Themes in Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
perfect hostess theme
social convention and conformity
party consciousness - idea of the party as an art form, a way of unifying people
time --
passage of time-- the way the day structures the novel
simultaneity -- whole universe in one point of time
memories-- way that the past constantly blends with the present in peoples minds
Patriarchy--
governing heirarchies
war-- effects of WWI :
Horror-- So many killed,
Septimus -- post traumatic stress
Changes in society -- increased freedom for women, etc.
Colonialism/ Empire
The Self
Isolation, autonomy, virginity
connection with others
moments of being
Mythic/ Archetypal Resonances
Campbell Quest
Parallels with The Waste Land
Frye:
Mode? (Ethos)
Character Functions
Imagery-- demonic/apocalyptic
Nature
flowers: roses, orchids
trees
gardens/ parks
City of London
streets, neighbirhood
statues