The Psychological Effects of Depression in Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway

This research explores the psychological dimensions and personality development of the main characters in Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway using a literary psychological approach grounded in Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. The study focuses on Clarissa Dalloway and Septimus Warren Smith, examining how their inner experiences reflect the dynamics of the id, ego, and superego. Clarissa’s outwardly composed and socially acceptable persona conceals deeper emotional conflicts and existential concerns, while Septimus embodies the psychological trauma of war, expressed through hallucinations and emotional breakdown. The analysis reveals how societal expectations, personal experiences, and mental health challenges shape each character’s identity and behavior. Through this lens, Mrs. Dalloway is shown to be a rich narrative of emotional struggle and psychological depth, offering insight into the complex interplay between individual psyche and social reality.