Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, while the term 'clocks' refers to timekeeping devices that play a crucial role in society. Big Ben, often mistakenly referred to as the clock itself, symbolizes punctuality, the passage of time, and serves as a backdrop for significant events. The presence of clocks in literature often reflects themes of time's relentless march and how it shapes human experience.
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Big Ben was completed in 1859 and has become an iconic symbol of London and British culture.
The clock tower was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
In 'Mrs. Dalloway', clocks symbolize the structure of time and its impact on characters' lives, particularly Clarissa Dalloway's reflections on her past.
The rhythmic chimes of Big Ben serve as a reminder of the passage of time and create a backdrop for the narrative, emphasizing the urgency and fleeting nature of life.
Virginia Woolf uses the motif of clocks to explore themes of consciousness, memory, and the interconnectedness of different characters’ experiences.
Review Questions
How does Woolf use the symbol of Big Ben to enhance the themes of time and memory in 'Mrs. Dalloway'?
Woolf uses Big Ben as a powerful symbol that encapsulates the themes of time and memory throughout 'Mrs. Dalloway'. The clock's chimes mark key moments in the narrative, reminding characters and readers alike of time's relentless forward movement. This representation of time encourages reflections on past experiences, particularly for Clarissa Dalloway as she navigates her thoughts about her life choices and relationships, illustrating how memory intertwines with present consciousness.
Discuss how the motif of clocks contributes to character development in 'Mrs. Dalloway'.
The motif of clocks in 'Mrs. Dalloway' plays a crucial role in character development by revealing each character's relationship with time. For instance, Clarissa is often preoccupied with her past, while Septimus struggles with his present reality. The contrasting ways these characters experience time highlight their emotional states and lead to deeper insights into their identities. The presence of clocks serves as a constant reminder that time shapes their experiences and decisions, ultimately connecting their personal journeys within the broader social context.
Analyze how Big Ben's representation in 'Mrs. Dalloway' reflects broader societal attitudes towards time during Woolf's era.
In 'Mrs. Dalloway', Big Ben reflects the societal attitudes towards time during Woolf's era by embodying the modern obsession with punctuality and order amidst a rapidly changing world. As industrialization transformed daily life, clocks like Big Ben became symbols of progress but also constraints. Woolf’s portrayal reveals a tension between the desire for structure provided by these timekeeping devices and the chaotic nature of human existence, ultimately questioning whether society's fixation on time enhances or diminishes authentic lived experiences.
Related terms
Punctuality: The quality of being on time, often emphasized in societal norms and expectations, particularly in urban settings.
Chronophobia: An anxiety about time and its passage, often explored in literature to highlight existential concerns.
Temporal Dislocation: A literary device where time is presented out of order, reflecting characters' internal struggles and perceptions.