Abstract: This study analyzes the theme of death and life of Mrs. Dalloway by prominent modernist writer Virginia Woolf in light of paradoxical oneness. Literature and philosophy are always closely related, and both are concerned about the human’s inner world. In this sense, an excellent work can be interpreted philosophically. Through this kind of analysis, the temperament traits of the characters and the writer’s motivation for writing the work will be dug out. In Mrs. Dalloway, two plots work together to develop the story. The protagonists, Clarissa and Septimus, have their different lifestyles but they both seek the same thing--the meaning of life and death. Having tried to get an answer by their own methods, they finally realize what life and death mean to them. The transition from life to death is like a circle. Death is another form of life, and life continues through death.

Key words: Mrs. Dalloway; death and life; paradoxical oneness

CONTENTS 

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction1

1.1 Introduction to Virginia Woolf

1.2 Definition of paradoxical oneness

2. Literature review and theoretical framework.2

2.1 Introduction to Mrs. Dalloway

2.2 Current studies of Mrs. Dalloway

3. An analysis of life and death4

3.1 The condition of life 

3.2 Fear of death

4. The oneness of life and death.6

4.1 Breaking the boundaries

4.2 Living through death

5. Conclusion7

Bibliography.9

Acknowledgements10