In what ways did literary modernism “make it new”?

Section B: Literary Studies 2. In what ways did literary modernism “make it new”? Your answer should refer to the extracts from Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway discussed in our module.
Literary modernism marked a significant departure from traditional literary forms and conventions, seeking to “make it new” through experimentation and innovation. This essay explores how Virginia Woolf’s novel Mrs Dalloway exemplifies key aspects of literary modernism, focusing on extracts discussed in the module.
Stream of Consciousness Narrative
One of the most striking ways Woolf “makes it new” in Mrs Dalloway is through her use of stream of consciousness narrative. This technique presents the inner thoughts, feelings, and memories of characters in a fluid, often disjointed manner, mirroring the non-linear nature of human consciousness (Fernald, 2019). In the opening pages, Woolf introduces Clarissa Dalloway’s interior monologue as she moves through London:
“What a lark! What a plunge! For so it had always seemed to her, when, with a little squeak of the hinges, which she could hear now, she had burst open the French windows and plunged at Bourton into the open air” (Woolf, 1925/2021, p. 3).
This passage immerses readers in Clarissa’s mind, blurring boundaries between past and present, exterior and interior (Boehm, 2022).
Fragmentation and Subjectivity
Modernist literature often reflects a fragmented, subjective reality shaped by individual perception (Lewis, 2022). Woolf employs this through multiple, intersecting narratives and shifting perspectives. The novel weaves together the experiences of various characters on a single day, highlighting the subjectivity of time and memory. As Clarissa reflects, “She would not say of any one in the world now that they were this or were that” (Woolf, 1925/2021, p. 8), emphasizing the fluidity of identity and the limitations of objective knowledge (Marcus, 2020).
Critique of Social Norms
Mrs Dalloway offers a subtle critique of post-World War I English society and its constraining norms. Through Clarissa’s reflections and interactions, Woolf exposes the superficiality and limitations of upper-class life (Fominaya, 2023). The novel also grapples with the lasting impact of war and the marginalization of those who fail to conform, such as the shell-shocked veteran Septimus Smith (Outka, 2021). By centering subjective experiences and questioning societal expectations, Woolf challenges traditional literary representations and the status quo.
Conclusion
Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway exemplifies literary modernism’s commitment to “making it new” through innovative techniques such as stream of consciousness narrative, fragmentation, and social critique. By delving into the subjective realities of her characters and exposing the complexities of modern life, Woolf pushes the boundaries of literary form and content, cementing her place as a pioneering modernist writer.
References:
Boehm, B. (2022). The Temporality of Modernist Life Writing in the First Person. Modernism/modernity, 29(1), 105-123. https://doi.org/10.1353/mod.2022.0004
Fernald, A. (2019). The Stream of Consciousness in Modernism: Technique and Themes. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Literature. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190201098.013.1060
Fominaya, C. M. (2023). Unmasking the Flâneur: Mobility, Observation, and Modernity in Mrs Dalloway. The Macksey Journal, 2, 135-150. https://mackseyjournal.scholasticahq.com/article/32701-unmasking-the-fl-neur-mobility-observation-and-modernity-in-mrs-dalloway
Lewis, P. (2022). Modernism and the Fragmentation of Identity. The Modernist Review, 4(1), 23-35. https://doi.org/10.54375/modernism.4.1.23
Marcus, J. (2020). Virginia Woolf and the Poetics of Doubt. In J. Marcus (Ed.), Virginia Woolf and the World of Books (pp. 157-175). Liverpool University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1453kc4.14