Three reasons to read Mrs. Dalloway
1. There are so many examples of symbolism throughout that there's always a new way to read closely.
2. Following the inner-thoughts of many characters is an interesting literary style to read along with.
3. The dynamic creation of characters that Woolf creates is one that can be admired.
Three reasons to read The Hours
1. The intertwining of the three stories of each woman is beautifully done.
2. Despite being a male author, Michael Cunningham captured the femininity of the stories almost perfectly.
3. Laura Brown. She is one of my biggest reasons as to why one should read The Hours.
Three reasons to read The Hours first
1. I believe that by reading The Hours first, it is easier to follow Mrs. Dalloway.
2. It is always an option to reread The Hours after Mrs. Dalloway to rediscover the similarities and symbolism.
3. The Hours as a general rule is usually liked on the first read, and the style is not as complex right away so it's an easy gateway to tackle Mrs. Dalloway
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...interesting...thoughtful - aps
ReplyDelete"Despite being a male author, Michael Cunningham captured the femininity of the stories almost perfectly"
ReplyDeletemy thoughts exactly! i think it would be an interesting and surprising read for many women.
Mar,
ReplyDeleteI agree that Woolf's characters, and the ways in which she visits each of their psyche's, are very interesting and worthwhile.
I also agree that Cunningham's method of tying the stories together is very effective. I am not convinced by your Cunningham number three, though... what is it about Laura Brown that makes the entire book worth reading? Some elaboration might help on that one.
Also, I'm not convinced about the Hours being read first... although I think you've made good points. What I'm afraid would happen, however, is that the advantages Cunningham's work gives the reader on understanding Mrs. Dalloway would keep the reader from paying as much attention to Mrs. Dalloway, which would mean that the reader would miss out on a number of subtleties. I can't be positive that this would be true, obviously, but it's just a hunch I have. You have made a good argument for it, though, and I'm definitely mulling it over.
Abby