Mrs. Dalloway- Clarissa's Fear of Aging and Death

As a human, there is an argument that we are born to fear three things: falling, loud noises, and abandonment. Although falling and loud noises can clearly be defined, abandonment can imply different things. Even though it may appear to be a stretch, researchers argue that death falls into the third category; humans are naturally afraid of abandoning life. Clarissa in "Mrs. Dalloway" struggles to cope with the fact that as life moves on, so does her sense of loneliness. In her eyes, this is common, this sense of being alone. Towards the end of the novel, Clarissa comments about the old woman in the window next door. She respects this woman for taking the time to reflect on her life, and recognizes that it is something she does more and more often. In order for a woman to feel more complete, Clarissa believes that one has to have a sense of independence and purpose. She finally comes to terms with the fact that she is growing older and that death is a part of life after she witness the old woman. It is not until she overcomes these fear until she is able to openly communicate with Peter and Sally towards the end of the party.