Clarissa Dalloway prepares for an evening party in post-World War I London while the internal monologues of various characters reveal the fractured nature of their reality. Clarissa navigates the social expectations of her class, while the narrative simultaneously tracks the deteriorating mental state of Septimus Warren Smith, a veteran suffering from shell shock. The story unfolds over a single day, utilizing a stream-of-consciousness technique that shifts fluidly between the perspectives of multiple characters. These individuals are bound by their physical proximity in the city and their shared experience of the aftermath of the Great War. The narrative framework prioritizes internal reflection over external action, emphasizing the passage of time and the weight of memory.

Readers frequently highlight the innovative structure of the text, noting how the fluid movement between characters creates a sense of interconnectedness within the urban environment. Discussion often centers on the contrast between Clarissa's superficial social concerns and the profound psychological suffering experienced by Septimus. Critics often point to the rhythmic quality of the prose, which mimics the erratic nature of human thought and memory. The work is widely recognized for its ability to capture the atmosphere of London through sensory detail and internal monologue. Many readers find the lack of traditional plot progression challenging, yet they appreciate the depth of characterization achieved through this experimental approach.