“…in Westminster…one feels even in the midst of the traffic, or walking at night…a particular hush, or solemnity; an indescribable pause; a suspense…before Big Ben strikes.” (pg. 4)
The city of Westminster is a borough of the greater city of London. This portion of London is the seat of the United Kingdom’s government and is often referred to as the West End. Many well-known landmarks are located in this area including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben (as alluded to in the quote). In addition to being common tourist attractions, these landmarks are especially important to the Great Britain’s culture. Woolf alludes to Westminster and the iconic Big Ben within the first few pages of the story in order to establish the setting. Her description of the anticipation preceding the ringing of Big Ben also suggests the dignity and pride that the reader soon discovers in the Londoners of the story.
"City of Westminster." Wikipedia. Web. 28 Sept. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Westminster
Photo Credit: Big Ben. Digital image. Web. 30 Sept. 2009. http://greggayden.com/europe05/Big%20Ben.jpg
love that language in the last line -- suggests the dignity and pride
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