The Hours Summary

The narrative unfolds through the lives of three distinct women. The initial strand delves into an eventful day in 1923 when Virginia Woolf embarks on the creation of her novel, Mrs. Dalloway. The second aspect deals with Laura Brown, a housewife in 1949 America, who devotes part of her day to reading Mrs. Dalloway. The final thread takes place in the late 20th century and centers around Clarissa Vaughn, who organizes a party for her critically ill poet-friend, Richard. The chapters alternate consistently, focusing on each of these main characters.

The story begins with a detailed account of Virginia Woolf's suicide. Leaving parting notes for her husband and sister, she strides towards a nearby river, selects a weighty stone, and wades into the water. The plot then diverges to the early mornings of the three primary characters. Clarissa Vaughn sets off from her New York apartment to purchase flowers for her evening party, honoring her friend Richard, a poet and novelist suffering from AIDS, who is to receive a significant literary award. The narrative shifts to Virginia Woolf, years before her suicide, rising and contemplating the start of her new novel. Lastly, attention is given to Laura Brown, a post-World War II mother in Los Angeles, as she spends her morning absorbed in Mrs. Dalloway.

The narrative fills the rest of the day with various episodes. Clarissa Vaughn interacts with Richard, brightening his dreary apartment with flowers, while Virginia Woolf battles a crippling headache after two hours of writing. Laura Brown, on the other hand, strives to bake a perfect birthday cake with her son. The day's end finds the women preparing for bed. Virginia Woolf contemplates a move back to London, while Laura Brown contemplates her alienation from her own life. Finally, an older Laura visits Clarissa's apartment after her son Richard's tragic death, leaving Clarissa to ruminate on the passage of time.