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Fiction

Notes veranda of the hotel and as he slowly ambles to the party. London had changed since Peter
last visited, and the changes that he can perceive pass by him on his journey back to Clarissa’s
house.
Since time stands as Woolf’s greatest marker of life and living, it is not surprising that she
signals the changes that have occurred since Peter’s last appearance in England with a reference
to time. Peter sits on the porch of the hotel and Woolf writes, “For the great revolution of
Mr. Willett’s summer time had taken place since Peter Walsh’s last visit. The prolonged evening
was new to him. It was inspiring, rather.” Mr. Willett’s summer time is an allusion to the
adoption of daylight savings time. The lengthened evening allows Peter to observe much of
London as he slips in and out of his own memories. In this artificial expansion of day, Peter
is transported to a space and time where age and being seem less established and immoveable.
He remarks that he is “as young as ever.” Past and present intersect in Woolf’s writing, which
lacks transitions and purposely avoids specifying pronouns in order to emphasize the blurred
distinction between the two. The immediacy of the moment is blended beautifully and generously
with the timeless memories of the past.

Part II, Section Six Summary

Lucy and the other servants ran around in final preparation for the party. They had heard that
the Prime Minister was coming. Guests were already arriving and the ladies began to move
upstairs, with Mrs. Dalloway last. Mrs. Walker, one servant, worried about the salmon. Lucy
reported to the others how lovely Elizabeth looked. A few servants were hired for Clarissa’s
parties every year. As the guests entered, they were each announced and Clarissa would say
to each, “How delightful to see you!” Peter felt that Clarissa was insincere and wished he had
gone somewhere else for the evening. Clarissa noticed Peter and felt ashamed. His presence
made her judge herself. She wondered why she threw parties and felt instantly that this party
would fail. It angered Clarissa that Peter came to criticize. And, yet, she thought her parties
did matter.
Ellie Henderson, Clarissa’s poor cousin, stood in the corner, not talking to anyone but enjoying
a chance to observe. She would tell her friend, Edith, all about it later. She guessed that
Clarissa had not meant to invite her. Richard was kind enough to say hello. A moment later,
Peter greeted Richard and they walked off. Clarissa continued greeting all who entered. She
felt tired and rote. Suddenly, Lady Rosseter was announced. Her voice struck a chord. Clarissa
realized the title was Sally Seton’s married name! She was passing through London and came
to the party, uninvited. Clarissa was overjoyed to see her. She noticed that Sally looked older;
Sally told her that she had five boys. The Prime Minister was announced and Clarissa had to
attend to him. Surprising to most, he was an ordinary looking man. He walked about with
Clarissa, then Richard, acting as a symbol of English society.
Peter thought the English were snobs. Soon, Peter spotted Hugh Whitbread, another reminder
of society. To Peter, Hugh appeared bloated and self-important. The student near Hugh seemed
much more worthwhile in Peter’s eyes. Lady Bruton met privately with the Prime Minister.
Then, Clarissa continued to lead the Prime Minister around, making him feel at ease. Though
intoxicated with the energy of her party, Clarissa retained a hollow feeling. As she grew older,
parties were somewhat less fulfilling. On the other hand, hatred, brought about by a picture
that triggered thoughts of Miss. Kilman, managed to fulfill her. Clarissa caught sight of Sir
Harry and greeted him with love. As much as he liked Clarissa though, he still found this
social circle stale.

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