This novel unfolds over just one day—the day Clarissa Dalloway prepares for a party—yet it encapsulates a lifetime of regrets, loneliness, and awakening.
To the outside world, Mrs. Dalloway leads a respectable and seemingly perfect life. However, as she busies herself with the party preparations throughout the day, memories of the past constantly surface, leaving her heart filled with loneliness and confusion. In her pursuit of a stable life, she conformed to others' expectations and gradually lost touch with her true self.
Another pivotal character is Septimus, a young war veteran. Tormented by his experiences, he refuses to compromise with a hypocritical reality and ultimately chooses death. When news of his fate reaches Mrs. Dalloway, it strikes her deeply. She comes to the sobering realization that her own seemingly stable existence is merely a facade, using superficial bustle to mask the emptiness within.
Though lacking a dramatic plot, the book captures a universal truth: people often appear glamorous on the outside yet feel exhausted inside; they may seem surrounded by crowds, but they are ultimately alone. There are times when we, too, suppress our true thoughts to please others and forget our original aspirations.
After reading this book, I understand that a meaningful life is not about living up to others' expectations, but about being true to one's inner self. There is no need for pretense or forced compliance. The greatest treasure is the courage to be yourself. May we all stay true to our original intentions and live a life that is authentic, free, and meaningful.
