Comments on: Woolf in Winter: Mrs. Dalloway

By: Violet

Violet — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:28:31 +0000

Thanks for your kind words about my post. I really enjoyed reading your remarks about Mrs D. For me, the one thing that has come out of the whole discussion is that there is so much symbolism in the text, and so many meanings to be made from reading it. There are so many beautiful passages, and I especially like the one you chose to quote, about being laid out like a mist between people. Woolf had a way with words, no doubt about that.

By: claire

claire — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:57:43 +0000

Your posts are always so insightful, Nicole. I didn’t realize till now how external Clarissa’s thoughts were. This is why Woolf’s stream-of-consciousness isn’t tediously dramatic. This was my first time to read her so am learning so much from everyone’s posts. I admit to being somewhat disoriented when I read it, but loved the language and craving to do a reread.

By: Eva

Eva — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:30:03 +0000

I think it’s incredible how Woolf orchestrates Mrs. Dalloway…none of the words or ideas seem extraneous at all. And you’re right; from the very first page, the book just feels so self-assured!

By: Frances

Frances — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:08:33 +0000

This focus upon external objects is one of the things that makes Cunningham’s The Hours such a great book too. With all of his detailed focus on the objects of the work. Given the famed interior monologues of Mrs. Dalloway, a first time reader might not expect this richness of detail about the material world. Nice post! Looking forward to your thoughts on To the Lighthouse at the end of the month.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:59:26 +0000

That quote about Clarissa being laid out like mist on the trees is a favorite of mine. It’s amazing how much talk of death there is in this book, and yet Clarissa’s excitement about life provides perfect balance.

By: Emily

Emily — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:39:37 +0000

You picked some of my favorite quotes, Nicole! (Oh, who am I kidding? They’re all favorites.) It’s great that you point out the value of re-reading here, and went back to the first few pages – it really is remarkable how the characters are all fully there from the very beginning, isn’t it? And the interweaving of the outside world with the interior, the past with the present – another thing I adore about this novel. Great post, and thanks so much for joining us!

By: Sandra

Sandra — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:24:43 +0000

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this book very much. The points about death are very enlightening. I clearly need to read this book again. But I am learning a great deal from the other Woolf in Winter readers. My post (such as it is) is now up:

http://freshinkbooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/mrs-dalloway-by-virgina-woolf.html