To the

Lighthouse
Study Guide by Course Hero

ABOUT THE TITLE

What's Inside By going "to the" lighthouse—a symbol of the inaccessible—the
characters strive to achieve what has previously been
unattainable in To the Lighthouse.
j Book Basics ................................................................................................. 1

d In Context ..................................................................................................... 1

a Author Biography ..................................................................................... 2 d In Context

h Characters .................................................................................................. 3

k Plot Summary ............................................................................................. 7 Modernism

c Chapter Summaries .............................................................................. 13 Queen Victoria's death and King Edward's accession to the
throne in 1901 marked the beginning of the end of the Victorian
g Quotes ........................................................................................................ 34
era. Its ideals are reflected in the conventionality of Mr. and
l Symbols ..................................................................................................... 36 Mrs. Ramsay, whose marriage is scrutinized in To the
Lighthouse. During the Edwardian era, from 1901 until King
m Themes ....................................................................................................... 37 Edward's death in 1910, writers begin departing from the
influences of 19th-century realism and naturalism, striving for a
e Suggested Reading ............................................................................. 38
mode that represented a freer and more contemporary human
spirit.

Woolf observed that human nature changed "on or about

j Book Basics December 1910." By indicting past traditions and reinventing
forms, artists looked at their subjects differently, often from
AUTHOR multiple viewpoints. Stream of consciousness in literature
Virginia Woolf reflected these modernist visions. Stream of consciousness, a
term coined by psychologist William James, is a writing style
YEAR PUBLISHED where a character's thoughts and feelings are transmitted in a
1927 continuous uninterrupted flow. James Joyce, Virginia Woolf,
and Marcel Proust were early pioneers of the form.
GENRE
Drama After the publication of Mrs. Dalloway in 1925, Woolf began
writing To the Lighthouse, her fifth novel, which she published
PERSPECTIVE AND NARRATOR
in 1927. As influential modernist and feminist works, the two
To the Lighthouse is told by a third-person omniscient narrator,
novels remain her most popular and successful. Woolf insisted
with shifting points of view.
"books continue each other, in spite of our habit of judging
TENSE them separately"; contemporary writer Hisham Matar, who
To the Lighthouse is told in the past tense. counts To the Lighthouse as the novel in which Woolf
To the Lighthouse Study Guide Author Biography 2

"mastered" her sentence, sees this connection: "With each mother and kills his father. The Oedipus complex explains a
book she became more obsessed with language and how young child's sexual attraction to the parent of the opposite
when we speak we often fall short of or else exceed what we sex and the desire to remove the same-sex parent who blocks
intended to express." Woolf's sentences, "freely progressing, the child's fulfillment. The child's repression of sexual desire
long, fractured series of observations and insights, unburdened leads to the development of the superego, the part of the brain
and unhurried by the need to tell a 'story,'" examine the that acts as the conscience based on learned social standards.
successes and failures of the human psyche and connection.
According to Freud, not identifying with the same-sex parent
may cause infantile neurosis. This trauma, which can be

World War I brought on by a parent's death or an unloving environment,

may cause similar reactions to the same-sex parent in
adulthood. At the novel's beginning, the Ramsays' son James
World War I (1914–18) left massive destruction and a
feels murderous toward his father for demanding his mother's
devastating number of casualties. Woolf identified some events
attention and for thwarting a trip to the lighthouse.
as indescribable: among these was war. In her diary she
recorded the details and developments on the war front such Mrs. Ramsay's death and its unresolved issues inflict trauma on
as air raids, casualties, and sunken ships. Of the war, she said her family and friends. The novel's structure suggests James's
the "vast events now shaping across the channel are towering development is complicated. His love for his mother is frozen in
over us too closely and too tremendously to be worked [in] time, and his conflict with his father continues. When his father
without a painful jolt in the perspective." finally compliments James's sailing as they reach the
previously inaccessible lighthouse, his sister Cam thinks he has
In England, with men away at war, women filled many positions
finally received what he has desired—his father's
at home. Woolf's sister-in-law, Ray Strachey, reported, "quiet
approval—suggesting resolution, growth, and development.
mothers of families" and "flighty and giggling young girls"
infiltrated the workforce, "transformed" into painters,
ploughmen, engineers. Following the war, women had a
foothold in life outside the home—rights and a voice—and were a Author Biography
unwilling to retreat.
Adeline Virginia Stephen, later known as Virginia Woolf, was
The second section of To the Lighthouse, "Time Passes"
born into an artistic family on January 25, 1882, in London,
addresses the impact of the war, its massive destruction
England. Her father, Leslie Stephen was a well-known editor
reflected in the deaths of family members and desolation of
and biographer. Her mother, Julia Jackson Stephen, was a
the Ramsays' lives and home. This section serves as a
well-connected, good-natured woman, known for her beauty
temporal bridge between past and present (prewar and
and modeling for pre-Raphaelite painters. Woolf began writing
postwar). Its conflated treatment of time, narrative distance,
at an early age, spearheading a family newspaper, the Hyde
dramatic metaphor and understatement of death reflect
Park Gate News, in which she heckled her older sister Vanessa,
Woolf's "indescribable."
a painter, and her younger brother, Adrian, her mother's
favorite as he was believed to be the most sensitive child.

Freud's Theories Every summer the family vacationed on the Cornwall coast. In
1895, when Woolf was 13, her mother died at age 49. Shortly
Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) founded after Julia Stephen's death, Woolf suffered her first nervous
psychoanalysis, the treatment of mental illness through breakdown. Deeply saddened and depressed, Woolf stopped
dialogue. Widely discussed during his lifetime, his theories, one writing for almost a year. As she began to emerge from her
of which was the idea of the Oedipus complex, interested depression, her half sister, Stella Duckworth, died in 1897.
Woolf, who explored his ideas of sexual development in To the When her father died in 1904, Woolf suffered another nervous
Lighthouse. The complex is named after the Greek hero breakdown.
Oedipus, who in Sophocles's tragedy unknowingly marries his
During Woolf's recovery, Vanessa, Woolf's sister, moved the

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Characters 3

Stephen children (Thoby, Virginia, Adrian, and herself) to the sensation is reflected in the novel through the thoughts of Cam
Bloomsbury section of London, where the siblings were free to and James Ramsay, who resent Mr. Ramsay's lighthouse
pursue their intellectual and artistic interests. expeditions, "rites he went through for his own pleasure in
memory of dead people."
During a family vacation in Greece in 1906, Woolf expressed
her literary intentions, "I should like to write not only with the Between 1907 and 1930 the Bells and the Stephens hosted
eye, but with the mind; & discover real things beneath the meetings of young artists and intellectuals. Inspired by the
show." Shortly after this trip, Thoby died of typhoid fever, and works of G.E. Moore, A.N. Whitehead, and Bertrand Russell, the
Vanessa married art critic Clive Bell. Counting both events as Bloomsbury group, as it was known, discussed subjects related
losses, Woolf remained afloat, secretly writing Reminiscences, to art, literature, and philosophy. The group was interested in
about her mother and her childhood. the meanings of goodness, truth, and beauty, and questioned
conventional thinking. These meetings of the minds inspired
Woolf wrote three novels, often called the St. Ives trilogy, Woolf to write both critically and creatively. Political theorist
inspired by her childhood summers in Cornwall: Jacob's Room and writer Leonard Woolf, writer and critic Lytton Strachey,
(1922), To the Lighthouse (1927), and The Waves (1931). She and novelist E.M. Forster were among their guests. Writers T.S.
represented those formative memories closely in To the Eliot and Aldous Huxley also were associated with the group.
Lighthouse, moving St. Ives Bay and the Godrevy Lighthouse to In 1911 Leonard Woolf returned from eight years of government
the Hebrides, and basing the novel on Julia and Leslie service in Ceylon (now Sri-Lanka), and he and Virginia married
Stephen's marital dynamic in the characters of Mr. and Mrs. the following summer.
Ramsay, a traditional couple preserving the gender roles of a
class-based society. Plagued by loss and lack of confidence in her work, Virginia
Woolf suffered bouts of depression throughout her life and
Both of Woolf's parents had children from previous marriages attempted suicide multiple times. While working on Between
and spent summers with their eight children and friends at the Acts, her final novel, despondent and unable to write,
Talland House. Her father allowed Woolf access to his Virginia Woolf filled her pockets with stones and drowned
extensive library and because of him was surrounded by herself in the River Ouse on March 28, 1941.
literary influences. Prominent writers such as Henry James,
James Russell Lowell, and George Meredith frequented the

h Characters
Stephens' London and St. Ives homes.

