The beginning of the novel: Analysis

The extract tells about a moment in the morning when Mrs Dollaway opens the window and looks out.

Even though the entire scene happens in a very short interval of time, V.Woolf is able to give a very detailed description of the scene, adding details about the impressions and feelings of the character. She adopts indeed the technique of the interior monologue, giving voice to the inner life of the lady. The reader can notice for instance the use of similes, that connote the view giving it a personal interpretation; moreover the use of free direct speech can gives space to the character’s thoughts directly. The narrator’s point of view in addition, is obviously adherent to the character’s one in order to give a very personal view of things. That’s typical of her way of writing: she was more interested in the facts’ repercussions on the subject then to the facts themselves. Thus, the simple view of a garden can evoke memories and impressions. Anyway, despite the focus is on the interiority, V.Woolf doesn’t let feelings to rule over syntax and is still able to give logical order to the character’s thoughts and to present them adopting a grammatically traditional form.