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July 17, 1997
Dear Beth,
When I discovered that you were my pen pal this week, I was overjoyed. I knew that you would touch upon many insights from the novel. To answer your first question concerning character association, I chose Mrs Dalloway, partly because of her age and because she seems to be more in toucb with her feelings. I have gone through different stages; Rachel (young with many choices), Helen ( independent thinker, yet dependent upon others, especially my husband).and Mrs Dalloway who encompasses many of the traits that I exhibit now.
Mrs. Dalloway has a thirst for life and new experiences. I find that we both keep journals and love to travel (37). Because she has an appreciation for life, others are drawn to her. She also has a passion for learning: cultures, literature, music, etc. (50).. Do you think Mrs Dallowav would have had a more positive influence over Rachel if she had not become ill? I think so.
You also asked if the world is at your feet after motherhood. Like Mrs.. Dalloway, my world expanded after motherhood. I was moreaw-are of others, our differences, and more importantly, our similarities. Mrs. Dalloway continued to embrace life after children, "I always think it’s living, not dying that counts" (60). With or without children, that's a good motto for me.
In discussing your third question, I agree that women are often jealous of one another. Some women and men become jealous at the sight of a woman who is in tune with herself. Many feel that women are incapable of being at peace with themselves. I agree with your statements abut Helen., Rachel, and "the kiss." Helen receives gratification for being what she believes men want, a woman who's sassy, smart (not smarter than,men of course), and physically desirable. Therefore, it is not surprising that she would feel rejected by Richard and Rachel's kiss. Because of this, I believe it was difficult for thern to bond. It's hard to focus on a friendship when you see the other person as a competitor. Gender, as well as age, could be the factor. I find that it is not the love of men that keeps women from uniting., but a dislike for themselves and what they represent. A woman who is secure, loves and trusts herself, can enjoy the company of other women and love them as much or more than she loves men.
Virginia Woolf connects women withth their inner being. She exposes the feelings of self-doubt and hate in her writitng, thereby allowing us to evaluate and change those attitudes that afflict our gender.
Tonya