Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” can be perceived from the perspective of Sigmund Freud’s theory of Thanatos, which suggests that human beings have a universal death drive (Thanatos) that seeks to return to a state of inanimate matter. Here’s an analysis of the novel through this lens:

The Death Drive in Clarissa Dalloway

Clarissa Dalloway, the protagonist, embodies the societal pressure to conform to conventional norms and maintain social status. Her inner turmoil and sense of disconnection from life can be seen as a manifestation of her struggle against the forces of Thanatos. Her marriage to Richard Dalloway, which she describes as a “shell” and a “convention,” represents the stifling nature of societal expectations and the constraints placed on her by the death drive.

Clarissa’s desire for social status, her need for validation, and her fear of mortality can be seen as manifestations of the death drive. Her inability to connect with others, her sense of isolation, and her nostalgia for the past all contribute to her inner disquietude, which is a hallmark of Thanatos.

The Death Drive in Septimus Warren Smith

Septimus Warren Smith, on the other hand, is a more overt representation of Thanatos. His traumatic experience in World War I has left him with shell shock, a condition that can be seen as a physical manifestation of the death drive. His inability to connect with others, his feelings of guilt and shame, and his eventual descent into madness are all symptoms of his struggle against the forces of Thanatos.

Septimus’s fascination with death and his desire to escape into the world beyond can be seen as an attempt to reconcile himself with the inevitability of death. His ultimate sacrifice, giving up his life in order to spare others from the horrors he experienced during the war, can be seen as a surrender to Thanatos.

The Death Drive in Hugh Whitbread

Hugh Whitbread, Clarissa’s suitor and a symbol of societal conformity, represents the opposite pole of Thanatos. His smooth, polished exterior hides a lack of passion and vitality, reflecting his repression of emotions and desires. His relationship with Clarissa is stagnant and lacks emotional intimacy, exemplifying the stultifying effects of Thanatos.

The Death Drive in Peter Walsh

Peter Walsh, Clarissa’s old suitor and a representative of life forces, embodies the countervailing forces against Thanatos. His passionate nature, his sense of adventure, and his desire for connection with others are all manifestations of life energy. His return to London after years abroad represents a desire to reconnect with life and break free from the constraints of societal expectations