Haunted by her mother's absence, Woolf wanted to write

about her mother's life and death within the context of family
summers. In "A Sketch of the Past" Woolf confessed her
mother "obsessed" her: "I could hear her voice, see her,
Mrs. Ramsay
imagine what she would do or say as I went about my day's
The wife of Mr. Ramsay and mother of eight, Mrs. Ramsay is an
doings." The idea for To the Lighthouse came while she was
advocate for marriage and family. She is deeply involved with
strolling in Tavistock Square in Bloomsbury. She drafted the
her roles as wife, mother, hostess, benefactor, and muse. She
book in an "involuntary rush." After completing it Woolf
supports the domestic and emotional needs of her husband,
declared she was no longer obsessed by her mother.
children, and guests and is particularly sensitive to her
In 1905 Woolf and her family returned to Cornwall after an husband's continuing demands for reassurance and love. Mrs.
absence of 11 years, inspiring the third section of To the Ramsay encourages women to fulfill society's traditional
Lighthouse. Woolf found their "past preserved," as though "it gender roles and believes marriage and family are necessary
had been guarded & treasured for us to come back to one for fulfillment. Her unexpected death forces her family and
day." On their arrival the caretaker cried at the memory of Julia friends to navigate the world without her, but she leaves a
Stephen's "beauty & charity," emphasizing the lasting effect lasting influence on all.
Mrs. Stephen had on the community. That summer Woolf
reflected on their train expedition, which was "more ... to fulfill a
tradition than for the sake of any actual pleasure." Perhaps this

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Characters 4

her neutrality causes conflict between the siblings as she

Mr. Ramsay relents in her resolve against their father, seeing him at his
most charming. She shares in and understands James's
Mrs. Ramsay's husband and father of eight, Mr. Ramsay pleasure when Mr. Ramsay finally compliments him for his
published a significant book in his field at 25. After his early sailing.
success, he has failed to gain more recognition. His lack of
professional success has helped make him insufferably needy,
irritable, and ill-tempered—traits he demonstrates by slamming
doors, throwing plates, and other attention-grabbing, childish
Paul Rayley
behavior. He constantly seeks praise and attention, especially
At Mrs. Ramsay's encouragement, simple and handsome Paul
from women: at 61 to ease the pain of his failures and at 71 to
Rayley proposes to Minta Doyle, with whom he has been
soothe the pain of heartbreak.
spending a lot of time. To Mrs. Ramsay's satisfaction, Paul is a
refreshing alternative to academics, whom she finds boring.
When Lily, who thinks she loves Paul, asks to accompany him
Lily Briscoe to look for Minta's brooch, he laughs at her, hurting Lily's
feelings.
Free-spirited Lily Briscoe is intense, thinking she is in love with
the Ramsays, the island, the house, and perhaps Paul Rayley.
Despite her independence and unwillingness to follow a
traditional life, Lily is insecure about her work and her choices.
Minta Doyle
She grows impatient with Charles Tansley, who insists women
A charismatic tomboy, Minta Doyle evokes Mrs. Ramsay's
cannot be artists, and is envious of beautiful and seemingly
jealous feelings because of her youth, beauty, and Mr.
serene Mrs. Ramsay, who appears to get everything she wants.
Ramsay's attention. Fearless, Minta rushes into things with no
Years later after Mrs. Ramsay's death, Lily returns to Scotland
thought of the consequences: wearing a precious heirloom to
to confront her loss and paint her picture again, this time
the beach, accepting Paul Rayley's proposal. These rash
finishing it.
actions cause her pain (she cries over the brooch) and
threaten the harmony of others (she is late to dinner and
makes others late because they search for her brooch).
James
James Ramsay plays a key role in the novel because he is the
character that wants to sail to the lighthouse as the novel
begins. Always seeking to protect her children from
disappointment, Mrs. Ramsay tries to preserve his sweet
innocence by shielding him from his father's gruff, but
accurate, comments about bad weather that will prevent the
excursion. James carries a long and serious grudge toward his
father, initially for stealing his mother's attention and later for
not demonstrating love as his mother had.

Cam
Cam is rebellious, refusing to listen to her nursemaid and
mother. Like Lily Briscoe, she is independent, but her youth
prevents her independence from taking real form. Because of
a later pact with James to withstand their father's dominance,

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Characters 5

Character Map

Siblings

Mr. Ramsay
Manic; emotionally needy

Father Father

James
Cam
Spouses Despises father, but is
Untamed and imaginative
very similar

Mother

Mother

Mrs. Ramsay
Emotionally supportive

Friends

Friends

Minta Doyle Friends

Lily Briscoe
Vivacious, outgoing tomboy Introverted artist

Betrothed Friends

Paul Rayley
Charming, but simple-minded

Main Character

Other Major Character

Minor Character

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Characters 6

Full Character List Aunt Camilla

Aunt Camilla is Mrs. Ramsay's
beautiful aunt, who had a tendency to
exaggerate.
Character Description
Elderly, opium-​smoking poet
Augustus Carmichael, with his lack of
Beautiful, kind, maternal, conventional
grooming and inattention to others, is
Mrs. Ramsay is the novel's central
Mrs. Ramsay Augustus the only guest seemingly unaffected
character, with her influence
Carmichael by Mrs. Ramsay; devastated by
extending to all others.
Andrew Ramsay's death, Carmichael
writes war poetry that brings him
A metaphysical philosopher, insecure fame.
Mr. Ramsay Mr. Ramsay can be unpleasant, harsh,
and demanding.
Although her name is not mentioned,
Mrs. Carmichael is Augustus
An independent and introverted artist, Carmichael's wife, who kicks him out
Mrs. Carmichael
Lily Briscoe is Mrs. Ramsay's good and, in Mrs. Ramsay's opinion, turns
Lily Briscoe her husband against her [Mrs.
friend and is painting a portrait of her
and her youngest son, James. Ramsay].

The youngest of the Ramsays' eight Mrs. Doyle is Minta Doyle's mother,
James children, James is fascinated by and who hesitates to allow Minta to stay
wants to visit the lighthouse. Mrs. Doyle with the Ramsays, having heard Mrs.
Ramsay is authoritarian and
tyrannical.
Free-​spirited Cam Ramsay is the
Cam
youngest of the Ramsays' daughters.
Edward sends James a boar skull,
Edward
which James nails to the wall.
Serious, agreeable Paul Rayley is
Paul Rayley
Minta Doyle's fiancé.
Ellen works for the Ramsays in the
Ellen kitchen and brings Augustus
Outgoing, carefree, and charming, Carmichael another plate of soup.
Minta Doyle Minta Doyle stays with the Ramsays
and becomes Paul Rayley's fiancée.
Elsie is the impoverished woman Mrs.
Elsie
Ramsay visits in town.
A childless widower, scrupulous
William Bankes is a botanist, Mr.
William Bankes Ramsay's estranged friend, and Lily Miss Giddings is a silly woman whom
Briscoe's close friend; he is secretly in Miss Giddings Mr. Ramsay once frightened when he
love with Mrs. Ramsay. shouted.

Old Mrs. Bast helps Mrs. McNab clean Mrs. Ramsay's Uncle James brought
Mrs. Bast the Ramsay house during its Uncle James Mrs. Ramsay an opal necklace from
abandonment. India.

George Bast is Mrs. Bast's son, who Kennedy is the Ramsays' former
George Bast helps prepare the Ramsays' summer gardener, whom Mrs. Ramsay thought
Kennedy
house after 10 years. handsome but lazy; he was injured
falling off a cart.

Mrs. Beckwith, an elderly woman who

Mrs. Beckwith sketches, is staying at the Ramsays' Macalister accompanies Mr. Ramsay,
summer house in "The Lighthouse." Macalister James, and Cam on the excursion to
the lighthouse.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Plot Summary 7

Macalister's quiet son fishes on the Nancy Ramsay is the Ramsays'

Macalister's son
excursion to the lighthouse. daughter, who accompanies Paul
Nancy Ramsay Rayley and Minta Doyle when he
proposes and later forgets to order
Davie Davie Macdonald is a former lunches for the lighthouse trip.
Macdonald unreliable gardener for the Ramsays.

The Ramsays' eldest and beautiful

A friend of William Bankes, Carrie Prue Ramsay daughter, Prue, dies shortly after
Manning is Mrs. Ramsay's estranged childbirth.
Carrie Manning
friend and Herbert Manning's wife,
who has built a new billiard room.
Roger Ramsay is Mr. and Mrs.
Roger Ramsay
Ramsay's son.
George George Manning is a famous guest of
Manning the Ramsays, who liked Mrs. Ramsay.
Rose Ramsay is Mr. and Mrs.
Ramsay's daughter, who enjoys
Herbert Manning is Carrie Manning's Rose Ramsay
Herbert selecting jewelry for her mother to
successful husband and William wear.
Manning
Bankes's friend.

