Clarissa and Kilman’s Class Antagonism

This flow follows the conflict between Clarissa Dalloway and Doris Kilman as resentment, religious conviction, maternal jealousy, and brief recognition collide.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Grievance

The Grievance A remembered injury Doris Kilman has been dismissed from teaching during the war because of her German associations and refusal to profess hostility toward Germans. Poverty and exclusion become central to her sense of injustice. Resentment takes shape Her work with Elizabeth brings her into Clarissa’s home, where wealth and ease sharpen her anger. Kilman sees class privilege not as a distant idea but as a daily presence.

Clarissa’s Hatred

Clarissa’s Hatred A personal aversion Clarissa thinks of Kilman’s mackintosh, her grievance, and her influence over Elizabeth. She recognizes that she hates an idea as much as a person, but the distinction does not spare her distress. Fear of possession Clarissa experiences Kilman as a force threatening her bond with her daughter. The jealousy exposes insecurities that her social poise normally conceals.

The Landing Encounter

The Landing Encounter Hostility face to face Clarissa meets Kilman while Elizabeth prepares to go out. Their brief exchange is formally civil but charged by their opposing judgments of one another. The monster diminishes Once Kilman is no longer directly before her, Clarissa finds that her image of the woman loses some of its power. The change suggests that hatred can enlarge a person into a symbol, then retreat when attention shifts.

Tea and Possessiveness

Tea and Possessiveness A demand for closeness At tea, Kilman wants Elizabeth to stay and not attend her mother’s party. She admits her loneliness and asks not to be forgotten, making affection feel like a claim. Elizabeth departs Elizabeth leaves politely, and Kilman feels abandoned. Her attachment is sincere, but its demand for exclusive possession threatens the very freedom she hopes to offer her pupil.

The Unresolved Rivalry

The Unresolved Rivalry Anger returns Kilman turns toward religious consolation, while Clarissa continues to interpret her as a threat. Neither woman fully understands how much fear and vulnerability lie beneath the other’s posture. Conflict without victory Elizabeth’s departure does not settle her relationship with either woman. The rivalry exposes competing claims over her future rather than producing a clear winner.

Before the day’s encounters

During the morning walk

Early afternoon

Later in the afternoon

After Elizabeth leaves