Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs. Dalloway' is a modernist novel that uses stream of consciousness to explore the psychological landscape of post-World War I London. It follows Clarissa Dalloway and other characters, such as war veteran Septimus Warren Smith, as they navigate societal transitions, personal disillusionment, and the quest for identity amidst the challenges of communication and isolation.
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Woolf employs internal monologues to delve into the psychological depths of her characters
Post-World War I London
The novel is set in post-World War I London, providing a backdrop for the characters' struggles
Shifting Norms of British Society
Woolf explores the changing societal norms of post-war Britain through her characters' perspectives
The lives of the characters briefly intersect, highlighting the disparate experiences of individuals in the same city
Through characters like Clarissa and Septimus, Woolf critiques the British class system and its emptiness
The novel exposes the hollowness of societal structures and the personal disconnections they foster
Woolf's narrative explores the difficulty of expressing one's inner life and the resulting isolation
Characters like Clarissa and Septimus struggle against the societal roles and expectations imposed upon them
The characters seek to break free from societal constraints and find their own identities
The novel highlights the human need for connection and the tragedy of its absence
Clarissa's introspection about death and the search for meaning reflects her struggle with aging and the fleeting nature of life
The specter of death that haunts Septimus serves as a reminder of the war's lasting impact on individuals and society
Woolf weaves existential themes into a broader meditation on the human condition, as her characters grapple with purpose and identity in a world marked by upheaval and loss
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Publication year of 'Mrs. Dalloway'
1925
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Primary setting of 'Mrs. Dalloway'
Post-WWI London
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Narrative time span of 'Mrs. Dalloway'
Single day
