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Morning With Clarissa Dalloway

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 February 20, 2022
Inspired by the character of Clarissa Dalloway in the novel "Mrs. Dalloway" (published in May, 1925) written by Virginia Woolfe. "Stream of Consciousness" is a narrative style that tries to capture a character's thought-process in a realistic way. It's an interior monologue.

INSPIRED BY CHARACTER OF CLARISSA DALLAOWAY IN VIRGINIA WOOLFE'S STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS NOVEL "MRS. DALLAOWAY" Today morning - sunny and crisp! went to Mulbury's, the florist on Bond Street to get some Carnation...they have everything - sweet peas, irises, delphiniums, bunches of lilac and roses! Oh my! saw Mrs. Dalloway getting flowers! she is such a remarkable lady -  always find her at this store buying flowers!  Her husband, Richard, is in politics -  They entertain a lot of people - influential people! She is a perfect hostess (Peter, her suitor long time ago, believed so)! she  always greets me with so much warmth! she looked a bit too white today, too pale - heard she was sick!  she asked me which flowers in the store looked freshest to me! Big Ben chimed the hours! Clarissa Dalloway appeared a bit pensive!  “These carnations always remind me of my father’s garden, and I walking with Peter Walsh - do you know Peter has gone to India!” “what is he doing there?” “In Military, I guess...he always wanted to. His letters are awfully boring -I don't remember the date he is returning...  but who can forget his unusual remarks?”  while walking through Regent's park, I found a very strange couple… the girl, Italian, so pretty and young, but an anxious look! Her husband, I am guessing, he is her husband… was young too..but he appeared so distressed! He was talking to himself! the fresh beach-like air got overshadowed by a young man's hazel vacant eyes!   Who doesn’t enjoy a sunny day like this?  London, Big Ben, buying flowers!  But Clarissa is in a rush ... "I have a party tonight..need to prepare little details.. Hugh is coming too - my childhood friend, and his wife, and the doctor, who is excellent in treating people - those who are returning from war, got injured in the trenches, and somewhat shell-shocked!"  Clarissa Dalloway, wife of an influential politician, Richard... told me she was going to go home,  and mend a dress for the party she was hosting that night. How interesting! hostess of a party with rich and famous, mending a dress herself with needle, thimble, and thread! she is almost looking forward to Peter dropping in her party too... Peter, Peter who never forgot how Clarissa declined his proposal to marry him! She married Richard instead, but why her eyes looked a bit melancholic, though she has everything she opted for! she confided in me "you know what, Bond Street fascinates me! I always had a passion for shoes and gloves! But my Elizabeth doesn't care a straw." Big Ben boomed hours. Clarissa waved bye,  she needs to return to her palatial abode,  and get ready for a sumptuous party she is hosting tonight. At this moment Richard is dining with Hugh and Lady Burton, members of high society. Perhaps Richard will get Clarissa some roses, he bought her a bracelet two years ago, but noticed she didn't wear it! how long did he not say he loved her! 

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




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Date: 1/4/2024 12:50:00 PM
This was very creative storytelling dear Malabika.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
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Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 1/4/2024 3:57:00 PM
Thank you, Dear SO, for giving the chance to showcase our own favourite poems! Virginia Woolfe is the author I admire, and I love her style - Stream Of Consciousness!
Date: 3/4/2022 10:13:00 AM
Mala.. this is such a detailed write so well executed in your own beautiful way as inspired by Mrs Dalloway... I think I had this to study for my literature, but have forgotten most of it my friend... Sorry for coming here so late to read this... Have a lovely day... Hugs... ~ Ani
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Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 3/4/2022 10:41:00 AM
Thank you, Dear Anitha. I am sure you had this novel in your university curriculum like I did. I was very much impressed by Virginia Woolfe's style - the concept of "Stream Of Consciousness". Glad you enjoyed the poem.
Date: 2/21/2022 4:05:00 AM
Lovely rendition from a good read... You are truly inspired. More power!
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Malabika Ray Choudhury
Date: 3/4/2022 10:46:00 AM
Dear JCB, thank you so much for reading this poem - inspired by a novel I loved. In the university, I was very much impressed by Virginia Woolfe's modern style, and after many years, here is my humble effort to depict a tiny part of that famous story.

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry