Mrs. Dalloway, Virginia Woolf

Historical and Cultural Context

In the years following World War I, Britain was a nation transformed. Mrs. Dalloway, set in 1923, captures the essence of a society grappling with the devastating aftermath of the war. The trauma had left an indelible mark, with many soldiers returning home haunted by the horrors they had witnessed. This collective suffering led to an outpouring of societal introspection, and traditional values and roles found themselves under intense scrutiny.

During this period, literature and the arts were undergoing a revolution of their own. Modernism was the order of the day. Writers like Virginia Woolf were pushing the boundaries of storytelling, moving away from traditional narratives and embracing techniques like stream-of-consciousness. They sought to capture the intricate dance of human thought and the complexities of the mind.

Parallel to this artistic evolution was a seismic shift in women's roles in society. The early 20th century had witnessed the relentless rise of the suffrage movement. By the time Mrs. Dalloway was published, women had not only won the right to vote but were challenging and redefining their places in society. The novel's protagonist, navigating this changing world, embodies these societal changes.

Much of Woolf's perspective and insight can be attributed to her association with the Bloomsbury Group. This influential circle of London-based intellectuals, writers, and artists championed progressive ideas on everything from art to sexuality. Their vibrant discussions and shared values left a deep imprint on Woolf's writings, infusing Mrs. Dalloway with a richness borne of these intellectual exchanges.

Questions

1. In what year is Mrs. Dalloway set?

A. 1915

B. 1918

C. 1923

D. 1928

2. Which literary movement was prominent during the time of Mrs. Dalloway?

A. Romanticism

B. Postmodernism

C. Realism

D. Modernism

3. What narrative technique did Virginia Woolf use in her writings?

A. Linear narrative

B. Flashbacks

C. Stream-of-consciousness

D. First-person perspective

4. What societal change was occurring regarding women during the time Mrs. Dalloway was published?

A. Women started working in factories.

B. Women gained the right to vote.

C. Women were encouraged to stay at home.

D. Women were barred from universities.

Discussion

In Mrs. Dalloway, Clarissa has a hard time with her feelings. Do you think women today still have similar problems? Why or why not?

Further reading

1. Bell, Quentin. Virginia Woolf: A Biography. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1972. This biography offers an in-depth look at the life and career of Virginia Woolf, penned by her nephew Quentin Bell.

2. Bloom, Harold, editor. Modern Critical Interpretations: Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway. Chelsea House, 1988. A compilation of critical essays and interpretations focused on Woolf's novel Mrs. Dalloway.

3. Dowling, David. Mrs. Dalloway: Mapping Streams of Consciousness. Twayne, 1991. Dowling's work closely examines the stream-of-consciousness technique Woolf utilised in Mrs. Dalloway.

4. Lee, Hermione. Virginia Woolf. Alfred A. Knopf, 1997. Hermione Lee's biography explores the life, works, and legacy of Virginia Woolf.

5. Marsh, Nicholas. Virginia Woolf, the Novels. St. Martin’s Press, 1998. This book critically explores the novels written by Virginia Woolf, shedding light on her narrative techniques and thematic concerns.

6. Mepham, John. Virginia Woolf. St. Martin’s Press, 1992. Mepham offers a comprehensive analysis of Woolf's life, works, and literary significance. 

7. Reinhold, Natalya, editor. Woolf Across Cultures. Pace University Press, 2004. A collection of essays that explores Virginia Woolf's influence and reception across different cultural contexts.

8. Rosenthal, Michael. Virginia Woolf. Columbia University Press, 1979. Rosenthal's biography provides insights into the personal and professional facets of Woolf's life.

9. Showalter, Elaine. “Mrs. Dalloway: Introduction.” Virginia Woolf: Introductions to the Major Works, edited by Julia Briggs, Virago Press, 1994. Showalter's introduction in this collection sets the stage for critical readings of Mrs. Dalloway and its place in Woolf's oeuvre.