes the potential for change and the evolving role of women, representing a new generation.
- Rezia Dalloway conforms to traditional gender roles, masking marital discord with acts of domesticity, showcasing society’s pressures on women.
- A sense of loss and regret pervades reflections on aging and the mundane realities of middle age, contrasting earlier exuberance.
Symbolism and Literary Devices
- The pocket-knife that Peter uses symbolizes duality in Clarissa's reception, reflecting underlying tension in their relationship.
- Clarissa's multifaceted feelings towards Miss Kilman speak to the complexity of female relationships, blending love and hatred.
- The use of flowers throughout the text serves as a metaphor for beauty, societal expectations, and the fragility of female identity in a changing world.
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Description
Explore key quotes from Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs Dalloway' through engaging flashcards. Each card highlights important insights about Clarissa Dalloway and her perception of the world. This quiz will enhance your understanding of the themes and character development in the novel.