[Vwoolf] "What a lark! What a plunge!" (Could Woolf have had the bird in mind?)

[Sunjoo Lee]

Dear Woolfians, 
 
I am wondering about those two phrases in the opening of Mrs. Dalloway. 
I have always thought the "lark" to be the bird; that Clarissa on that morning saw a lark (flying high), admired it, saw it plunge, and admired it also. 
 
Then I seem to remember someone becoming incredulous when I said something to that effect discussing the opening of the novel. 
I happen to have a French translation, and it rendered them: "La bouffée de plaisir! le plongeon!" Obviously the translator thought the "lark" to be more 
along the lines of "sudden outburst of...." 
 
Is this contested? Or is it definitely *not* the bird? 
I would appreciate if you let me know what you think. 
 
All best, 
Sunjoo Lee 
 
 
 
 
 
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