Mrs Dalloway Quotes
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Source: Mrs Dalloway
Author: Virginia Woolf
Mrs Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself.
Context
The very first line of Mrs Dalloway helps set the tone for what is to come.
Readers don't yet know the significance of the flower ordeal, but it turns out there are two things going on here: (1) Mrs Dalloway (her formal name) seems to think a small, trivial task is a big deal; and (2) it's also a big deal that she herself is going to get them instead of sending a servant.
Where you've heard it
Ever seen the movie The Hours? This quote is repeated by the three main characters, each of whom have been affected by the novel Mrs. Dalloway in different dallo-ways. The movie uses this line and quick transitions to bring the three main characters together.
It's also just a generally famous line—maybe because of its simplicity.
Think of it as the "Call me Ishmael" of the 20th century: it's got the main character's name in it, it tells us a bit about our protagonist, and it precedes an adventurous day of party hosting/year of whale hunting.
Exactly the same.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
If you're talking down to someone who's about to run an errand, just keep it to yourself.