Mrs. Dalloway: Exploring Repressed Sexuality

Introduction

In Virginia Woolf's novel "Mrs. Dalloway," the exploration of sexuality is a central theme, vividly portrayed through the struggles of the protagonist, Mrs. Dalloway. This essay delves into the multifaceted expressions of sexuality within the character, examining the societal expectations, repressed desires, and the looming specter of death that intertwine in Woolf's narrative.

Mrs. Dalloway's Struggle with Sexuality

Mrs. Dalloway, a woman in her early fifties, grapples with the fading awareness of her own sexuality. Described as feeling like a "nun withdrawing" or a "child exploring a tower," she embodies the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires (Woolf 31).

The allusion to chastity and the phallic imagery signifies her internal struggle, hinting at the tension between societal norms and her own evolving desires.

Furthermore, Mrs. Dalloway experiences a sense of physical decline, feeling "shriveled, aged, breastless." The juxtaposition of these descriptors with the natural imagery of the day highlights her inner turmoil and the inevitable aging process (31). Her guilt over finding solace in solitude rather than her husband's company adds another layer to her complex emotions.

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The novel hints at lesbian feelings, particularly her lingering affection for an old friend, Sally. The reference to Othello in expressing her emotions adds depth to her internal conflict, foreshadowing the overarching theme of imminent death (35). Mrs. Dalloway's repression of her sexuality becomes symbolic of losing the "fire" that keeps her young and the inescapable march towards death.

Repression and Societal Choices

Mrs. Dalloway's decision to repress her feelings towards women and embrace a conventional marriage reflects a societal norm of her time.

Her past discussions with Sally, where they considered marriage a "catastrophe," highlight the societal expectations imposed on women and the choices they make (34). By choosing the "easy" life of marriage, Mrs. Dalloway inadvertently sacrifices a part of her womanhood and the potential for a more challenging but authentic existence.

Rejecting the proposal from Peter, a more unconventional choice, aligns with the societal expectations of her class. However, this decision further entrenches her into an unhappy marriage and prompts Peter to reflect on her loss of girlhood and innocence. This introspection, in turn, instills a fear of impending death in both Mrs. Dalloway and Peter.

Sexual Repression, Death, and Societal Fears

The consequences of Mrs. Dalloway's sexual repression and adherence to societal norms are far-reaching. Her loss of sexuality and womanhood within the confines of a stifling marriage makes death an imminent figure in her life. This loss of vitality parallels her loss of youth, emphasizing the interconnectedness of sexuality and the inexorable march of time.

This repression places Mrs. Dalloway in stark contrast to Septimus, a character burdened by the traumatic experiences of World War I. While Septimus grapples with the harsh realities of life, Mrs. Dalloway remains sheltered in her societal cocoon. The comparison raises intriguing questions about delusion—whether it lies in confronting the harshness of reality, as in Septimus's case, or in the blissful ignorance of societal expectations, as seen in Mrs. Dalloway's life.

Repression and the omnipresent theme of death serve as societal mirrors, reflecting the fears and expectations of the characters. Mrs. Dalloway's choices, while conforming to societal norms, lead to a delusion that shields her from the harshness of the "real world," making her seemingly acceptable but equally delusional.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" intricately weaves the exploration of repressed sexuality into its narrative. Mrs. Dalloway's struggles, choices, and the looming specter of death form a rich tapestry that reflects societal expectations and individual desires. This essay has delved into the complexities of Mrs. Dalloway's character, unraveling the layers of societal norms, sexual repression, and the profound impact on her perceptions of life and death.