Studying English at undergraduate degree level has given me the opportunity to read a wide range of books: particularly those that I probably wouldn’t have read of my own accord. One of the modules I’m studying this spring term explores the relationship between mental health and how it’s depicted in contemporary literature. As a result, it was time to tackle prominent, feminist writer, Virgina Woolf’s novel, Mrs Dalloway.  

Set in the summer of 1923 this novel follows the story of Clarissa Dalloway: a middle-aged woman who lives in central London. We follow Clarissa as she runs errands around London, in preparation for a party she is hosting that evening. As she anticipates the forthcoming gathering, she is visited in her London home by an old friend: Peter Walsh. This encounter causes Clarissa to reminisce about summers she spent in her family home during her adolescent years. A core theme of these memories represents the intimate relationships she has with her peers. For instance, her refusal of Mr. Walsh’s marriage proposal in favour of Richard Dalloway’s, the early stages of courting with Richard Dalloway (her now husband), and an eloquent description of Clarissa’s first queer encounter with her dear friend, Sally Seton.  

This novel was certainly confusing at first. Woolf’s fast paced narrative and the introduction of multiple characters undeniably made my head spin. The writing seems to take the form of a ‘stream of consciousness,’ a style I was completely oblivious to. However, once you get to grip with the tone and pace of this novel you begin to understand the brilliance of Woolf’s writing. The entirety of the plot commences in a single day, yet we get to explore multiple events and multiple experiences unique to each character. In addition, this novel also provides an eye-opening commentary on the absurd nature of treatment for mental health conditions in twentieth-century England.  

Alongside Clarissa’s viewpoint, we also get to experience the story from a variety of characters. Particularly, the narrative of Septimus Smith: a WWI veteran who returns to London after the war with severe shell shock and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The description of his PTSD fuelled hallucinations evoke both feelings of horror and sympathy. Despite never actually meeting in the book, Woolf parallels the inner monologues of Clarissa and Septimus in a subtle yet genius way: ‘Somehow it was her disaster – her disgrace. It was her punishment to see sink and disappear here a man, there a woman, in this profound darkness, and she forced to stand here in her evening dress.’ 

Perhaps it is the experimental nature of this novel which alludes to why Woolf’s writing isn’t studied enough. I acknowledge that if I had picked this book up in a bookshop, I would certainly have been apprehensive about reading it (mainly since there are no chapters). However, I encourage you to give this book a go. Absorb the London landscape and embrace your inner poet!  

 Words by Caroline Bond