Sorley is a father and the lighthouse

The Ramsays' Swiss maid, Marie Sorley
keeper.
cannot leave her job to be with her
Marie
father, who is dying of cancer in
Switzerland. Mrs. Ramsay knits stockings for
Sorley's son Sorley's son, who has a tuberculous
hip.
Marthe works in the Ramsays' kitchen
Marthe and serves the boeuf en daube at
dinner. Narrow-​minded, abrasive, sexist
Charles Tansley admires Mr. Ramsay
and comes to admire Mrs. Ramsay
Mrs. McNab is the elderly caretaker Charles Tansley because of the attention she gives
Mrs. McNab
for the Ramsays' summer house. him and her embodiment of
womanhood; his remarks that women
George McNab is Mrs. McNab's son, cannot create art anger Lily.
George McNab who helps restore the Ramsays'
summer house. Mr. Wallace is a famous guest of the
Mr. Wallace
Ramsays, who liked Mrs. Ramsay.
The nursemaid tells Cam to give
Nursemaid William Bankes a flower, and she
refuses.

k Plot Summary
A painter, Mr. Paunceforte visited and
Mr. Paunceforte
influenced landscape painting.
To the Lighthouse is divided into three parts, which are further
broken down into numbered chapters. Virginia Woolf described
Gifted in mathematics, Andrew
Andrew the division as an H shape, the longer first and third "vertical"
Ramsay is the Ramsays' oldest son;
Ramsay
he is killed instantly during the war. sections taking place during single days and the shorter
"horizontal" connecting second part taking place over 10 years.
A bird hunter, Jasper is Mr. and Mrs. These divisions illustrate the extension and contraction of time.
Jasper Ramsay
Ramsay's son.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Plot Summary 8

Ramsay marries and dies from childbirth complications. At war,

The Window Andrew Ramsay is killed instantly by a shell.

The story begins in early 1900s Scotland, just before World The house sits abandoned. Mrs. McNab cleans and tends to
War I, as the Ramsays and company travel to their vacation the house but during World War I closes it. After a decade the
home in the Hebrides. "The Window" covers about seven hours Ramsays write Mrs. McNab asking her to ready the house. She,
during an afternoon and evening but spans nearly half the along with Mrs. Bast, her son, and contractors, restore the
novel. Mrs. Ramsay tells her six-year-old son, James, he can go summer home in time for the guests' arrival.
to the lighthouse if the weather permits. Her husband, a
metaphysician who made a significant contribution to the field
early in his career, and his brash "admirer" Charles Tansley The Lighthouse
extinguish James's hopes by saying the weather will make it
impossible. Later in the afternoon the Ramsays argue over the "The Lighthouse" covers only a few hours in one morning,
weather. focusing on the home's current state after a tumultuous
decade. Lily Briscoe is unable to process all that has
Family friend Lily Briscoe is attempting to paint a portrait of
happened. Mr. Ramsay has planned a trip to the lighthouse and
Mrs. Ramsay and James. William Bankes, another friend, living
is angry his children have made them late for the trip. Lily
in the village, has agreed to stay for dinner. Mrs. Ramsay
recalls the painting of Mrs. Ramsay and James and decides to
dedicates much of the day to protecting James's "fleeting"
paint the scene again. When she sets up her easel outside, Mr.
innocence and arranging a dinner party. Mr. Ramsay behaves
Ramsay interrupts her, seeking sympathy. Unable to comfort
boorishly, demanding female praise and reassurance.
him, she remains silent until she notices his shoes. James and
Throughout the day Mrs. Ramsay worries over the
Cam Ramsay arrive, and the family leaves, while Lily feels
whereabouts of her daughter Nancy (who she thinks may be
remorse.
out walking with Minta Doyle, Paul Rayley, and Andrew
Ramsay) and thinks about matchmaking and domestic issues In the boat James and Cam are forced to confront their anger
like the greenhouse repair bill. Intermittently posing for Lily with Mr. Ramsay. On the lawn Lily is forced to confront her
Briscoe's painting, Mrs. Ramsay devotes most of her time to repressed emotions over the loss of her friend. After intense
ensuring the comfort of others, particularly her husband, within introspection, and Cam's change of heart, Cam and James
the house and in the community (the lighthouse keeper's ill son reach the lighthouse together with their father; Lily finishes her
and poor Elsie in town). painting.

The day culminates in the bœuf en daube supper for a group of

15 that includes newly engaged Minta Doyle and Paul Rayley.
Mrs. Ramsay dedicates great effort to create a peaceful meal
and thinks the event memorable, with Mr. Ramsay, despite his
earlier ill temper, reciting a poem for her. This first part of the
novel ends with Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay reading and talking
quietly. She tells him he was right about the weather, her way
of affirming her love.

Time Passes
The second part, "Time Passes," covers about 10 years in the
span of a mere 10 to 20 pages or so. William Bankes, Lily
Briscoe, Augustus Carmichael, and Andrew and Prue Ramsay
arrive somberly at the summer house, as war begins across
Europe. During one night Mrs. Ramsay dies unexpectedly. Prue

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Plot Summary 9

Plot Diagram

Climax

11

10
12
9
Falling Action

Rising Action 8
13
7

6 14
5
15
4
Resolution
3

2
1

Introduction

9. Lily Briscoe, highly emotional, works on a new painting.

Introduction
10. Mr. Ramsay, Cam, and James leave for lighthouse.

1. Mrs. Ramsay tells James he can visit the lighthouse.

Climax

Rising Action 11. Mr. Ramsay praises James.

2. Mr. Ramsay and Charles Tansley predict poor weather.

3. Lily Briscoe starts painting Mrs. Ramsay and James.

Falling Action
4. Mrs. Ramsay hosts a dinner party.
12. The group arrives at the lighthouse.
5. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay realize Paul and Minta are engaged.
13. Mr. Ramsay disembarks.
6. Mrs. Ramsay and her two eldest children die.
14. James and Cam follow Mr. Ramsay to the lighthouse.
7. Mrs. McNab closes, then restores, the house.

8. Family and guests arrive at house after 10 years.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Plot Summary 10

Resolution

15. Lily Briscoe completes her painting.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Plot Summary 11

Timeline of Events

Mid-September, about 1910

Mrs. Ramsay tells James he can visit the lighthouse the

next day; Mr. Ramsay predicts bad weather.

Early evening

Lily Briscoe begins painting Mrs. Ramsay and James.

After 6 p.m.

William Bankes and Lily Briscoe stroll while Mr. Bankes

vents about Mr. Ramsay.

Between 6 and 7 p.m.

Mr. Ramsay, embarrassed and angry, admits failure and

seeks reassurance from his wife.

Shortly after

Lily Briscoe realizes William Bankes is in love with Mrs.

Ramsay.

Dusk; before 7 p.m.

Paul Rayley proposes to Minta Doyle; Minta loses prized

brooch.

Late evening

Dinner guests arrive; Mrs. Ramsay hosts.

Nearly midnight

Mr. Ramsay wants affection from Mrs. Ramsay, who tells

him he was right about the weather.

At least a year later

Mrs. Ramsay dies unexpectedly during an autumn night.

Following spring

Prue Ramsay marries.

Summer, a year later

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Plot Summary 12

Prue Ramsay dies after childbirth; Andrew Ramsay dies

at war.

Later during the war

Mrs. McNab closes the empty house she has been

cleaning since Mrs. Ramsay's death.

September, about 1920

Mrs. McNab, with help, restores the house; Lily Briscoe

and Mr. Carmichael arrive late at night.

Next morning about 8

Lily Briscoe remembers her painting.

Moments later

Lily Briscoe regrets failing to comfort Mr. Ramsay; he,

Cam, and James leave for the lighthouse.

Same morning, still early

Lily Briscoe suffers an emotional episode.

Later that morning

Halfway to the lighthouse the boat stalls.

Lunchtime

Mr. Ramsay compliments James on his sailing; the group

arrives at the lighthouse.

Moments later

Lily Briscoe completes her painting.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 13

c Chapter Summaries Analysis

The novel begins in media res, in the middle of conflict,
Virginia Woolf wrote To the Lighthouse in three parts. This
engaging readers immediately in a family problem: a
study guide provides a summary and analysis of each chapter
disagreement over the weather. The stream-of-consciousness
within those parts.
narrative, combined with interior monologue (the intimate
thoughts, reactions, and emotions of characters), develops
both conflict and characters. The shifting focus of the narrative
The Window, Chapter 1 point of view, moving from character to character, contributes
to the novel's modernist aspects.

