Read the excerpt from Mrs. Dalloway and complete the following …

English Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
English Questions

Read the excerpt from Mrs. Dalloway, and then complete the sentences that follow. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (excerpt) She√¢¬Ä¬ôs looking at me, he thought, a sudden embarrassment coming over him, though he had kissed her hands. Putting his hand into his pocket, he took out a large pocket-knife and half opened the blade. Exactly the same, thought Clarissa; the same queer look; the same check suit; a little out of the straight his face is, a little thinner, dryer, perhaps, but he looks awfully well, and just the same. “How heavenly it is to see you again!” she exclaimed. He had his knife out. That√¢¬Ä¬ôs so like him, she thought. He had only reached town last night, he said; would have to go down into the country at once; and how was everything, how was everybody √¢¬Ä¬î Richard? Elizabeth? “And what√¢¬Ä¬ôs all this?” he said, tilting his pen-knife towards her green dress. He√¢¬Ä¬ôs very well dressed, thought Clarissa; yet he always criticises ME. Here she is mending her dress; mending her dress as usual, he thought; here she√¢¬Ä¬ôs been sitting all the time I√¢¬Ä¬ôve been in India; mending her dress; playing about; going to parties; running to the House and back and all that, he thought, growing more and more irritated, more and more agitated, for there√¢¬Ä¬ôs nothing in the world so bad for some women as marriage, he thought; and politics; and having a Conservative husband, like the admirable Richard. So it is, so it is, he thought, shutting his knife with a snap. “Richard√¢¬Ä¬ôs very well. Richard√¢¬Ä¬ôs at a Committee,” said Clarissa. And she opened her scissors, and said, did he mind her just finishing what she was doing to her dress, for they had a party that night? This excerpt from Mrs. Dalloway describes Clarissa Dalloway’s meeting with Peter Walsh, whose proposal for marriage she turned down years ago. Peter’s fidgeting with his pen-knife and Clarissa’s use of her scissors during the conversation symbolize . The description of Peter’s thoughts suggests that he Clarissa’s lifestyle.

Short Answer

The answer analyzes the characters Clarissa Dalloway and Peter Walsh in Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway,” highlighting their past relationship and contrasting personalities through symbolic objects. It also explores the emotional undertones in their conversation, particularly Peter’s envy of Clarissa’s life, which adds depth to their character dynamics.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the Characters

In the excerpt from Mrs. Dalloway, the two main characters are Clarissa Dalloway and Peter Walsh. Clarissa is portrayed as a sophisticated woman, while Peter has a more restless and fidgety nature. Their past relationship plays a crucial role in understanding their current dynamic, particularly since Peter proposed to Clarissa years ago but she declined.

Step 2: Symbolism of Objects

The interaction between Clarissa and Peter is marked by significant symbols. Clarissa uses her scissors, which represent her control and the careful crafting of her life. In contrast, Peter is fidgeting with a pen-knife, symbolizing his dissatisfaction and unease with his own life. This use of objects highlights their differing personalities and lifestyles, creating a deeper understanding of their characters.

Step 3: Explore Emotional Undertones

As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that there are underlying emotions at play. Peter’s thoughts reveal a sense of envy toward Clarissa’s life, suggesting he is not content with his own circumstances. This emotional dynamic enriches the narrative, providing insights into both characters’ perspectives and their feelings about choices made in the past.

Related Concepts

Characters

Individuals in a narrative whose traits, backgrounds, and relationships drive the story forward

Symbolism

The use of objects or symbols to represent larger concepts, ideas, or emotional states within a narrative

Emotional Undertones

The underlying feelings or sentiments that influence characters’ actions and dialogue, adding depth to their interactions and the narrative as a whole.

Table Of Contents
  1. Read the excerpt from Mrs. Dalloway, and then complete the sentences that follow. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (excerpt) She’s looking at me, he thought, a sudden embarrassment coming over him, though he had kissed her hands. Putting his hand into his pocket, he took out a large pocket-knife and half opened the blade. Exactly the same, thought Clarissa; the same queer look; the same check suit; a little out of the straight his face is, a little thinner, dryer, perhaps, but he looks awfully well, and just the same. "How heavenly it is to see you again!" she exclaimed. He had his knife out. That’s so like him, she thought. He had only reached town last night, he said; would have to go down into the country at once; and how was everything, how was everybody — Richard? Elizabeth? "And what’s all this?" he said, tilting his pen-knife towards her green dress. He’s very well dressed, thought Clarissa; yet he always criticises ME. Here she is mending her dress; mending her dress as usual, he thought; here she’s been sitting all the time I’ve been in India; mending her dress; playing about; going to parties; running to the House and back and all that, he thought, growing more and more irritated, more and more agitated, for there’s nothing in the world so bad for some women as marriage, he thought; and politics; and having a Conservative husband, like the admirable Richard. So it is, so it is, he thought, shutting his knife with a snap. "Richard’s very well. Richard’s at a Committee," said Clarissa. And she opened her scissors, and said, did he mind her just finishing what she was doing to her dress, for they had a party that night? This excerpt from Mrs. Dalloway describes Clarissa Dalloway's meeting with Peter Walsh, whose proposal for marriage she turned down years ago. Peter's fidgeting with his pen-knife and Clarissa's use of her scissors during the conversation symbolize . The description of Peter's thoughts suggests that he Clarissa's lifestyle.

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