One of the first things that I noticed when I started reading Mrs. Dalloway was the difficulty in ascertaining exactly what was happening in the novel. The novel relies on unconventional, and occasionally unique, styles to present the events of a day to the reader. However, that is what sets it apart from other novels and makes it an interesting read. While it can be difficult to read, this leads to a more entertaining read and leaves the novel open to more interpretation.
The style of the novel explores the various thoughts and ideas that the individual characters have. What makes reading this style so difficult is that the character’s thoughts often flash back to an episode in their past, while the story continues in the present. This leads to a muddying of the “current” events since the novel flows so freely between memories and the present. Given the plot of the novel so far, the confusion that this creates actually makes the novel more interesting to read. The novel maintains an air of mystery and tension that a straight forward writing lacks. This tension, rather than being resolved quickly by the narrator, is allowed to incubate in the characters. Furthermore, the novel presents multiple viewpoints of the same situation. It will switch between views of the different characters in the same situation, furthering this tension by allowing the reader to see all angles and why the tension exists. An approach that had a more static narrator would not present this tension as effectively because it would only present a portion of the tension rather than the whole situation. Not only does this approach and style bring more in the way of tension, it also allows for more interpretation.
Due to presenting multiple viewpoints, the novel does not obviously side with any character in particular. This leaves the majority of the decision making concerning character’s actions and personalities up to the reader. While the novel certainly leads the reader to believe in qualities of characters, it does not pass judgment on characters and allows the reader to make the final judgment. Since different people will react to the same situation differently, this means that there is no definite or static interpretation to the events that transpire. These differing interpretations allow for different people to enjoy the novel, as it does not present only one perspective. This allows more people to see it in a favorable light and not quickly dismiss it because the plot is not to their liking.
The greatest advantage of Mrs. Dalloway is that it presents the reader with a variety of viewpoints and allows the reader to interpret the story in many different ways. The novel is the events of one day, and a more or less regular one at that. However, with its strengths, it creates tension and drives the plot forward, while leaving interpretation of all but the facts open to the reader. This allows what would otherwise be a bland plot with straightforward writing to be an interesting, albeit difficult, read to the average person.
Eric Carl
I found your intro to be very clear and informational. I agree that Mrs. Dalloway seemed very difficult to read initially. To me, it often was confusing who exactly was talking and what time the narration was occurring in. I think your interpretation of how multiple view points affect the readers perspective to be very interesting. Your conclusion ties up and summarizes your essay very well.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Corbitt
Your essay really conveyed clearly and accurately exactly what you wanted to say. Although, i have to kind of disagree with you that the novel doesn't focus on one person. I feel like Mrs. Dalloway is, albeit not always, the focus of the book. But at the same time I see what you are arguing. But then why is it called Mrs. Dalloway?
ReplyDeleteKatie Delgado