Asma Iftikhar Kamboh

Mam Aqsa Khalid

Introduction to Women’s Writing

Assignment No 1

Analyze the character of Mrs Dalloway through a feminist

lens
In the novel "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf, the main character, Clarissa Dalloway is more
than just a woman of her time. She stands out as someone who challenges the traditional
expectations placed on women. Through a feminist lens, we can see how the novel talks about
important themes and comments on the difficulties women faced in a world where men often had
more power. The way Woolf shows us Clarissa's thoughts, relationships, and decisions gives us a
lot to think about. When viewed through a feminist lens, several aspects of Clarissa's character
come to light.

Subversion of gender roles

One of the aspects we see in the novel is in the opening lines of the novel, Woolf writes,

"Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself."

This statement immediately establishes Clarissa's agency and independence. By taking charge of
this task, traditionally assigned to servants or considered part of a woman's domestic duties,
Clarissa asserts her autonomy.

Repression and resilience

Clarissa chose to marry Richard Dalloway instead of Peter Walsh. This decision might be
because she felt pressured by society. She wanted safety and a good social standing, which
shows how women's choices were limited in a society where men had more power.

"And he would marry; perhaps; in time. The rich, the distinguished... The wedding was to
be in Westminster, quietly, with a cousin or two, and a friend or so... They were to live in
Westminster, in a small house... and his picture was to hang in the National Gallery."

Social expectations from women

Clarissa Dalloway lives in a society that imposes rigid expectations on women. She is expected
to conform to the role of a respectable upper-class wife. This is evident when Clarissa reflects,

"Society has claimed her...she has the oddest sense of being herself invisible; unseen;
unknown; there being no more marrying, no more having of children now."

Here, Clarissa's identity is subsumed by societal expectations, highlighting the limitations placed
on women during this time.

Exploration of female relationship

Clarissa and Sally's friendship is shown as very important and filled with strong emotions. This
challenges the idea that female friendships are not as important as romantic relationships with
men.

"She understood; she had known him once, she had been to parties in his house, had seen
them together, had seen her humped by his side; but still it was a shock – to meet him here,
to meet him now... And Clarissa had Juliana among the sea-pinks."

Performative nature
Clarissa engages in a lot of performative actions. The party she plans is a prime example. She
organizes it meticulously, not necessarily because she wants to, but because it is expected of her.
This reflects how women were often relegated to the role of social hostess, valued more for their
ability to create a pleasing atmosphere than for their personal aspirations.When Clarissa muses,

"Did it matter then, she asked herself, walking towards Bond Street, did it matter that she
must inevitably cease completely; all this must go on without her...?" it shows the sense of
impermanence and the potential lack of agency she feels in her societal role.

Critique of patriarchy
Septimus Warren Smith's experiences with war and mental illness show how society's traditional
ideas of being a "strong" man can be harmful. He struggles because he can't express his feelings,
and this shows how both men and women are affected by society's expectations.

"Men must not cut down trees. There is a God. (He noted such revelations on the backs of
envelopes.) Change the world. No one kills from hatred. Make it known (he wrote it
down)... He had only to open his eyes; and they were all barbarians."

Time and temporality

The way the story is told is not in a straight line; it goes back and forth in time. This is different
from most stories that go in a clear order. This reflects Virginia Woolf's belief that we should
question strict rules and structures, especially when it comes to how women are represented.
"Moments like this are buds on the tree of life. Flowers of darkness they are. (He looked at
the map of England on the wall.) Then the buds open and the eternal system – most
beautifully balanced – opens its leaves... He had only to open his eyes; and they were all
barbarians."

Conclusion
When viewed through a feminist lens, Clarissa Dalloway emerges as a character deeply affected
by the societal norms and gender roles of her time. Her struggles, sacrifices, and moments of
introspection reveal the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society. Virginia Woolf
through the character of Clarissa provides a poignant commentary on the limitations imposed on
women and tell us that there is a need for greater agency and self-expression.