How we cite our quotes:
Quote #7
"Communication is health; communication is happiness, communication –" he muttered. (4.99)
One of Septimus' most important messages is about communication. He believes birds are talking to him in Greek, and he just wishes he could find the right words to express how he feels. Finally his death becomes the only available form of communication – and Clarissa senses that.
Quote #8
She was about to split asunder, she felt. The agony was so terrific. If she could grasp her, if she could clasp her, if she could make her hers absolutely and forever and then die; that was all she wanted. But to sit here, unable to think of anything to say; to see Elizabeth turning against her; to be felt repulsive even by her – it was too much; she could not stand it. The thick fingers curled inwards. (5.71)
Miss Kilman’s love for Elizabeth is very possessive and desperate. She knows that the harder she tries, the more she’ll drive Elizabeth away.
Quote #9
Why, after all, did she do these things? Why seek pinnacles and stand drenched in fire? Might it consume her anyhow! Burn her to cinders! (6.7)
Clarissa worries that her party will be a failure. She wonders why she sets herself up for failure and disappointment. These are all feelings that she cannot express to the outside world for fear of losing her facade of upper-class perfection.