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 toward the members of the English upper-class he calls the "villains". What disturb him are their manners and behaviours, their "kindness", "servility", "cordiality" and "dignity". He especially hates Hugh Whitbread who like the Prime Minister – "the thick gold-laced man" - embodies the British "Government" and Aristocracy. He uses a metaphor to ridicule Hugh as a ballet dancer, he depicts him as self-important and hypocrite.
             He does not forget to hint to Lady Bruton who - because she is an Aristocrat - gets what she wants by giving luncheons in return. He is quite ironical towards her even if he says she is &q...