Mrs. Dalloway #2

 Mrs. Dalloway written by Virginia Woolf is a story that follows a woman named Clarissa and a man named Septimus for a single day. Throughout the story of Mrs. Dalloway, Woolf repetitively refers to flowers. I believe that the repetition of flowers in this novel is used as a way to symbolize aspects of Clarissa's personality, feelings, and more. Similarly to colors, the mentioning of flowers in writing are often a way to symbolize aspects of the story or character without having the author directly state said aspect. 

    In Mrs. Dalloway, the opening line of the book is, "Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself". The immediate mention of flowers in the novel sets the stage for the fact that flowers will hold a certain type of significance throughout the story. The reader is then informed that Mrs. Dalloway is going to buy flowers for the dinner party she is hosting. At the flower shop, several flowers such as delphiniums, carnations, lilacs, and sweet peas are mentioned. Flowers are also mentioned in Clarissa’s memories with Sally, Richard brings Clarissa roses, and Clarissa and Richard’s daughter (Elizabeth) is compared to flowers. The repetition of flowers throughout the story unveils that they symbolize something deeper. 

     While several different flowers are mentioned, the general idea of flowers can represent love, beauty, and joy. For example, specifically with Richard giving Clarissa roses, this symbolizes love. Roses are often a symbol of love in literature. Additionally, Richard even says that he wants to tell Clarissa he loves her, however he just gives her the roses instead. Although Richard does not actually tell Clarissa he loves her, the roses symbolize the love he has for her without needing to say it. Furthermore, the mentioning of flowers in regard to Clarissa’s memory of Sally may represent the love that Clarissa has for her. Overall, the repetition of flowers throughout Woolf’s story of Mrs. Dalloway represents love and beauty between the characters and their relationships. 

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