Why Is Mrs. Dalloway So Hard to Read?

If you've ever stared at pages and thought, what was I reading? Well, don't worry you are not alone! So, what is it about Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway that makes it so hard to follow?

The novel's structure isn't linear. Woolf uses different timelines and perspectives, which can be disorienting. It flows in a stream-of-consciousness manner, moving seamlessly between Clarissa Dalloway’s present as she prepares for her party and her reflections on the past, as well as the troubled thoughts of Septimus Warren Smith, a soldier grappling with his own issues. This back-and-forth style can leave readers feeling a bit lost, almost as if they’re caught between competing ideas and emotions.

Woolf's writing is beautiful but it's also pretty complex. She paints vivid pictures with her words and packs in layers of meaning. This often makes readers slow down. You might find yourself going over certain parts again to get what they're saying. It's like you're dancing with the words - sometimes you need to step back to get the beat and the flow. It can be tough to read if you're used to stories that get straight to the point.

Keep the historical background in mind! The book takes place in England after World War I, a period of major social shifts and collective trauma. Woolf weaves this setting into the story's core showing how the war affected society and people. To grasp the characters' experiences and the social commentary throughout the story, you need to understand this context.

Clarissa and Septimus aren't your stereotypical main characters; they're layered individuals dealing with their own inner battles. Clarissa can't stop thinking about her past and the decisions she's made, while Septimus struggles with traumatic war memories.The focus on internal experience rather than external events means that readers must engage more deeply with the characters' inner lives.