Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway - Theme of Mental illness

The video explores the theme of mental illness in Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs. Dalloway', focusing on the characters Clarissa Dalloway and Septimus Warren Smith. Woolf's own struggles with mental illness, believed to be bipolar disorder, influenced her writing style, particularly her use of stream of consciousness. Clarissa's anxiety and social pressures are examined, as well as Septimus's severe PTSD and hallucinations. The video critiques the psychiatric practices of the 1920s, embodied by the character Sir William Bradshaw. It concludes with Clarissa's coping mechanisms and reflections on life, highlighting the importance of finding beauty and meaning in everyday moments.

In what ways does Clarissa cope with her feelings of despair after learning about Septimus's death?

What role does the motif of Big Ben play in the narrative of Mrs. Dalloway?

Discuss the significance of the line from Shakespeare that Clarissa recalls. How does it relate to her understanding of life and death?

What does Woolf suggest about the perception of mental illness through the experiences of her characters?