Quote 16
And there is a dignity in people; a solitude; even between husband and wife a gulf; and that one must respect, thought Clarissa […] for one would not part with it oneself, or take it, against his will, from one's husband, without losing one's independence, one's self-respect – something, after all, priceless. (5.23)
Clarissa is comforted by the fact that Richard gives her space that Peter never would have. Peter’s love is oppressive and needy, but Richard respects that they’re two different people.
Quote 17
What business had the Bradshaws to talk of death at her party? A young man had killed himself. And they talked of it at her party – the Bradshaws, talked of death. He had killed himself – but how? (6.85)
Clarissa immediately feels some strange connection to Septimus. Though repulsed by the mention of his death, she’s still intrigued.
Quote 18
Those ruffians, the Gods, shan't have it all their own way, – her notion being that the Gods, who never lost a chance of hurting, thwarting and spoiling human lives were seriously put out if, all the same, you behaved like a lady. That phase came directly after Sylvia's death – that horrible affair. (4.69)
Clarissa witnessed her own sister being crushed by a tree – an accident that was apparently her father’s fault. Like Septimus’ reaction to the loss of Evans, Clarissa moves on and behaves "properly" (meaning stoically) in the face of trauma. Clearly that doesn’t help anything.