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Unit 29: Virginia Woolf — Mrs. Dalloway: Detailed Study of Text

something infinitely precious, wrapped up, which, as they walked (up and down, up and Notes
down), she uncovered, or the radiance burnt through, the revelation, the religious feeling!
As Clarissa’s relative loneliness and lack of intimacy in marriage is symbolized through the
metaphor of a virginal nun, the most intense sexual moment in Clarissa’s life is symbolized
through intense religious feeling. Thus, the kiss represents and understates the sexual attraction
and revelation that Sally brought to Clarissa. The present given to Clarissa, the diamond, the
flower picked, the “radiance burnt through,” all symbolize this sexual experience. It is not
surprising, then, that Clarissa feels so violated when men intrude upon her moment. Peter and
old Joseph’s intrusion symbolizes the dominance of men in society and the conservatism of
sexual relations that would not allow for Clarissa’s true yearnings. Whether Woolf had sexual
feelings toward women or not, biographers describe her relationship with her husband as a
strong, caring friendship without much sexual intimacy. This sexual component is similarly
lacking in her proponent’s life.

Task What is Hugh whitbread carrying when clarissa sees him?

Clarissa’s continued longing for Peter also illustrates that her relationship is lacking with
Richard. At one point in her conversation with Peter, she wishes that he would take her away.
The moment subsides, but the intensity between the two remains throughout the novel. Peter’s
tendency to play with his pocketknife is a phallic metaphor, symbolizing Peter’s repressed
sexual urges toward Clarissa. He not only invades Clarissa’s peace, but her virginal sense of
self as well. Woolf describes Clarissa’s reaction to the moment of Peter’s entrance as, “She
made to hide her dress, like a virgin protecting her chastity, respecting privacy.” Yet, she does
feel passion in Peter’s presence, a fleeting gaiety and vivacity for life. Representative of the
everyman, Clarissa is prone to wonder what if. These emotions come and go like waves,
synecdochal for the theme of the sea. The waves of time are introduced by the bells of Big Ben.

29.1.2 Part I, Sections 4–5

Part I Section Four Summary
Peter mimicked Clarissa as he walked from her house. He had never enjoyed her parties,
parties such as hers. He did not blame her, though. He was in love and happy to be so. There
was so much he had seen and done of which Clarissa knew nothing. She had grown hard. He
thought the way she had introduced Elizabeth was insincere and that Elizabeth had thought
so. Clarissa should have plainly said, “Here’s Elizabeth.” He had been overly emotional when
he had visited Clarissa. As always, he had told her everything. Peter felt that Clarissa had
refused him.
The bells of St. Margaret’s echoed across London, and Peter associated St. Margaret’s graceful
entrance with Clarissa as the hostess. He imagined her coming in to a room year ago and was
swept up in the intimacy of the memory. As the bells died out, they reminded Peter that
Clarissa’s heart had been ill, and he imagined her falling to the floor, dying. He shook himself
from this image and reminded himself that he was not old yet. He had never liked people like
the Dalloways and Whitbreads. He had been a rebel, a pioneer, and civilization needed young
men like him.

Boys in uniform marched by Peter and, instinctively, he followed them. Soon, he realized he
could not maintain their pace and let them pass. He could respect the uniformity in boys, as

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