Mrs Dalloway

Doris Kilman is an educated German woman in her forties who enjoys history. She tutors Clarissa’s daughter Elizabeth in history and develops some influence over Elizabeth as they become close. She wears an old, green mackintosh coat that is rather unappealing which suggests that she is aloof from society’s judgement of appearances. Miss Kilman has recently converted to Christianity and has suffered a great deal from society that has left her bitter and resentful. This is most clear in Miss Kilman’s contempt for Clarissa who encapsulates the upper class.

Miss Kilman feels victimised by society. When World War I began, she was dismissed from her teaching position at a school because she did not believe that all Germans were villains, being of German ancestry herself. This attitude and her heritage led to her being ostracised and without employment, leaving her lonely and vulnerable.

Her plight has caused her to despise the ruling class and those who support it. This is evident in her hatred and disdain for Clarissa, though this hostility is somewhat of a mask for Miss Kilman’s envy for Clarissa’s ability to enjoy the privileges and opportunities that were denied to Miss Kilman.

However, Miss Kilman is unable to acknowledge the reality of her jealousy and discontent, not wanting to confront her own feelings of inferiority or shame. Her envy of Clarissa stems from a feeling of inadequacy that has developed through society’s mistreatment and repression. It is more comfortable for Miss Kilman to rage against Clarissa than to accept that she herself is flawed.

Miss Kilman’s contempt for Clarissa cause turbulence between them – their interactions are feisty, uneasy, and filled with derision. Religion helps Miss Kilman to cope with the rage and injustice she feels. Through Reverend Whittaker, Miss Kilman was introduced to the Christian faith and was enamoured by its teachings. She is inspired, reinvigorated, and seeks to influence and convert Elizabeth.

Like most people, Miss Kilman desires a purpose. Society has robbed Miss Kilman of her ancestral pride and teaching, but religion provides her with a new chance for a meaningful and peaceful life. Miss Kilman believes that God is able to relieve her of the suffering and rage she endures. But despite Miss Kilman’s conversion, her rage remains. She weaponises her faith and uses it as a justification for her anger, believing that it is God’s will to destroy Clarissa.

As a result of Miss Kilman’s loneliness and isolation from her German herit- age, she becomes attached to Elizabeth, living vicariously through the young woman. Consequently, she encourages Elizabeth to pursue opportunities that Miss Kilman never had due to the forces of the patriarchy. In particular, she discourages Elizabeth from following in Clarissa’s footsteps, much to Clarissa’s chagrin as she sees Miss Kilman as a source of indoctrination.

Miss Kilman’s character therefore contrasts greatly with Clarissa. They are from the opposite social classes, and whilst Clarissa leads a rather privileged, conventional and stable life, Miss Kilman had to work tirelessly for what she has now. Despite these differences, Miss Kilman and Clarissa are united in the deep suffering they face from society. They are both facing despair, unhappiness, and anxiety. This suggests that all people are vulnerable to the repressive nature of society, and that giving in to conformity only perpetuates suffering.