Summary When Mr. Ramsay says the weather will not be favorable,
James feels angry toward him for crushing his hope, and the
In the drawing room of her summer house on the Isle of Skye in conflict develops. James thinks, "Had there been an axe
the Hebrides, Mrs. Ramsay tells her son James, he can visit his handy" or any weapon to kill his father with he "would have
beloved lighthouse in the morning if the weather permits. seized it," showing evidence of the rivalry for Mrs. Ramsay's
Looking out of the window, Mr. Ramsay says the weather will love typified in Sigmund Freud's theory of the Oedipus
be poor. His wife reassures the disappointed James, saying complex. As Mrs. Ramsay restores James's hope, his love for
she expects "it will be fine." To Mrs. Ramsay's frustration, his mother grows.
Charles Tansley, her husband's disagreeable pupil, tests the
Mr. Ramsay's and Tansley's lack of consideration for James's
wind with his hand and supports his mentor's opinion,
feelings annoys Mrs. Ramsay, furthering the conflict. Tansley's
disappointing James further. Mrs. Ramsay, always hospitable,
character is complicated by his admiration for Mrs. Ramsay; he
then speaks with "severity" to her daughters as they mock
thinks she is the "most beautiful person he had ever seen." His
Tansley for chasing them "all the way up to the Hebrides" when
affection for her motivates him to please her, and her attention
they would rather be alone. She tells Nancy, "He had been
comforts him, thus making his character more palatable to
asked." Mrs. Ramsay's daughters dream of a "life different from
readers, if not to other characters. As Mrs. Ramsay spends
hers; in Paris, perhaps," lives in which they are "not always
time with him, her negative feelings wane and return,
taking care of some man or other."
complicating their interactions.
Later Mrs. Ramsay asks Tansley, who admires her, to
In addition to the complex relationships in this section of the
accompany her on an errand. On the way she asks Mr.
novel, its title, "The Window," draws attention to the characters'
Carmichael if he wants anything and then informs Tansley of
locations. Mrs. Ramsay and James sit in the drawing room
Mr. Carmichael's "unfortunate marriage." He offers to carry her
while Mr. Ramsay and Tansley engage with them through the
bag. She refuses. He wants her to see his successes, but a
window during their walk and discussion. This placement
one-armed man posting an advertisement for a circus distracts
creates an opposition, which might represent gender roles.
her. When she asks Tansley if he has attended a circus, he
Mrs. Ramsay, mother and wife, remains in the house. Her
talks about impoverished youth as she half-heartedly listens.
husband and his male student find their place outside, near the
She vows to stop making fun of him.
home but not constricted by it. Where women have the house,
In town Mrs. Ramsay enjoys the sight of the bay, a favorite men have the rest of the world. This difference creates tension
view of her husband's. While Mrs. Ramsay visits Elsie, Tansley that looms around the roles of Mrs. Ramsay and other female
waits in the foyer and vows to carry Mrs. Ramsay's bag. Taken characters.
with Mrs. Ramsay's beauty when she re-enters the room, he
Finally, "The Window," the longest of the three parts of the
carries her things. As a worker admires her, Tansley
novel, addresses events that cover about seven hours of time.
experiences "pride," a new feeling for him.
Stylistically, Woolf anchors time through events and
experiences in the characters lives rather than anchoring time
to the traditional calendar or clock. She stretches or

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 14

compresses time through the length of the narrative to grows tense. Assuming she heard it only because Tansley had
suggest the significance and effects of particular events on the left, she feels comforted by the sounds of Mr. Ramsay walking
lives of the characters. While To the Lighthouse takes place the terrace. A moment later she hears a "loud cry" and checks
over 10 years, it also takes place over the course of one day or whether anyone else has heard. She discovers Lily Briscoe,
one 24-hour period. "The Window" covers an afternoon and an who also heard the sound, painting at the lawn's edge and
evening; "Time Passes" covers a dark night that spans 10 remembers to pose for the portrait Lily is painting of her.
years; and "The Lighthouse" covers a morning.

Analysis
The Window, Chapter 2
Mrs. Ramsay's protection of James's budding "passion" for the
lighthouse shows her maternal nature and level of involvement
in daily tasks. This minute attention develops the theme of love
Summary and loss and foreshadows the void her absence will leave.
Restoring James's hope of boating to the lighthouse, which
From the window, an unidentified man tells James with "some
comes to symbolize inaccessibility, shows her hope of
semblance of geniality" there will be no trips to the lighthouse
preserving her youngest child's innocence.
the next day. Mrs. Ramsay is annoyed he continues to
disappoint James. She thinks of him as an "odious little man" As Mrs. Ramsay sorts through background noise, her
and wonders, "Why go on saying that?" impression of what she hears and the ensuing emotions
emphasize her character. Her fixation on the waves, which now
bring thoughts of catastrophe, reflects her troubled state of
Analysis mind, how close she is to negative emotions. Her continual
edginess creates tension. Mrs. Ramsay forgets about posing
Because Mrs. Ramsay calls the unidentified man "odious,"
for Lily, showing her preoccupation with domestic
readers assume it is Tansley as she calls his harping on and
responsibilities and her own thoughts. However, even though
upsetting her youngest child "odious" in the previous chapter.
she does not take Lily's painting "very seriously," she still sits
Although his changed nature—attempted "geniality"—displays
for the portrait, showing how much she desires to please
his growing feelings for Mrs. Ramsay, his nature also damages
others.
the progress they made on their walk, developing the
awkwardness of his character as well as Mrs. Ramsay's
inaccessibility.
The Window, Chapter 4

The Window, Chapter 3

Summary
As Lily Briscoe paints outdoors on the lawn, she fears
Summary someone might look at her work. Mr. Ramsay, running around
outdoors, enacting and reciting poetry, almost knocks down
Mrs. Ramsay slicks James's hair and whispers about the
her easel and says, "Some one had blundered," glaring at her
possibilities of sunshine. Searching a catalog for lawn
and William Bankes standing nearby. Mr. Bankes suggests he
equipment, she listens to the sounds of the children playing
and Lily take a walk. Lily agrees. As she stores her brushes,
outside, Mr. Ramsay and Tansley's chatter, and the waves.
she contemplates craft and her frustration with her inability to
Usually the sound of the sea calms her, but sometimes her
recreate what she envisions.
mind wanders to the "destruction of the island and its
engulfment in the sea." Their "usual" route takes them to a view of the bay, where they
find excitement in watching the waves. When Bankes gazes at
When she hears a foreign sound—a "thundered hollow"—she
the distant sand dunes, he thinks of Mr. Ramsay and is sad

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 15

they grew apart after Mr. Ramsay married.

The Window, Chapter 5
Returning to the house, Mr. Bankes speaks of his envy of the
Ramsays, and Lily asks him to consider Mr. Ramsay's work. He
appreciates her advice and admits he thinks of Mr. Ramsay's Summary
success often. Although the metaphysician's career peaked
before 40, Mr. Bankes admits making a contribution is rare. As Lily Briscoe and William Bankes walk by, Mrs. Ramsay tells
Overwhelmed by her feelings for Mr. Bankes—thinking he is the James if the weather keeps them from the lighthouse, they can
"finest human being" she knows—Lily is, simultaneously, go another day. Mrs. Ramsay is suddenly struck with the idea
discouraged by his flaws, someone who "knows nothing about of Lily and William marrying. She measures the stocking she is
trifles." Mr. Ramsay shouts again, "Some one had blundered," knitting against James, who fidgets.
then slams the door in their faces.
Observing her surroundings, she notices how "shabby"
everything looks. Quickly, she shakes the thought away
Analysis because her family loves the house. Overwhelmed by the
books she has no time to read, she considers solutions to
Lily Briscoe interacts with Mr. Ramsay and Mr. Bankes with improve the house's appearance. Open windows remind her of
different results. She is relieved when Mr. Ramsay, whom she Marie, their maid, whose father is dying.
considers "ridiculous" and "alarming," ignores her painting. Yet,
as William Bankes approaches, she is glad to see him, feeling Mrs. Ramsay scolds James for moving. When she discovers

no impulse to hide her work. That William Bankes is the only the stocking is short, she is sad. As Mrs. Ramsay returns to

person who would not cause her to "turn her canvas upon the knitting, and Mr. Bankes admires her beauty, she kisses James

grass" shows their level of comfort with one another. Her and tells him he can cut out more pictures.

