On Monday, we had a panel presentation that discussed the fluidity of identity in Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" characters. The idea of polygamy was brought up, regarding Clarissa and her three major relationships (Peter, Richard, Sally). Instead of focusing on literal polygamy and fluidity of Clarissa's sexuality, I would like to delve into the "polygamy" of Clarissa's identity in terms of these three relationships.
First, Sally Seton. Clarissa met her when she was eighteen, a coming of age time period when Clarissa was "discovering" herself. Clarissa's exploration of her identity was embodied by the relationship she had with Sally. For example, Sally's acts of defiance against 20th century British societal standards inspired Clarissa to develop a proto-feminist side. She became eager to educate herself by reading Plato, Shelley, and Morris. She developed a revolutionary streak, and wanted to "reform the world" by establishing a "society to abolish private property." Let's ignore the fact that she and Sally were subtle communists, and instead recognize that Sally Seton inspired a rebellious, adventurous side in Clarissa.
Next, Richard Dalloway, Clarissa's husband. Richard is a traditional British 20th century male. He works in Parliament, has trouble expressing his feelings ("he could not bring himself to say he loved her"), and is ignorantly blissful in his marriage ("he held her hand. Happiness is this"). He gives Clarissa freedom to pursue her interests, although his conformity to British society pressures her to behave in a similar fashion. To use Peter's description of Clarissa when she was around Richard, "There was...a sort of ease in her manner to him something maternal; something gentle." These traits Peter described are often associated with passivity that "proper ladies" who conform to their gender roles should possess. Additionally, Clarissa throws parties, not for her own enjoyment, but as an "offering," in order to maintain her status as a well-respected British woman. She sews, goes to the store, and gets "an hour's complete rest after luncheon," as reminded by Richard. Richard's presence in Clarissa's life represents her attempt to uphold her femininity, as dictated by British society.
Finally, Peter Walsh, with whom Clarissa has always shared "exquisite intimacy." He is a man of many lives, "always in love the wrong woman," a world traveler, who never quite let go of his youth in Bourton. He inspires impulsivity in Clarissa ("Take me with you, Clarissa thought impulsively, as if he were starting directly upon some great voyage"), as well as doubt and uncertainty about whether she is satisfied with her life. With Peter, Clarissa questions her choice in partner, often asking herself "why did I make up my mind - not to marry him?". They judge each other incessantly, criticizing each other's habits and guessing the other is doing so. This habit they have reflects how Clarissa often judges her own physical appearance and the decisions she has made to bring her to present day. Furthermore, the way Peter "barges" into Clarissa's life every once in a while embodies the tendency of Clarissa's musings over how her life could've been different after growing up in Bourton to flit in and out of her daily inner monologue.
I like your examination of the different sides of Clarissa the three bring out in her. However, I'm not so sure polygamy is so much what's going on so much as them just bringing out a different side of her.
ReplyDeleteI sort of agree with Jack, sort of agree with you. These relationships happen during different times in her life, so they represent different parts of her. However, I think we shouldn't deny the complex nature of monogamy. Also, I would add, that polygamy usually means "many marriages" and has some bad contexts, but that the word "polyamory" meaning "many loves" is more commonly used by people who practice conscious/responsible non-monogamy. Look it up if you're interested in reading about some pretty interesting social structures!
ReplyDeleteNice post! I hadn't thought about Woolf's portrayal of these multiple relationships as polygamy until class discussions. Though it could be seen as Woolf advocating for polygamy, i see it more as her rejection of traditional marriage and monogamy. Especially with the values of the 20th century British society. This feels like another aspect of Woolf critiquing British society, and also the patriarchy
ReplyDeleteReally well-articulated! I think it's really interesting to look at the different characters in 'Mrs. Dalloway' as reflections of the protagonists personality. In a sense, I thought it was a little more like adultery than polygamy though, because these different facets of Clarissa's personality seem to rarely brush each other, as though she is always cheating on the other two with one of them (if that makes any sense, I know my analogy is a bit of a stretch...). It is hard to reconcile these different parts of Clarissa, leading it to seem as though she is kind of fickle and changeable.
ReplyDeleteI agree that each different relationship brings out something new in Clarissa. Although I think polygamy is more related to relationships occurring at the same time. These different relationships kind of occur at different times. Nevertheless, I think you bring up some really interesting points about each different relationship!
ReplyDelete