Read a Plot Overview of the entire book or a chapter by chapter Summary and Analysis.
- Summary and Analysis
- Part 1: From the opening scene, in which Clarissa sets out to buy flowers, to her return home. Early morning–11:00 a.m.
- Part 2: From Clarissa’s return from the shops through Peter Walsh’s visit. 11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
- Part 3: From Peter leaving Clarissa’s house through his memory of being rejected by Clarissa. 11:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
- Part 4: From little Elise Mitchell running into Rezia’s legs to the Smiths’ arrival on Harley Street. 11:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Part 5: From Septimus’s appointment with Sir William Bradshaw to lunchtime at half-past one. 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Part 6: From Hugh Whitbread examining socks and shoes in a shop window before lunching with Lady Bruton through Clarissa resting on the sofa after Richard has left for the House of Commons. 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Part 7: From Elizabeth telling her mother she is going shopping with Miss Kilman through Elizabeth boarding an omnibus to return home to her mother’s party. 3:00 p.m.–late afternoon
- Part 8: From Septimus observing dancing sunlight in his home while Rezia works on a hat through Septimus’s suicide. Late afternoon–6:00 p.m.
- Part 9: From Peter Walsh hearing the sound of an ambulance siren to his opening his knife before entering Clarissa’s party. 6:00 p.m.–early night
- Part 10: From servants making last- minute party preparations through the end of the party and the appearance of Clarissa. Early night–3:00 a.m.
See a complete list of the characters in Mrs. Dalloway and in-depth analyses of Clarissa Dalloway, Septimus Warren Smith, Peter Walsh, Sally Seton, and Richard Dalloway.
Here's where you'll find analysis about the book as a whole, from the major themes and ideas to analysis of style, tone, point of view, and more.
Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of the book by reading these key quotes.
Test your knowledge of Mrs. Dalloway with our quizzes and study questions, or go further with essays on the context and background and links to the best resources around the web.
Get ready to write your paper on Mrs. Dalloway with our suggested essay topics, sample essays, and more.
