Aristotelian Vision of Moral Character in Virginia Woolf ’ s Mrs. Dalloway

1. Aristotelian Vision of Moral Character in Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway By Patricia Kenig Curd English Language Notes33.1 (Sept 1995): 40-57. Presented by Sherry Lu

2. Main Theme • This paper explores how an examination of Mrs. Dalloway in the light of Aristotelian moral theory can illuminate aspects of Woolf’s conception of moral character.

3. Moral Character--Clarissa Dalloway • She is both the central figure and the moral center of the novel. • She has some flaws—She is a snob (Dalloway 290); she is remarkably possessive of her daughter Elizabeth” (Dalloway 15); she envies her husband’s lunch with Lady Bruton. • She is a person of experience and discernment—“Her emotions were all on the surface. Beneath, she was very shrewd—a far better judge of character than Sally”(Dalloway 114).

4. Non-moral Character--William Bradshaw • On the surface—a man of perfect virtue; he preaches “proportion”, and he is “the ghostly helper, the priest of science” (Dalloway 142). • The things he fails to understand: 1. The place of emotion in a complete life 2. The importance of feeling 3. The role of choice Example: Septimus’ death

5. Non-moral Character--Miss Kilman • She has many admirable qualities: she lives alone and tries to make her way in the world. • However, she lacks in knowledge and self-knowledge. • Moreover, she lacks the capacity to imagine others. • Mrs. Dalloway’s recognition of her own coldness. Miss Kilman’s failure to recognize her own faults.

6. The poetics &The Nicomachean Ethic • Tragic poetry should produce pity and terror in the audience, not only to entertain but also to instruct. • Aristotle’s definition of a moral virtuous person: (1) practical intelligence; choose well; achieve happiness. (2) the emotions and passion. • Different views of characters in tragedy: Aristotle Virginia Woolf

7. What’s the problems with William Bradshaw and Miss Kilman? 1. Not simply to act correctly but also have the correct emotional state as well. 2. The mean state of action, emotions and passions. 3. The mean “is defined by a rule: that rule by which the practically intelligent person would define it.” Example: Mrs. Dalloway a wider moral vision.

8. Non-moral Character--Hugh Whitbread • Aristotle: “the political life will include both intellectual and practical intelligence and activity”. • Hugh: vacuous, unimaginative and unthinking. • Mrs. Dalloway: her actions and emotions have become a true part of herself.

9. How about Septimus? • No balance between actions and emotions: he cannot feel. • His suicide—“Death was defiance.” a rational choice and an act of courage.

10. The difference between Richard Dalloway and Hugh Whitbread Richard Dalloway: • He is a good judge of character. • He has political virtue. • The relationship between he and Clarissa exemplifies Aristotelian friendship between spouses.

11. Conclusion • Although there are so many points of view in Mrs. Dalloway, it is Clarissa’s view shapes our own. • Clarissa Dalloway fits the Aristotelian rule of a moral character.