struggle with painting, recreating her vision, develops the

theme of reality versus the ideal, as she cannot achieve the
essence she has in mind.
Analysis
Through the closeness and interactions between Lily Briscoe Mrs. Ramsay's sudden "admirable idea" of Lily and Mr. Bankes
and William Bankes, Woolf explores the theme of love and loss. marrying indicates her support of marriage, as a social
On their walk, Mr. Bankes talks through his lost platonic love, convention, rather than an understanding of people. Despite
Mr. Ramsay. As childless widower, Mr. Bankes also represents her upholding the social structure, the immediate action of
lost romantic love. Lily, an artist, admits to being "in love with getting James to stop fidgeting (wondering "what demon
them all, in love with this world." Lily suffers knowing the possessed him") and the growing list of tasks create tension.
limitations of a class-based and gender-based society. She is After realizing she must knit more, the narrator repeats, "Never
aware of how others see her ("her own inadequacy, her did anybody look so sad," highlighting her exhaustion, as Mr.
insignificance, keeping house for her father off the Brompton Bankes ponders her beauty and her seeming unawareness of
Road"); her past and present draw attention to her future—will it. He thinks, "she's no more aware of her beauty than a child."
she marry? will she paint?—as she opposes Charles Tansley, He thinks perhaps "her beauty" bores her, remembering how
who believes women cannot create art, and Mrs. Ramsay, who she wears deerstalker hats outside to fetch children. A
thinks marriage and children are a woman's highest honor. As practical and busy woman, Mrs. Ramsay does not cultivate her
Mr. Bankes confides in Lily, she gushes over his "goodness," beauty; in fact, it seems of little interest to her, whereas it awes
but believes "praise would be an insult" to him. Thus, displaying others.
quiet longing. Lily fails to connect with even her closest,
In this chapter, Marie serves to develop the theme of reality
nonjudgmental friend as he confides in her.
versus the ideal. Her father suffers from throat cancer in
Switzerland while she works as a maid on a Scottish island.
Her fixation with the ideal, the distant Swiss mountains,
illustrates her wish to be home with her dying father, whereas

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 16

reality keeps her where she is. Marie's reality is class related; priorities. James's animosity toward his father continues, which
she needs to work, and her position prevents her from shows a universal stage of development in the Freud's oedipal
spending time with her dying father. The situation reflects the theory. Six-year-old James highlights his father's difficult
theme of love and loss, as well. Marie is losing her father, character. The demands of both her husband and son wear on
whom she loves. Mrs. Ramsay; she describes herself as a "sponge sopped full of
human emotions."
Also, Mrs. Ramsay thinks, he's "leaving them fatherless." This
somber realization foreshadows Mrs. Ramsay's sudden death During moments of anger, Mr. Ramsay directs his hostility
and furthers the theme of love and loss, illustrating the toward his wife's optimism at all women, thinking the "folly of
children, Marie and the eight Ramsay children, who will lose a women's minds enraged him." Although Mrs. Ramsay is
parent. assertive, defending herself and telling him to stop, she feels
unworthy of him, demonstrating how traditional attitudes of
women's subservience to men govern her thoughts and
The Window, Chapter 6 feelings.

Yet their relationship is not without tender moments. Mr.

Ramsay glances at Mrs. Ramsay while he thinks outside: she is
Summary his touchstone. His character is complicated as he comes to
terms with his professional failure. Mr. Ramsay's insight gives
In the drawing room Mr. Ramsay repeats, "Some one had
credence to Mr. Bankes's observations. Mr. Ramsay's bulging
blundered," angrily recalling his encounter with William Bankes
forehead vein shows how much he wants another success,
and Lily Briscoe. His wife sees he is "outraged and anguished"
further developing the internal conflicts of his character.
as she smooths James's hair. Mr. Ramsay tickles James, who
rebuffs him.

Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay argue about the weather. Mrs. Ramsay The Window, Chapter 7
insists there is "nothing" to say. When he volunteers to visit the
Coastguard for more information, her mood toward him
changes suddenly—"She was not good enough to tie his shoe Summary
strings, she felt"—and Mr. Ramsay calms down. After he
pesters James a last time, Mr. Ramsay returns to the terrace. James Ramsay hates his father for interrupting his mother,
who reads to him while she knits. He hopes his father will leave,
From outside he glimpses his wife and son and returns to his but Mr. Ramsay lingers, "demanding sympathy." He tells his
thoughts. Using the alphabet as an analogy for intellectual wife he is a "failure," looking at her expectedly. Her mention of
achievement, he ponders his next feat, R. Dividing thinkers into Charles Tansley's admiration fails to soothe him. James senses
two classes—those who conquer the alphabet one letter at a his mother gathering strength as she tells his father to relax.
time and those who see the entire alphabet at once—he admits Mr. Ramsay repeats himself, and Mrs. Ramsay, "spent,"
he is not a "genius" (understanding it at once) and ponders the comforts her "egotistical" husband.
rarity of someone achieving Z. Thinking of fame and failure, he
stops at the window to gaze again at his wife and son, who Rejuvenated, he volunteers to watch their children play cricket.
return his gaze. She returns to the story. Physically and mentally exhausted,
Mrs. Ramsay thinks about the "origin" of her mental state.
Disturbed by the lie he cornered her into telling him, she
Analysis acknowledges the truth; she is worried about money, his
recent failures, and the "burden" of shielding the children from
Mrs. Ramsay's failure to understand Mr. Ramsay's "poetic" everything. Augustus Carmichael arrives.
melodrama shows their differences. She focuses on his face,
trying to understand him, but finds his repetitive phrases
"ridiculous" and pays more attention to James, displaying her

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 17

He watches at the bay, smoking and meditating on ignorance

Analysis and the lectures he will present to students in Cardiff. Gazing
at his wife and son in the window, he admits his falseness in
Mrs. Ramsay naively tries to hide things from her children,
"talking nonsense," and the fragility of his ego.
while James perceives the energy his father's demands cost
her. The situation creates conflict and dramatic irony, as Lily Briscoe packs up her art supplies, thinking Mrs. Ramsay
readers are aware of James's knowledge, but Mrs. Ramsay is accommodates her husband too readily. As she watches Mr.
not. James's hatred reflects Freud's Oedipal theories; the Ramsay, she imagines the shock he must feel transitioning
young boy resents his father for stealing his mother's attention, from his thoughts as they talk "nonsense" and play games.
which he wants for himself. However, Mr. Ramsay is in some
ways as infantile and dependent as a child, and readers may
observe he wants his wife's attention in a childish, rather than Analysis
an adult, way.
Mr. Carmichael's presence makes Mrs. Ramsay consider the
James's concern about his mother's body, from "sitting loosely"
shallowness of socialization, as her role is caretaker for all who
to becoming a "rosy-flowered fruit tree laid with leaves and
stay at the house. Mrs. Ramsay goes "out of her way" to please
dancing boughs," is Oedipal, intensified with the voicing of the
people, especially guests. Yet these interactions are not
death wish: James describes his father as a sword that stabs
completely altruistic because she likes feeling needed. She
and kills his mother.
admits she likes to "help" and "give," so people might praise,

The symbolic tree (in this case, Mrs. Ramsay) represents love, "need," "admire," and call on her, saying "O Mrs. Ramsay! dear

life, and connection. After the manipulative encounter in which Mrs. Ramsay ... Mrs. Ramsay, of course!" The attention she

she must support her husband's ego, she is described, again, pays to James, a "bundle of sensitiveness," illustrates this

flower-like—shutting. The multiple images develop conflict in "vanity" because James, in this Oedipal stage, prefers her to

Mrs. Ramsay's character as one that provides love, life, and anyone, especially his father.

connection and at the same time feels there is "scarcely a shell

In exploring his thoughts on the arts and his upcoming lecture,
of herself left for her to know herself by."
Mr. Ramsay admits the argument he intends to develop is self-
serving and supports an intellectual hierarchy that enforces his
power in a male-dominated intellectual world.
The Window, Chapter 8
The chapter focuses on the idea of nonsense, which arises
from lack of success. Characters feel the lack of success and
Summary suffer emotionally in different ways: Mrs. Ramsay cannot
connect with Mr. Carmichael, Lily struggles with her painting,
Augustus Carmichael avoids Mrs. Ramsay, behavior Mrs. and Mr. Ramsay's career has stalled. The gap between what
Ramsay thinks results from his wife's dislike of her. Mrs. the characters have achieved and what they would like to have
Ramsay considers her encounters with other "famous" men. achieved develops the theme of reality versus the ideal.
Aware of her beauty and effect on people, Mrs. Ramsay is
offended by Mr. Carmichael's attitude, but she acknowledges
her "vanity." Augustus Carmichael retreats to a "corner," The Window, Chapter 9
causing "snubbed" Mrs. Ramsay to ponder the "pettiness" of
human interactions—how social situations are "flawed,"
"despicable," and "self-seeking at ... best"—while reading to Summary
James.
As Mr. Ramsay stomps off, William Bankes consoles Lily
Mr. Ramsay fails to watch the children outside. Instead, he
Briscoe, unnerved by Mr. Ramsay's mood swing. Mr. Bankes
reads about the popularity of Shakespeare's home, trying to
agrees that Mr. Ramsay's unconventional behavior is upsetting.
demean the arts by creating an argument against expression.
When Mr. Bankes suggests Mr. Ramsay behaves hypocritically,

