Everyone seemed unreal and dreamlike: "it was possible to say things you couldn't say anyhow else, things that needed an effort; possible to go much deeper. But not for her; not yet anyhow" (P. 188.) When Clarissa returns home to the small attic room she is secluded and lonely. She thinks of her experiences with Sally with whom she had been intimately involved. Sally is presented as Clarissa's inspiration to think for herself, to fantasise. The kiss between Sally and Clarissa is described as an epiphany: .
Sally stopped; picked a flower; kissed her on the lips. The whole world might have turned upside down! The others disappeared; there she was alone with Sally. And she felt that she had been given a present, wrapped up, and told just to keep it, not to look at it- a diamond, something infinitely precious, wrapped up, which, as they walked (up and down, up and down), she uncovered, or the radiance burnt through, the revelation, the religious feeling!" (P. 40.) .
Society is seen as stifling Clarissa's love for Sally as it was improper. Peter and Joseph's intrusion on this moment is frustrating for Clarissa. This symbolises the dominance of men in society and the conservative attitude towards homosexuality: "She felt only how Sally was being mauled already, maltreated; she felt his hostility; his jealousy; his determination to break into their companionship" (P. 41.) Peter expresses his frustration at Clarissa's prudeness. He describes "the death of her soul (P.66.) He refers to her "coldness" and "woodenness." He highlights her "impenetrability" (P. 68.) Perhaps she is only able to show any real warmth to women and Sally. Clarissa has a "maternal" desire towards men, wanting to mother them (P. 69.) However she only feels true passion with a woman. Clarissa is analysed in terms of her life, personality, and thought process throughout the book by the author and other characters. She is viewed from many angles.