Mrs Dollaway by Virginia Woolf, Essay Example

“An hour’s complete rest after luncheon,” he said, and he went’ (Woolf, 2009 pp. 117). Here in this ascription of complete rest after luncheon Woolf (2009) combines interior with omniscient descriptions of character and scene. These transitions between the interior and the omniscient work are embraced from a context of promoting a paradox to the reader.  ‘Complete rest after luncheon’ (Woolf, 2009 pp. 117) seems a difficult episode to reconcile in real life.

Linguistically, it can be perceived as a figurative expression. Usually, after luncheons the body should not seek rest.  Activity is mostly recommended. In linking the interior with omniscient aspects of life to this literary expression there is an obvious paradox between rest and luncheon; rest the inner state of being while luncheon an exterior indulgency in food.

Woolf (2009) also offers a cultural proposition within this hour’s rest and after luncheon interplay since fiestas in the Spanish culture correctly explains hour’s rest after luncheon. ‘He went’ leaves the reader to speculate whether he went to rest or went pour. This is another articulation by the author linking interior with exterior phases of being.

Characters that enact these interior omniscient scene descriptions can be identified as Mrs. Dollaway; Peter Walsh and Miss Killman. Clarissa Dollaway is very self-conscious about her position in the high London society.  As she organizes the auspicious gathering hosting a party her reminiscence is how she enjoyed life outside of her present environment. In reality just a few of the invitees showed up.

Introducing Peter Walsh as a guest at the party Woolf (2009) allows Mrs. Dalloway’s fantasy world to bloom. In the interior of her omniscience she longed to be with him even though he was a rejection earlier in her life. Miss Killman seems to be a combination of both Mrs. Dalloway and Walsh’s omniscience as unusual guests at the party. Mrs. Killmandisliked Mrs. Dalloway and did not care if she was considered antisocial.

Works cited

Woolf, Virginia. “Mrs. Dalloway.” Oxford University Press. 2009. Print.