Women in Lit - Mrs Dalloway Quotes

Questions and Answers

What phrase describes Clarissa's potential as a hostess as mentioned by Peter?

The perfect hostess (correct)

An enchanting speaker

A remarkable friend

A talented cook

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?

This being Mrs Richard Dalloway. Signup and view all the answers

What reflects Septimus' loss of identity?

He was not Septimus now. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'Narrower and narrower would her bed be' connote about Clarissa?

On Clarissa's loss of sense of space. Signup and view all the answers

What action does Sally perform that is significant in her relationship with Clarissa?

Sally stopped; picked a flower; kissed her on the lips. Signup and view all the answers

How does Clarissa feel after being kissed?

She felt that she had been given a present, wrapped up, and told just to keep it, not look at it - a diamond. Signup and view all the answers

What three words describe Clarissa?

Pointed; dart-like; definite. Signup and view all the answers

What is Peter doing when he tilts his pen-knife towards Clarissa?

Tilting his pen-knife towards her green dress. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'Every woman...had roses blooming under glass' indicate about society?

Women with makeup (society becoming more progressive). Signup and view all the answers

What social status does Sally have according to the quote?

Not that ragamuffin Sally without a penny to her name. Signup and view all the answers

How does Clarissa's character view her social interactions?

[Clarissa] was worldly; cared too much for rank and society. Signup and view all the answers

What does the title 'Mr and Mrs Septimus Warren Smith' signify?

On women and marriage (Rezia). Signup and view all the answers

What statement does Septimus make about the War?

The War had taught him. It was sublime. Signup and view all the answers

How does Richard Dalloway show his affection through gifts?

Bearing his flowers like a weapon. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior of Richard shows his concern for Clarissa?

He would go on saying 'An hour's complete rest after luncheon' to the end of time. Signup and view all the answers

How does Clarissa demonstrate her lack of political awareness?

She cared much more for her roses than for the Armenians. Signup and view all the answers

What does Clarissa express about her parties?

Both of them criticised her very unfairly... 'Remember our party tonight!' Signup and view all the answers

What financial condition does Miss Kilman face?

She was poor, moreover; degradingly poor. Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Kilman think about Clarissa's class?

She came from the most worthless of all classes - the rich. Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment does Clarissa have towards Miss Kilman regarding her daughter?

This woman had taken her daughter away from her! Signup and view all the answers

How does Miss Kilman get compared in a metaphor?

With the power and taciturnity of some prehistoric monster. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the idea of her diminished' refer to?

This dwindling of the monster. Signup and view all the answers

What does Clarissa desire in relation to the old woman opposite her?

Let her climb the stairs if she wanted to; let her stop. Signup and view all the answers

How does Miss Kilman view her own body?

The infliction of her unlovable body which people could not bear to see. Signup and view all the answers

What craving does Miss Kilman express?

She had wanted that cake - the pink one. Signup and view all the answers

What sets Elizabeth Dalloway apart in her generation?

For no Dalloways came down the Strand daily; she was a pioneer. Signup and view all the answers

What act does Rezia perform that illustrates her internal conflict?

Pinning a rose to one side of the hat. Signup and view all the answers

What realization does the character have related to marriage and aspirations?

How they would change the world if she married him perhaps; whereas, it was middle age; it was mediocrity. Signup and view all the answers

What action does Peter take that reflects a minor but significant moment?

He opened the big blade of his pocket-knife. Signup and view all the answers

How does Peter perceive Clarissa at their reunion?

She was at her worst - effusive, insincere. Signup and view all the answers

What conflicting feelings does Clarissa have towards Miss Kilman?

She hated her; she loved her. Signup and view all the answers

What new aspect of Sally Seton is revealed through her statement?

I have five sons! Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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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.