Samantha Poon

KTA II Eng 2850

Mrs. Dalloway’s Mind Map

This mind map reflects the connections between each character throughout the novel. Although I leave out the minor characters who appear in and out of the novel, I wanted to focus on how the the significant characters intertwine and really show how each character’s perspective shifts throughout the novel. I placed Clarissa in the center because of course, that is where the map begins, in the mind of Clarissa Dalloway. What begins as an ordinary day and a simple party leads us through the minds of multiple characters and point of views. Woolf cleverly leads us through the thoughts of each character with the use of simultaneity and free direct discourse. As you see throughout the map, some of the characters barely interact with one another, yet they still essentially effect the direction of the novel. Clarissa who is stuck between her two men whilst confused with her sexual desires is almost linked to everyone in both subtle and/or deep ways. From one character we shift to another, especially when it comes to the major characters: Clarissa, Peter, and Septimus. Spetimus’ character is especially utilized in a sense to carry the emotions of Clarissa Dalloway and is used to enhance her thoughts on life and death. Clarissa and Septimus contain similar thoughts about the oppressive society in which they live in. Richard Dalloway and Peter Walsh reflect the two things that she cannot tolerate in her society. Richard, the rich husband who provides her with a stable house and life. but does not provide her with any excitement. Then there is Peter Walsh, the charming man who was close to Clarissa, who loved her deeply but suffocated her with his overwhelming love for her. Neither of these men simply let her decide for her own, and ultimately, Clarissa lives with doubt of the decisions she has made.In between these major characters lies the minor characters who build this story, who bring each character to their place and essentially in the end ties them all together underneath one cotton wool.