There are numerous similarities between the plot developed in Mrs. Dalloway and The Hours. For instance, the two plots were set at a time when the World Wars were taking place. Consequently, the author had to develop characters that took part in the war. Additionally, the effects of the war on the family setting are depicted in both plots. The role of the wives after their husband are away at war is also a shared similarity. In both plots, there is the role of Clarissa. In addition, the role played by Clarissa in both plots is similar.
One theme shared in both plots is the mental disorder. In Mrs. Dalloway, Septimus suffers from severe mental disorder that led to his suicide. The disorder was created by the increased memories of a partner in the war (Woolf 124). In addition, the pressure to relive horrors of the war was also a causing factor. In the film, The Hours, Virginia Woolf suffers from a similar extent of mental disorder. Woolf is a writer, and she writes her book, Mrs. Dalloway. However, she develops bipolar disorder due to increased pressure of her work and family life. Similar to Septimus, she commits suicide.
Her suicide is also prompted by her requirement of peace and happiness. The theme on mental disorder is also supplemented by instances of suicide. Normally, people with mental disorder lack peace and stability. For instance, Septimus lacks mental stability to cope with memories and flashbacks from the war. In addition, he is tormented by the death of his partner, Evans. Prior to taking art in war, Septimus is described as young and brave. However, he commits suicide (Woolf 120). In the film, The Hours, Virginia suffers from a similar problem. She is a writer and she develops a mental disorder. Her situation is also influenced by problems in her life. For instance, she tries to balance demand in her writing careers as well as her personal life. At the end of the plot, she also commits suicide.
Another them used in both plots is feminism. In Mrs. Dalloway, feminism is described by the role of women in the army and World Wars. Dalloway plights in the army were used to depict the importance of women at the time. At the time, women were not often recruited in the army. However, in the period of the World Wars, all people were requited to join the army regardless of their age or gender. Mrs. Dalloway is then recruited and her performance is exceptional (Woolf 77). The novel depicts the strength of the woman through the character of Mrs. Dalloway.
However, in the film, The Hours, feminism is depicted by analyzing the role of women at home. The plot revolves around the personal life of women who have to deal with the pressure of professional and family life. To show the extent of the role of a woman and its difficulties, the plot ends with the suicide of Virginia Woolf. Virginia Woolf is subjected to a bad life by her husband. Her husband, Leonard, has instructed his servants to watch her so that she could not jet out the house. Due to these living conditions, she suffers from numerous nervous breakdowns. This depicts the society’s perception of women.
However, Virginia receives an award for her novel but she does value its importance. The award was given at a time she had suffered enough and suicide was the only thing that could provide her with peace. Her decision to commit suicide was influenced by the society’s perception towards her. In addition, she suffers from mental disorders as a cause of brutality from her husband. From this argument, one may point out that the plight of woman in the society in both plots is similar. The woman is not provided with much regards as men regardless of their achievements.
The theme on homosexuality is also displayed in both plots. In Mrs. Dalloway, the relationship between Septimus and Evans is more than just friends. This can be depicted by analyzing the extent of damage done on Septimus psychology after his death. It is an obvious assumption that Evans was more than just a friend to Septimus. There closeness depicted that there shared a sexual relationship. In addition, the death of Evans escalates the level of mental damage on Septimus. This is a sign that Evans was much more than a friend to Septimus.
In addition, Clarissa Dalloway is attracted to Sally Seton an experience she described as exceptional (Woolf 131). After coming back from war, Mrs. Dalloway encounters with Sally Seton. Her description by Clarissa depicted a sexual attraction. In addition, Sally Seton is also attracted to Clarissa.
In the film, The Hours, Clarissa is also depicted as bisexual. She is attracted to men and women. This is similar to Clarissa Dalloway. Clarissa shares a sexual relationship with both Sally Lester and Richard. At the time, she lived in the same house with Sally. The relationship lasted a significant period of time. From this analysis, one may point out that both plot included the use of homosexual relationships.
The theme of love is also used in both plots. In the novel, Septimus is in live with Evans and the same time with his wife. In addition, Mrs. Dalloway relationship with her husband is bound by love. On numerous occasions, Dalloway develops memories of her husband and her family.
The experiences of war changed the perception of Dalloway on life. On numerous occasions, Dalloway never valued self-happiness and fulfillment. Dalloway was perceived as serious and tough army madam. From her personal perspective, the war and the army had made her serious and less jovial with life. After he had the case of Septimus, he learns the importance of retaining self-happiness. Septimus realized that the only way that he could enjoy his life is by ending the numerous thoughts of his friend in the war. By taking his life, Dalloway realized that Septimus chose peace over life. From these conclusions, Dalloway realized that appreciation of life, friend and family is important.
The three factors reminded her on the happiness of life and how fortunate she was to have the memories of both the normal life and also that of the war (Woolf 24). In addition, Dalloway realized that the source of happiness of a person is dependent on their ability to cope with the negative aspect of their memory. Consequently, one should be able to create a balance between good and bad memories. The same could be said of the life of Richards and Virginia. Richards is suffering from AIDS but he realizes happiness with Virginia. He tells her that she is the reason she did not die.
Work Cited
Woolf, Virginia. Mrs. Dalloway. New York: Interactive Media. 2012. Print,