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 18

Lily disagrees, saying his neediness is genuine. Lily says she is represents modern women. Yet Lily still thinks highly of her
disturbed not by his behavior, but his "narrowness." While Lily friend, who she suspects thinks she is a "much younger" and
ventures into thought—admiring the "penetrating and exciting" "insignificant" person. Charles Tansley's sexist opinion about
love between Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay—Mr. Bankes wishes she women creators and Mrs. Ramsay's conventional beliefs instill
would agree with him. Lily with doubts. Lily's interior life explores her defense for
living the life she wants. These doubts infiltrate her painting,
While watching Mr. Ramsay walk to the bay, Lily considers his which she finds "infinitely bad."
strengths and weaknesses. She ponders how life's "little
separate incidents ... became curled and whole like a wave."
Knowing Mr. Bankes awaits, she begins to criticize Mrs.
Ramsay but stops when she sees Mr. Bankes look with rapture
The Window, Chapter 10
at Mrs. Ramsay inside the window. She is moved by his
emotion and Mrs. Ramsay's power. She thinks about what she
wanted to say about Mrs. Ramsay, who believes "an unmarried
Summary
woman has missed the best of life." Thinking Mrs. Ramsay is
As Cam Ramsay runs past Lily Briscoe and William Bankes,
mistaken, Lily sees herself as not made for marriage and seeks
Mrs. Ramsay calls her to deliver a message to the cook. Mrs.
fulfillment and connection with others through her art.
Ramsay wants to know whether Andrew, Minta Doyle, and Paul
Mr. Bankes then turns his attention to Lily's painting, making Rayley have returned from their postlunch walk. When Cam
her self-conscious, for she thinks her painting is not very good. says they have not, Mrs. Ramsay, who thinks Paul and Minta
He questions her artistic intentions, and the discussion leads to should marry, believes the good-natured but not brilliant Paul
her opinions on light and shadows. The discussion interests has proposed.
Mr. Bankes, a scientist. With his attention, Lily decides not to
In the house, Mrs. Ramsay continues reading to James.
elaborate, removes her canvas from the easel, and happily
Because Minta is staying with her, Mrs. Ramsay, conventional
contemplates the "profoundly intimate" revelation regarding
in her views on proper social behavior, considers herself
Mr. Bankes's love for Mrs. Ramsay.
responsible to Minta's parents, who were reluctant to let their
unconventional daughter stay with the Ramsays because an

Analysis unnamed woman had once accused Mrs. Ramsay of stealing

her daughter's "affections." Mrs. Ramsay worries about her

Lily Briscoe's thoughts display her rich internal life, a theme of own outward appearances and gossip and is concerned about

the novel. She often refers to her insignificance, not wanting to Minta's walks with Paul Rayley. In thinking of the hurtful

"bore" Mr. Bankes, yet her vibrant musings and keen accusation, Mrs. Ramsay reflects on her choices and behavior

observations about herself and others make her, arguably, the in influencing people, her halted dreams, and her wishes that

novel's most insightful, honest, and open character. her children stay young and happy—"for ever just as they were,
demons of wickedness, angels of delight." "Feeling life rather
Here in Lily's mind, readers observe an earlier interaction sinister again," Mrs. Ramsay experiences guilt over influencing
between Mrs. Ramsay and Lily. Mrs. Ramsay, who supports Minta's choice. She wonders if she is "wrong" in suggesting
marriage and procreation, pushes Minta Doyle as well as Lily to Minta, "only twenty-four," marry, knowing "too quickly" she had,
marry. Lily's refusal to marry creates tension: why should she, "almost as if it [marrying and having children] were an escape
as she has a father, a home, and her painting. She prefers for her too."
being "alone" and doesn't want a house "full of children." While
Mrs. Ramsay thinks Lily is a "fool," Lily laughs long and As the light wanes, Mrs. Ramsay thinks again about Paul, Minta,

"hysterically" at her friend, who calmly governs over "destinies" and Andrew, who have not yet returned. When she finishes

she doesn't "understand," developing both female characters. reading to James, she looks at the lighthouse—now lit. Before
James has a chance to ask about visiting it again, Mildred
While Mrs. Ramsay represents Victorian ideals with her "simple takes him away.
certainty," Lily, who knows "she was not made for that,"

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 19

As her husband observes her, he feels saddened by her

Analysis remoteness, his inability to "protect" her, and his constant
demands on her that worsen her mental state. Knowing
Lily Briscoe's easel is grazed again, this time by Cam, the "wild"
"sound" or "sight" fights solitude, Mrs. Ramsay searches for a
one. This repetitive action could signify how Lily's art is
sound but hears only the sea. Observing her again, Mr. Ramsay
devalued because she is a woman. (No one interrupts the men
wants to talk to her but leaves her alone. Mrs. Ramsay,
talking on the terrace.) Initially Cam ignores her mother, who
knowing he wants to "protect" her, follows him, taking her
wonders what she is thinking about. Cam's disobedience
shawl.
reflects the distance between her and her mother, whereas
James and Mrs. Ramsay seem inseparable, reflecting the
dynamics of the parent/child relationships as seen in a
Freudian context. In the house Mrs. Ramsay shoos Cam,
Analysis
displaying preference for James's company. After Cam leaves,
James's cuttings, including a refrigerator, lawn mower, and
Mrs. Ramsay is "relieved," for she and James share the same
man in a suit, hint at a conflict, developing tension about the
tastes and are comfortable together. Cam's rebellious nature
Ramsays' financial and household concerns. Throughout "The
likens Cam to Lily, who doesn't value Mrs. Ramsay's ideals for
Window" Mrs. Ramsay worries about the 50-pound
herself (marriage and children). Mrs. Ramsay's thoughts about
greenhouse repair; these items may allude to the emotional
Minta and Paul illustrate social expectations for women.
and/or financial tensions surrounding the acquisition of more
Because of how much time Minta and Paul spend alone, Paul is
modern appliances and the expense of maintaining a vacation
considered a suitor, and Minta is expected to marry him. In
home on top of feeding, clothing, and educating eight children.
Mrs. Ramsay's mind, Minta's excessive time alone with Paul
While the interior life of most characters may be more
could damage her reputation.
comforting than external daily life, Mrs. Ramsay's interior life is

Mrs. Ramsay's warm feelings toward Paul display her aversion not. Her personal thoughts are dark, whereas her outer life is

to the "clever men" of her husband's circle, building tension and light. The solitude of her interior life contradicts her exterior life

revealing details about the Ramsays. To Mr. Ramsay, his wife's in which she is surrounded by admirers and involved in their

"pessimistic" views are a source of contention. While Mrs. lives. In fact, others see her presence connected with light, but

Ramsay tends to believe life is "sinister," Mr. Ramsay is "more twice she describes herself as a "wedge of darkness," evoking

hopeful" and "happy," possibly because of the attention and the image of her in Lily Briscoe's painting, which represents

admiration he forces all to give him. Lily's understanding of her.

Unable to recall the origin of her thoughts, Mrs. Ramsay feels

"trapped into saying something she did not mean." The
The Window, Chapter 11 repetition and falseness of "We are in the hands of the
Lord"—she thinks, "How could any Lord have made this
world?—illustrates her mental state. As the narrative switches
Summary between husband and wife, the couple appears united. She
correctly intuits Mr. Ramsay's desire to protect her, thus her
Mrs. Ramsay looks at the pictures James has cut from the following him instead of being alone as she wishes to be; Mr.
catalog, thinking "children never forget," as she reflects that Ramsay knows his neediness wears his wife down.
James will always remember his disappointment at his father's
words confirming the trip to the lighthouse will not take place.
The situation causes her to say to herself, "We are in the hands The Window, Chapter 12
of the Lord," a statement she regrets, thinking she was forced
to say it. She is relieved to be alone, having only to think of
herself. Knitting, she thinks of foreign places and of the
unhappiness of the world. Periodically watching the
lighthouse's beam, Mrs. Ramsay grows annoyed with her
thoughts and continues to knit, contemplating the world's pain.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 20

of Andrew whatever he did."

