Clarissa’s Relationships and their Implications on Female Stereotypes in Mrs. Dalloway Anonymous College

In Virginia Woolf’s book Mrs. Dalloway, a variety of characters with complex, unique personalities are brought to life. Woolf uses vivid imagery and poignant monologues in order to highlight and simultaneously criticize the social structure, political affairs, and economic state of post-World War I England. Many themes, such as the ones aforementioned, are displayed within the elaborate rhetoric Woolf uses to construct both the outer appearances and the inner thoughts of the characters, which often contradict with one another. Woolf’s intricate blending of each character’s juxtaposed identities gives readers a deep connection to the personal struggles of each character’s past and present. Although many central issues are accentuated throughout the book, gender norms are highly enforced. The main protagonist in the book, Clarissa Dalloway, is very much aware of the gender stereotypes that exist in her society. Although a very elite and powerful figure, her thoughts are consumed by being a perfect party hostess and ensuring that she stays within the boundaries of the gender norms of her society. However, it is interesting to point out that while Woolf elaborates on the social stereotypes surrounding femininity, in particular...