Final answer:
Clarissa married Richard Dalloway for his stability and social respectability, fulfilling societal expectations, whereas Peter Walsh's less reliable nature was the primary reason she rejected his proposal.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Virginia Woolf's novel 'Mrs. Dalloway', the characters Richard Dalloway and Peter Walsh are portrayed as distinctly different men, which directly influences Clarissa's decision on whom to marry. Richard Dalloway is depicted as stable, reliable, and socially respectable- traits that bring a sense of security and social standing, which were significant factors in Clarissa's choice. Richard's stability and his alignment with societal expectations provided a safe choice for Clarissa, who desired social positioning and security over the passionate, but less reliable characteristics found in Peter Walsh.
Peter Walsh, by contrast, is presented as impulsive, idealistic, and romantic, but lacking the social and financial stability Clarissa sought. He represents a contrast to Richard's pragmatism, which ultimately made him a more unpredictable and less desirable choice for Clarissa in a time when societal standing and security were paramount for women. This difference between stability and romanticism is the crux of Clarissa's decision to marry Richard over Peter, reflecting the societal values and norms of her time.