Aristocracy in Mrs. Dalloway

In Mrs. Dalloway, Woolf portrays the British upper class as stereotypically superficial through the thoughts of Clarissa, Richard, Hugh, and Lady Bruton.  The aristocracy feel important and act aloof yet they never do anything of worth.  Clarissa acts as the materialistic wife who obsesses over trivialities.  Clarissa, the perfect hostess, spends the entire day preparing for a party and thinks of flowers and hats more than the war or education.  Also, since she has never worked and has servants to do all the housework, she most likely throws parties to add excitement to her dull life.  Clarissa's husband, Richard, holds an important government position yet barely works.  He has time to go out for lunch during the day and spends the day leisurely.  Richard enjoys his extravagant lunch at Lady Bruton's where he "cherished these romantic views about well-set-up old woman of pedigree" rather than admiring hard work (Woolf 105).  Hugh is the quintessential British gentleman who lacks depth and character.  Hugh has very good manners and social skills yet lacks intelligence for he "thought only of his chicken" at lunch (107).  Lady Bruton cares only of her ancestors and family's accomplishments.  Since her great-grandfather was a general, she finds satisfaction in her ancestors' actions and therefore does nothing of importance herself.  Lady Bruton is not even competent enough to write her own letter but she is still greatly respected among the aristocracy.  Woolf depicts the aristocracy of the time as essentially worthless yet they still rank higher than the hardworking middle class.