Notes

Journal 8

Peter Walsh thinks about civilization as an ambulance swiftly passes him on the street. After India, England seems so organized. He wonders who’s in the ambulance but then dismisses the thought as too morbid and sentimental.
He thinks back to when he used to ride the omnibus with Clarissa. They lamented how difficult it was to really and truly know someone. Clarissa believed in seeking out places in order to understand people; she was always really friendly and cordial with strangers. Peter thinks about the deep impression Clarissa has made on his life.
Arriving at his hotel, Peter thinks back to the days of Bourton, when he took long walks with Clarissa. Today, he receives a letter from her telling him how nice it was to see him. He feels annoyed thinking of how she must have sent the letter immediately after he left. (That's so Clarissa.)
Peter begins to think of Daisy and how different she is from Clarissa. A friend warned him that Daisy shouldn't get a divorce and marry Peter, who is so old. She would have to leave her children and bear the judgment of others. Peter isn't too concerned: he thought he’d write books if he retired.
He shaves and goes to have dinner in the hotel dining room. He’s self-conscious of what the other diners must think of him. They admire him and think he’s important; especially the way he orders Bartlett pears (hmmm). He thinks about Clarissa’s party and how he’ll ask Richard what the government’s plans are with India. Way to think of conversation topics ahead of time, Pete.
He enjoys the long evening, how it's still light out (it's June). As he walks to Clarissa’s, Peter thinks about the beauty in London. He cherishes the sight of people preparing for a nice evening, couples walking, parties, and diners enjoying meals outside.
At Mrs Dalloway's house, servants are busy making last-minute preparations for the party. Everything looks beautiful.
There’s excitement that the prime minister himself will be coming. (That’s weird: he couldn’t make Shmoop's party…)
Some other stuff is going down, too:
The cook, Mrs Walker, is unfazed by his arrival; she’s only worried about undercooking the salmon.
The men request the Imperial Tokay, a sweet-tasting wine.
Elizabeth is worried that her dog is acting up.
You know, the usual.
As guests arrive, their names are announced. Clarissa greets everyone in her charming way, which Peter finds irritatingly fake. Clarissa can feel Peter's disapproval and she frets that Peter is criticizing her.
She’s just grateful that she’s not an old frump like Ellie Henderson. She wonders why Peter bothered to come if he felt so darn scornful of her.