THE PARTY
Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf depicts one day of Clarissa Dalloway's life, the day she has chosen to give a party. The novel and this passage in particular give the reader the impression of simultaneous connections between the inner and the outer world. Indeed the story is mainly told through the thoughts of the different characters. The passage is set during the party at the end of the novel, just after the arrival of the Prime Minister. It begins with Peter Walsh who goes on with his harsh criticism on "snobbery". The views of fourth characters are presented alternately one of whom is Clarissa. Throughout this extract we get a quite negative picture of the English upper-class despite the apparent liveliness. Furthermore, phases of contraction undercut the vivacity and noisy aspects of the party. Still despite her snobbishness, Clarissa stands out from this superficiality. Throughout the passage, we are given a sad picture of the English upper-class. These people are reproached for their superficiality. Firstly, Peter Walsh as the outsider, is the only one who manages to stand back and to have a critic view of the others. According to him "snobbery" is a barrier, he cannot bear that world. He almost feels hatred to
For the first time in the novel, Clarissa realizes the superficiality of her predicament. The image of the setting sun also alludes to the evening, to oldness. An impression of fluidity, smoothness and quietness is given by the alliteration in 's' (l. The image of death is also emphasized by Clarissa's "grey hair", her "silver-green mermaid's dress", Peter also adds that "age had brushed her"; death intrudes the lively dimension of the party. Clarissa's predicament is still complex since she tries to keep her integrity even though she lives in a very narrow and superficial environment. What disturb him are their manners and behaviours, their "kindness", "servility", "cordiality" and "dignity". And it can be asserted that it is exactly what happens when Mrs Hilbery tells her that she resembles her mother, she is touched but superficially and "alas, she must go". Even Sir Harry who does not want to share his moment of pleasure with her, likes her, respects her and he is also impressed by what emanates from her. Moreover the passage focuses on Clarissa's response to life and her predicament. He emphasizes her superficiality due to her marriage with Richard, who has influence in the government. He is quite ironical towards her even if he says she is "all right". She is also represented as a good hostess, greeting and presenting people to each other, but it is exactly what Peter has always reproached her for.
Common topics in this essay:
Sir Harry,
Clarissa Peter,
Miss Kilman,
Walsh Clarissa,
Peter Walsh,
Prime Minister,
Peter Walsh's,
Clarissa Throughout,
Clarissa Dalloway's,
Peter Clarissa's,
sir harry,
miss kilman,
peter walsh,
clarissa peter,
english upper-class,
prime minister,
picture english upper-class,
view clarissa,
image death,
picture english,
ironical towards,
dear sir harry,
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Acceptance Essays
