Question

Read excerpt 2 from Mrs. Dalloway, and then answer the following question. What images does Woolf use to transition between Clarissa and Peter’s points of view? How does the imagery help convey the sense of tension between the two characters?

Answer 1

Answer:

Woolf uses images of metal objects to transition between Clarissa's and Peter's points of view: Peter's pen-knife, Clarissa's scissors and her sewing needle, and the silverware that Lucy brings into the room. Peter fidgets with his pen-knife during the conversation, while Clarissa uses her scissors and sewing needle. The fact that they play with these objects as they talk signifies the tension between them.

The objects also symbolize their behaviors and their views of each other. Peter's pen-knife symbolizes his risk-taking nature and his love affairs. Clarissa's scissors symbolize the fact that she turned down Peter's proposal long ago. Clarissa thinks Peter's behavior is silly; she is both jealous and happy that he found love. On the other hand, the silverware that Lucy brings in symbolizes Clarissa's lifestyle, which Peter considers silly but also envies.

Explanation:

By reading and breaking down the text.

Answer 2

Answer:

Woolf uses images of metal objects to transition between Clarissa's and Peter's points of view: Peter's pen-knife, Clarissa's scissors and her sewing needle, and the silverware that Lucy brings into the room.

Explanation: