Based on the events of a single day, a Wednesday in June 1923, Mrs.
Dalloway is a unique book as its narrative skillfully interweaves
unconnected storylines to take place on this fateful day. The story
opens with Clarissa running an errand to buy flowers. Reactions of
different people can be noticed when unexpected events keep occurring
throughout the day. For example, a plane writing in the sky and a car
emitting an explosive noise. Peter, her old partner, shows up not long
after she gets home. During their conversation, it becomes evident that
the two are still very much in love with one another. In a vulnerable
exchange, Peter asks Clarissa if she's happy. Elizabeth, Clarissa's
daughter, cuts them off before Clarissa can respond. The narrative then
shifts to a World War I veteran, Septimus Warren Smith, who is suffering
from PTSD. In order to meet Sir William Bradshaw, a psychiatrist, he is
waiting with his wife, Lucrezia. Another perspective switch takes place
and this time we get to experience Richard's narrative, who is going
through an internal struggle with respect to his relationship with his
wife Clarissa. The change in narratives keeps the reader on edge and
leads to a conclusion which manages to bring everything together.
