Personal Influences:
* Personal experiences: Woolf's own life provided rich material for the novel. The character of Clarissa Dalloway, for example, shares similarities with Woolf's own social circle and her own struggles with mental health.
* Grief and loss: The novel was written in the aftermath of World War I, a period of immense societal upheaval and loss that deeply affected Woolf. The character of Septimus Smith, a shell-shocked veteran, reflects the trauma of war and the struggles of returning soldiers.
* Creative impulses: Woolf's fascination with the inner lives of characters and her experimental approach to stream-of-consciousness narration, as seen in her earlier works, contributed to the novel's unique structure.
Societal Influences:
* Modernism and the changing world: The novel was written during a period of great change, characterized by the rise of modernism in art and literature. Woolf's focus on the fleeting nature of time, individual consciousness, and the impact of social events on personal lives reflects this modernist sensibility.
* Post-war disillusionment: The horrors of World War I shattered the Victorian era's belief in progress and stability. Woolf's novel explores the disillusionment and sense of alienation that gripped many people in the post-war period.
* Social and political issues: The novel touches upon issues of gender roles, class, and the changing social landscape of 1920s London. These themes resonate with the social and political changes occurring at the time.
Other Inspirations:
* Literary influences: Woolf was influenced by writers like James Joyce, Marcel Proust, and Henry James, whose works explored the complexities of consciousness and memory.
* The beauty of London: Woolf's love for London and its vibrant life is evident in the novel, which captures the city's atmosphere and the interactions of its diverse inhabitants.
Ultimately, "Mrs. Dalloway" is a multifaceted work that reflects Virginia Woolf's personal experiences, societal observations, and literary influences. It is a testament to her artistic vision and her ability to capture the complexities of human consciousness in a rapidly changing world.