Mrs. Dalloway Part One- Meagan Niles

Throughout the first section of Mrs. Dalloway, marriage is a subject that is discussed quite often. I also noticed several implied rules surrounding the topic of marriage. Although some characters in this book seemed to have different opinions, there were some statements that reflected the view of society as a whole. I noticed one mention of marriage on pages 15-16, and again on page 23 during the argument between Septimus and Lucrezia. They were having many problems in their marriage, but it seemed to be very important to keep the problems hidden from the public. Lucrezia wanted to cry out for help during their argument, but knew she could not. “But failure one conceals. She must take him away into some park” (16). Since she could not talk to anyone else about the trouble in her marriage, she became very lonely. “To love makes one solitary she thought,” (23). Lucrenzia would rather feel completely alone than have others know about her failing marriage. Later, on page 33, Clarissa discusses a memory of Sally’s parents. “And he had told her, and said that Sally’s parents did not get on (how that shocked her- that one’s parents should quarrel!”) This quote also implies the idea that arguments within marriages were usually hidden. This seemed to be the first time Clarissa had ever heard of a married couple fighting. I also noticed one mention of a woman who had a baby outside of wedlock on page 59. “Then somebody said- Sally Seton it was- did it make any real difference to one’s feelings to know that before they’d married she had had a baby? (In those days, in mixed company, it was a bold thing to say.)” Clarissa reacted to this statement by saying, “Oh, I shall never be able to speak to her again!” (59). Clarissa’s reaction showed that having a baby as a single woman in this day and age was definitely unheard of. The reputation of this woman would most likely never recover within society.