Mrs. Dalloway

Finding one’s place and purpose draws upon numerous factors within and throughout society’s restrictions and norms. Every individual pursues a constant struggle to discover who she/he is. The struggle continues when determining who she/he is in regards to society. Finding oneself is perhaps the most difficult task that many face and therefore, this search becomes the centre point for various British novels. Women face this task when deciding who they will become in society and what their purpose will be. Will they follow the family style life that is laid out for them, or will they pursue another route entirely? Female British novelists attack this question using strong female characters that portray determination and courage to reach specific goals. Mrs. Dalloway, written by Virginia Woolf, and Oranges are not the Only Fruit, written by Jeanette Winterson, are two novels with strong female characters searching for a place within society. The two main characters, Mrs. Dalloway and Jeanette, are constantly looking for comfort – a place that guarantees safety and security. Mrs. Dalloway tries to find comfort by becoming what society expects her to be; while Jeanette tries to create her own place among her peers. Two different women aim at finding themselves in regards to society’s expectations in two very different ways. The different paths they choose show the range between possible paths for women to travel while reaching self-comfort and self-security.

Mrs. Dalloway realizes her place within society and tries to embrace what she has. She opts to focus on things that make her happy, things that give her control without giving her independence. The novel follows Mrs. Dalloway on a trail of errands and a walk about London. She is gathering things and planning for her party that is being held later that evening. At this stage in her life, Mrs. Dalloway is aware of her place among the London elite as a woman. She understands that she is her husband’s wife and