She attempts to meet the social conventions by mingling with the other party guests but is tortured by feelings of alienation. Her financial constraints contribute to her feelings of inferiority and insecurity. She is dependent on her husband’s income. She is married to a law clerk and manages “ tolerably in a smallish house, without proper maids” (10). She comes from a poor background, “ being one of a family of ten never having money enough, always skimping and paring” (9). She cannot afford a fashionable new dress because of that “ meant thirty guineas at least” (2). Mabel is from a lower social and economic stratum than the other women at Mrs Dalloway’s party. The men are focused on conversation and are obviously considered superior enough to judge the women’s dresses. This is clear from the fact that Mabel does not draw attention to their clothes. She admits that “ If he had only said, “ Mabel, you’re looking charming to-night!” it would have changed her life” (6). She seeks assurance from Robert Haydon and Charles Burt. Mabel gives great importance to men’s opinion. Although Mabel is evidently intelligent and well-read, her entire sense of self-worth is centred entirely around her dress. Entry into high-class society requires “ being dressed in the height of the fashion, precisely like everybody else, always” (3).
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