The Representation of Anti-German Sentiment and Subalternity in Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway

Doris Kilman in Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway is one of the representatives of the marginalized German civilians treated as subaltern in post-war Britain. Notwithstanding Kilman’s short presence in this novel, the issue of anti-German sentiment after the First World War can be clearly addressed through this character. This paper argues that Kilman occupies a subaltern position in British society, drawing on Antonio Gramsci’s theory of subalternity. Moreover, Kilman is considered as an “Other” who is ascribed with multiple negative characteristics. Kilman’s identity crisis, defense mechanism and possible resistance are also critically explained. Overall, this paper aims at explaining Virginia Woolf’s portrayal of British racism and the ostracization of Germans through social exclusion, economic exploitation and political subjugation in Britain. This argument might be useful to better comprehend the predicaments inflicted upon the German minorities leading to discrimination and the devastating psychological impacts of the marginalization upon the oppressed portrayed in this novel. Spectrum, Volume 19, June 2024: 59-67