Mrs. Dalloway.
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf represents the highest British expression of the interwar period. It was published in 1925 and set in those same days. When the bleeding wounds left by The Great War were still open in the streets and in the houses. At that time no one in the English capital anticipated the start of another armed conflict with global implications.
Beyond the horrors, London's high society still did not pay much attention to that reality outside its environment of luxury and comfort. Thus, in the text of this work contains a forceful criticism in this frivolous way of seeing the world.
Portrait of post-war London, "spiced" with biographical data
Virginia Woolf earned her name on the list of universal writers. It is an obligatory reference within the avant-garde and Anglo-Saxon modernism. Among other things, he stood out for his ease in filling many of his stories loaded with real references with verses and poetry.
Mrs. Dalloway it was the most important creation of his career in letters. Critics began to take her seriously thanks to an original style, difficult to imitate. On the other hand, one of the defining features of this work, as well as the "ways" of its author: talking about many things, without (within the story) anything happening.
One day story
One of the peculiarities of the text is its argument, since it takes place in a single day. Although temporal jumps abound in its development, these only occur within the characters. This highlights an inherent characteristic of Mrs. Dalloway and of an aspect with a lot of specific weight in the discourse: intimacy.
Unlike most novels with this quirk, readers don't just have access to the thoughts of the protagonists and their antagonists. All the characters that parade within the plot enjoy their moment of introspection. A “live” analysis of how they see the world and what they expect from others. In many cases, justifying the reason for their actions.
Brief summary of the plot
"A Day in the Life of Mrs. Clarissa Dalloway" would be, without a doubt, a rather simplistic way of summarizing the plot of this novel. During the day in question - in the middle of the hot London summer - this lady with access to the highest echelons of power decides to hold a party.
Virginia Woolf.
The goal: maintain a facade
The meeting organized by Ms Dalloway is a tribute to her husband, a very well placed Conservative MP. She is not happy with him, therefore, she has no affection for him. But that is not the point, the important thing is the status that gives you. All those present at the entertainment meditate on multiple themes; the rants, banal or existential, do not include only the guests.
The true counterweight is exercised by Septimus Warren Smith. A war veteran that the "heroine" of history does not know, of whose life and death he learns thanks to the comments of those attending the celebration. Precisely Septimus keeps much of the autobiographical data with which Woolf seasoned his work.
A tale about the innocuousness of life and the courage of death
Septimus Warren Smith was a manic depressive, fond of listening to birds, singing in Greek and who ended his life by throwing himself out of a window. It is not a minor detail; By the time of publication, the writer had already had a suicide attempt following this same method.
These are not the only traits in common between the author and her characters. Discussions around feminism and bisexuality are also part of the plot. In the same way, the book addresses the prejudices of society regarding mental illness (and how the "crazy" are judged).
A work with strong social content
The most outstanding amidst the wide range of topics covered in Mrs. Dalloway is the criticism expressed towards London society. Appearances, social status, power, and the cravings it arouses. Within fiction, these ideas are the engines of the world.
Colonialism is another of the concepts elaborated by the author with its respective share of analysis (and that ends up beaten). However, to capture such radical thoughts for the time Woolf used a plea "between the lines". Where the actions and expressions of the characters are fully justified.
The Woolf style
It is not an easy book. Lacks any evasive intent or to give readers a lightweight solution. Among those who do not speak English, according to the translation to which they have access, the problems to follow the story could be even greater. A very complicated situation due to the inappropriate use of punctuation marks by some confused translators.
Beyond commas and periods, Woolf deliberately breaks with "should be." The focus of the narrative passes from one character to another, without "prior announcement" of this transfer.. Sometimes the story "mutates" from the first to the third person from one paragraph to another directly. No tricks or tricks.
A unique chapter
Quote by Virginia Woolf.
To further complicate: the lack of boundaries or segments in the text. Namely, the author - deliberately - dispenses with the traditional chapter structure. Consequently, the little more than 300 pages covered by the narrative, lack "structural divisions".
A book in which nothing happens?
In general, the plot of a fictional story is pushed by the force exerted by a protagonist in pursuit of a goal. In the same way, the argumentative thread is carried by the opposition of the antagonist, who makes an effort to contravene the initiatives or feelings of the main character. On Mrs. Dalloway there is none of this.
The story advances because the hours pass. And the characters travel to the past while "living" a number of situations. But everything is inside their heads, in their memories, in their conscience. The turning points —Although they are not evident, there are — are resolved through internal monologues. This mode of story is called flow of consciousness narrative.
Essential reading
Reading Mrs. Dalloway takes time. Set aside a space on the agenda to navigate its dense waters without haste, with patience, without distractions. It is an indispensable book for every writer or for those who aspire to achieve this title. Before starting the adventure, be prepared to go back whenever necessary. Getting lost is easy, but reaching the end is well worth it.
For those who define themselves as "knowledgeable readers" (or by any similar term), it represents a true test of understanding. It is also a book that should be received without pressure. When the time is right, it is enjoyed. And if not, there will always be the freedom to hate it.