Summary
In response to Mr. Ramsay's "phrase-making," Mrs. Ramsay
Outside Mrs. Ramsay talks about how handsome their thinks about suicide. Supposing she said "half" the things her
gardener Kennedy is. Seeing the ladder against the husband said, she thinks "she would have blown her brains out
greenhouse, she decides against bringing up the repair cost. by now." This statement alludes to mental health issues,
Mrs. Ramsay is concerned about Jasper Ramsay shooting deepening the conflict because Mr. Ramsay is concerned and
birds, but her husband insists he will grow out of it. The two Mrs. Ramsay is self-conscious about her sadness. The
discuss Charles Tansley and his objectionable attributes and reference foreshadows her death.
hope he does not pursue Prue. Mr. Ramsay, whom Tansley
worships, says he (Tansley) is "not a polished specimen." They
disagree on Andrew Ramsay. Mr. Ramsay wishes Andrew
The Window, Chapter 13
would apply himself, but Mrs. Ramsay is happy whether he
does or does not. Mr. Ramsay tells his wife not to worry about
Minta Doyle and Paul Rayley, still not back from their walk.
When she asks him what he wanted to tell her—hoping for an
Summary
apology following their earlier disagreement—he confesses he
While walking on the lawn, William Bankes and Lily Briscoe
hates seeing her "sad." Uncomfortable about her husband
discuss travel and art—he has visited Amsterdam, Madrid, and
witnessing this emotion, the dutiful wife avoids eye contact. He
Rome; she, Brussels, Paris, and Dresden. Lily thinks "perhaps it
wants to return to his thoughts, alone.
was better not to see pictures." They see the Ramsays looking
Missing long walks in the sand dunes, he says if the weather at the children playing ball. Reflecting on an earlier
permits he might go for a walk. Although doubting him, she conversation with Mrs. Ramsay, who wants Lily to marry, Lily
acknowledges his wish. He looks at the sea, the erosion, and understands marriage as a "man and a woman looking at a girl
moans, "Poor little place," annoying Mrs. Ramsay. throwing a ball."

He kisses her hand. She sees a star and wants to show him but Mrs. Ramsay smiles at them, happy she has convinced Mr.
stops because he is not an observer of such things. He Bankes to stay for dinner. While watching Prue catch the ball,
pretends to look at the flowers, and she knows he is Mrs. Ramsay asks after the walking party and then after
pretending. When Mrs. Ramsay sees William Bankes and Lily Nancy.
Briscoe walking, she thinks they should marry.

Analysis
Analysis
William Bankes attempts to connect with Lily Briscoe by
Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay's conversation builds tension as their discussing the art he has encountered. Instead she ponders
differences and disagreements become more apparent. Mr. the lack of art she has seen. She considers this lack a positive
Ramsay accuses Mrs. Ramsay of their daughters' embellishing because viewing famous pictures makes her "hopelessly
stories, saying they learn it from her. They disagree over discontented," preventing her from painting, which for her has
scholarships for Andrew. Yet the couple develops the theme of great importance. The discussion highlights their lack of real
love and loss by showing one another little graces. For connection—the observer and the creator.
example, on the verge of saying Charles Tansley is the only
When Mr. Bankes supposes, "We can't all be Titians and we
person who likes his book, Mr. Ramsay stops himself. Mrs.
can't all be Darwins," Lily wishes she could compliment him, but
Ramsay decides against telling Mr. Ramsay the cost of the
thinks he—unlike most men—is not seeking one. After much
greenhouse repairs. Even though they are annoyed with their
silence, Lily insists, regardless of success, she will always
differences, their disagreements do "not matter." For the most
paint. These thoughts develop the theme of internal life as it is
part, they seem to appreciate their differences; she enjoys his
more vivid than the conversation. In addition, they highlight
enthusiasm about scholarships, and he likes her to be "proud
Lily's perceived need to please, as a woman aware of her role

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 21

despite her rejection of it. It seems Nancy and Andrew are invited on Minta and Paul's
walks as easygoing, or inattentive, chaperones. Andrew's and
Nancy's annoyance with Minta and Paul develops tension. The
The Window, Chapter 14 Ramsay children, uninterested in Minta and Paul's romantic
relationship and in each other, go off by themselves
individually, but they share in commiseration, thinking they "had

Summary not wanted this horrible nuisance to happen." They dislike

Minta and Paul all the more.

Nancy Ramsay reluctantly accompanies Minta Doyle on the

On the trip there Minta holds and releases Nancy's hand often,
walk only because she asks her expectedly with "her dumb
and Nancy watches the town from the cliff. Both actions create
look." Nancy does not want to be "drawn into it all." On their
more distance between them. Andrew's observations of Minta,
way Andrew observes Minta; he approves of her sensible
whose "rashness" is both a strength and fault, reveal her
clothing and rashness but worries her fearlessness (she is
character as foolish and self-centered. Like Mrs. Ramsay,
afraid only of bulls) might lead her "to kill herself in some idiotic
Andrew mentions suicide, believing Minta will "kill herself in
way." Andrew dislikes Paul Rayley's habit of calling him "old
some idiotic way," foreshadowing not her death, but his.
fellow" and "clapping him on the back."

At the beach Andrew goes to the Pope's Nose. Nancy

searches for sea anemones in the pools. Paul and The Window, Chapter 15
Minta—alone—stay on the beach. Nancy broods, rendered
motionless by the "intensity" of her "feelings" of "nothingness."
When the tide rises, Andrew yells the sea is rising. Andrew and Summary
Nancy walk away from the shore, witnessing Paul and Minta in
an embrace. Mrs. Ramsay expresses worry regarding Nancy's whereabouts,
and she questions Prue. In response to her mother's question,
On the cliff top Minta realizes she has lost her grandmother's Prue Ramsay, "in her considering way," says she thinks Nancy
heirloom brooch. They return to search for it but without luck, is with Minta Doyle and Paul Rayley: "Yes ... I think Nancy did go
Andrew feeling annoyed at having to do this and even more with them."
annoyed with Minta's outburst about her fear of the tide and
loss of the brooch. During their return Paul comforts Minta,
who weeps, and promises to go back at dawn despite the Analysis
danger. Paul vows to find the brooch or buy her another.
Contemplating his and Minta's future together, Paul plans to This chapter compresses time in its brevity, in that it reduces
speak with Mrs. Ramsay, who "made him" propose, made him Mrs. Ramsay's worry into a single sentence. Mrs. Ramsay
feel as though he could do anything. As they arrive back at the suffers her anxiety alone, because Mr. Ramsay, who also
house, he notices the lights are on. They are late. minimizes Mrs. Ramsay's feelings, has advised her not to worry
about the children.

Analysis
Because of the shifting points of view and stream of
The Window, Chapter 16
consciousness, much of the novel's action and conflict are
internal. External action is often noted within parentheses or
brackets, setting it aside from characters' internal lives. The
Summary
entire chapter is enclosed in parentheses. Mrs. Ramsay has
As Mrs. Ramsay readies for dinner, she worries about Nancy,
been worrying about the group and isn't sure where Nancy is;
who she thinks is with the tardy walking group. Jasper and
this chapter provides an external explanation.
Rose knock at her door, wanting to know if Mildred should

