Hours/Dalloway #3

“The word ‘time’ split its husk; poured its riches over him; and from his lips fell like shells, like shavings from a plane, without his making them, hard, white, imperishable words, and flew to attach themselves to their places in an ode to Time; an immortal ode to Time” (69-70).

Time is a very important theme in Mrs. Dalloway. Woolf herself must have been very hung up on time since she committed suicide - as she planned her suicide, she was very aware that her time was limited and this is evident through her writing. As this passage is written from Septimus’ point of view, Woolf makes it clear that like herself, Septimus is very aware of time. Woolf uses strong imagery through her diction to suggest the power of words in relation to time. One cannot take back any words one says as words are “imperishable.” Calling the words “hard” and “white” suggest their strength and and imply that they cannot be destroyed. This is different from humans who are destroyed as time passes. Therefore, it is words that Woolf is referring to when she says that it is an “immortal ode to Time” - words cannot die. The first sentence suggests that upon hearing the word “time,” Time itself breaks free or “[splits] its husk” inside Septimus. He suddenly becomes aware of the beauty of Time as it “[pours] its riches over him” and he grows to appreciate the immortality of words. Woolf uses this passage to emphasize Septimus’ appreciation for the beauty of life but he feels that his words represent himself more accurately. He sees the beauty in life and realizes that he will live on through his words after he is gone. It is also interesting to point out that Rezia had actually merely asked Septimus what the time was instead of making the statement, “It is time.” However, through Septimus’ perception of this statement, Woolf makes it clear that Septimus is realizing that his time for death is approaching.