Main Answer:
Mrs. Dalloway believes she resembles the "frumps" and "dejected miseries" through her internal struggles with societal expectations and the constraints of her own emotions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway," the protagonist, Clarissa Dalloway, is portrayed as a woman grappling with the societal norms of her time. She perceives herself as akin to the "frumps" and "dejected miseries," suggesting a sense of dissatisfaction with her own life. This stems from her internal conflict, as she navigates the roles expected of her as a woman in the early 20th century. Woolf delves into the complexities of Clarissa's character, revealing her inner turmoil and the tension between societal expectations and her personal desires.
Clarissa's comparison to the "frumps" and "dejected miseries" reflects her introspective nature and the societal pressure to conform to conventional norms. The term "frumps" suggests a sense of being unfashionable or dowdy, possibly mirroring Clarissa's perception of herself in the context of societal standards. The reference to "dejected miseries" implies a deeper emotional struggle, highlighting Clarissa's inner discontent and the challenges she faces in reconciling her authentic self with societal expectations.
Woolf uses these comparisons to underscore the universal theme of individuals grappling with their identities within the constraints of societal norms. Clarissa's internal struggles serve as a lens through which Woolf explores the broader issues of conformity, self-discovery, and societal expectations during the early 20th century.