Mrs Dalloway

Based on the events of a single day a Wednesday in June 1923 Mrs. Dalloway is a unique book as its narrative skillfully interweaves unconnected storylines to take place on this fateful day. The story opens with Clarissa running an errand to buy flowers. Reactions of different people can be noticed when unexpected events keep occurring throughout the day. For example a plane writing in the sky and a car emitting an explosive noise. Peter her old partner shows up not long after she gets home. During their conversation it becomes evident that the two are still very much in love with one another. In a vulnerable exchange Peter asks Clarissa if shes happy. Elizabeth Clarissas daughter cuts them off before Clarissa can respond. The narrative then shifts to a World War I veteran Septimus Warren Smith who is suffering from PTSD. In order to meet Sir William Bradshaw a psychiatrist he is waiting with his wife Lucrezia. Another perspective switch takes place and this time we get to experience Richard’s narrative who is going through an internal struggle with respect to his relationship with his wife Clarissa. The change in narratives keeps the reader on edge and leads to a conclusion which manages to bring everything together.