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 22

postpone dinner—Mildred's special bœuf en daube. She says Bankes. Lily Briscoe observes Mrs. Ramsay "drifting into that
no, annoyed with Nancy, Andrew, Paul, and Minta for staying strange no-man's land where to follow people is impossible."
out so late. Thinking Mrs. Ramsay looks "old," Lily Briscoe wonders why
her hostess pities Mr. Bankes, a judgment Lily thinks is
While Jasper and Rose pick out jewelry for Mrs. Ramsay, she incorrect, stemming from Mrs. Ramsay's needs rather than real
watches the rooks, wondering why Rose takes choosing insight. As she thinks of her painting, Lily has an epiphany to
jewelry so seriously. She watches two birds fighting over a move the tree closer to the middle; she moves a salt shaker on
branch, enjoying how their wings move, "beating out, out, out." a tablecloth flower as a reminder.
"One of the loveliest [sights] of all to her," she feels she fails in
describing it "accurately." Mrs. Ramsay thinks Rose has "some Bored by the women's conversation, Charles Tansley finds
hidden reason of her own for attaching great importance" to dinner conversation "superficial." He insists, again, a trip to the
adorning her with jewelry. She is saddened, thinking she had lighthouse will be impossible. Annoyed by Tansley's sexism and
little to "give in return." The walkers return, and Mrs. Ramsay's pessimism, Lily believes he is the "most uncharming human
annoyance grows. As she descends the stairs, the smell of being she had ever met." Mockingly, she asks him to take her
something burning stops her. The dinner gong sounds. to the lighthouse. Knowing Lily dislikes him, he snaps at her,
too. Ashamed Lily made him angry, Tansley wants to work in
his room. Regretful, he searches for something to say to Mrs.
Analysis Ramsay, who talks with Mr. Bankes. The two muse over how
people drift apart, while Mr. Bankes, too, thinks dinner is a
The shift in Mrs. Ramsay's emotions from anxiety to waste of time.
annoyance develops tension as her mind ventures to dark
places. Yet she knows the chance of the entire party being Ignored Tansley is uncomfortable. Aware of social manners
"drowned" is unlikely. She—"again"—feels "alone in the Lily smiles, and Mrs. Ramsay asks about his sea-faring
presence of her old antagonist, life." experience. He seizes the opportunity to establish himself. Lily
begrudgingly asks him to take her to the lighthouse, pleasing
For Mrs. Ramsay, the faux pas of tardiness to dinner illustrates Mrs. Ramsay, while Lily internally wanders to human
social expectations, the importance of the event to her, and connection: painting. She chooses to be "nice," but believes
their genteel sophistication. With 15 people expected, Mrs. she and Tansley will "never know" each other. Seeing the salt,
Ramsay insists they won't postpone dinner for the "Queen of her "spirits" rise "so high at the thought of painting tomorrow
England," acknowledging her tendency to exaggerate, a sign of that she laughed out loud" while Tansley talks.
self-importance. Because Mr. Ramsay has criticized this
particular quality, her acknowledgment of this "shared" vice Mrs. Ramsay wants to talk about the Mannings, but Mr. Bankes
with Jasper alludes to the conflict of what children inherit from avoids the topic. Disappointed, she eavesdrops on
their parents. Mr. Ramsay's complaints about her "lies" seem conversations in which everyone seems to be listening to
accusatory—attaching a stigma to her sadness—and others. Against her wishes, Mr. Ramsay remains silent,
unsupportive. annoyed because Augustus Carmichael has asked for more
soup. However, to her surprise, her husband controls his anger.
When she notices Rose and Roger snickering, she asks them

The Window, Chapter 17 to light candles, hoping Mr. Carmichael has not noticed.

The diners adjust to their surroundings, made new by light:

fruit, windows, faces. Paul Rayley and Minta Doyle arrive. The
Summary main course is served. Minta laments her lost brooch. Mr.
Ramsay—finally—speaks, to tease Minta. She acknowledges
As Mrs. Ramsay sits at the head of the table, she directs his admiration, charming him in return.
guests to their seats, wondering, internally, what she has
"done" with her life. At the opposite end of the table, she Mrs. Ramsay feels a pang of jealousy. She wonders if her
notices her husband sulking. She serves the soup. Feeling husband's neediness and her "old" appearance are her fault.
responsible for the party's socializing, she talks to William Paul fills in Mrs. Ramsay (who wonders whether they are

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 23

engaged) on the loss of Minta's brooch. Mr. Bankes praises the space" by moving the tree to the middle of her painting,
bœuf en daube, which leads to a conversation about French reflecting Mrs. Ramsay's central position. The symbol of the
cooking and the use of vegetable skin. tree represents Mrs. Ramsay and her central position in her
home, the life, love, and connection she provides. The painting
Seeing all the ways Mrs. Ramsay has gotten her way, Lily finds brings Lily understanding.
her "absurd" and "irresistible." She contrasts their lives, then
hers and Paul's. Paul tells Lily his plan to find Minta's brooch. Tansley's reassertion about not going to the lighthouse brings
When Lily asks if she can accompany him, he laughs at her, up its symbolic inaccessibility. At dinner the guests seem, as
causing Lily to meditate on love. She thinks she "need not Lily calls Mrs. Ramsay, "remote," which is how the lighthouse
marry, thank Heaven: she need not undergo that degradation." appears from the house. The extended metaphor, which
begins with Mrs. Ramsay "drifting," culminates with her looking
While others pick at fruit and laugh among themselves, Mrs. to Mr. Bankes, "as if the ship had turned and the sun had
Ramsay senses the party is over, waiting for a lull in struck its sails again." This metaphor evokes an earlier scene in
conversation to clean. She decides she likes Charles Tansley. which Mrs. Ramsay holds on to a sight or sound—the third
When she is about to stand, her husband recites a poem. At its stroke of the lighthouse—to avoid retreating into thoughts.
close, he turns directly to her and bows. In this moment, she
feels he likes her "better" than ever before. He holds the door At the start of dinner Mr. Ramsay's silence confuses Mrs.
for her, and she senses the dinner is "already the past." Ramsay, and she is baffled by her former affection for him.
During dinner, she feels "outside" of everything, remote,
inaccessible like the lighthouse, to which Tansley has tactlessly
Analysis referred. This distance Mrs. Ramsay feels enables her to see
"things truly," suggesting the love lost toward her husband is
By far the longest chapter, its length anchors the dinner party lasting, that what she see is reality, not an ideal. The
scene as the novel's heart, a point of climax. The stream-of- exhaustion from her efforts seems to peak in this scene,
consciousness narrative and shifting points of view create an graduating to resignation. She allows conversations to happen
abundance of figurative language, which may jar and estrange without her, almost as if she were conducting an experiment to
readers. William Bankes looks at his hand on the tablecloth as test whether her family and friends can survive without her,
a "mechanic examines a tool beautifully polished and ready for foreshadowing her death.
use." Moments later, in conversation with Mrs. Ramsay, he
feels like boots "soaked and gone to dry so that you can hardly Sometimes she forges a connection between two people and
force your feet into them." It appears as if characters are so then quickly exits the conversation, representing the
challenged by engaging with one another they can no longer importance of her role in creating harmony and thus deepening
articulate how they feel, and thus speak in similes or the theme of love and loss. Later Mrs. Ramsay is the first to
metaphors. The language has a dizzying and, possibly exit the room, another foreshadowing of her death, but also a
alienating, effect on the characters and readers as well. The social convention left over from the Victorian era.
images are original and vivid, so characters and readers may
Conflict arises as people fail to connect. Mrs. Ramsay, who
be processing these figures of speech, distracting their
feels responsible for the dinner's social harmony, enlists the
attention from the dinner itself.
help of her allies. Yet Mr. Ramsay disregards her willing him to
Additionally, multiple conversations at the dinner table exclude, talk, showing his stubborn childishness and developing the
and thereby alienate, some guests, like Tansley who does not theme of reality versus the ideal. As guests discuss fishermen's
know the social manners involved in making small talk at a wages, she knows her husband thinks them an important topic,
dinner party. This distancing intensifies the alienation by one he can't "sleep for thinking of them," yet he pouts over Mr.
putting together in one room for an extended time period 15 Carmichael's request for more soup rather than connect with
characters who struggle to connect one-on-one. The threat of others.
a single misstep destroying the occasion looms: a burnt entrée,
Sometimes characters come to her aid—Lily, reluctantly, with
laughter, or Shakespeare. While others wish to retreat, Lily has
Charles Tansley; William Bankes because of his secret love for
an epiphany at the table, deciding to remedy the "awkward
Mrs. Ramsay; and Minta Doyle because of her flirtation with Mr.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 24

Ramsay—without her having to ask when Mr. Ramsay veers

into the danger of becoming self-conscious about his
Analysis
pervading lack of success at the mention of William
Mrs. Ramsay exits again, annoying Lily Briscoe, who thinks she
Shakespeare.
leaves "at once with an air of secrecy to do something alone."
Yet many dislike the dinner as they address its shallowness She actually leaves "slowly," developing tension because Lily
and their own. The situation creates tension and develops the seems jealous of and angry toward Mrs. Ramsay.
theme of internal life as minds drift and guests wish to be Overwhelmed, Mrs. Ramsay watches the elm trees outside.
elsewhere—and are in their internal lives. The narration even The branches help her "stabilise her position," reinforcing the
includes collective thoughts during the party—"All of them ... trees as symbols of life, love, and connection—her roles in life.
thought, 'Pray heaven ... my mind may not be exposed.'" The She ominously thinks her "world" is "changing" and wants to
Mannings, a mutual acquaintance of Mrs. Ramsay and Mr. put things "in order" as life around her changes. Yet other than
Bankes, come up in conversation. When Mr. Bankes asks Mrs. the negative thoughts about Mr. Ramsay during dinner and her
Ramsay if he should "give her love" to Carrie, her estranged sense of being removed from the situation, how exactly her
friend with a "new billiard room," she says no, making him think, world is changing is unclear. Her frustration with her husband
"friendships, even the best of them, are frail things." may be a fleeting thought, like so many other conflicting
thoughts presented in the narrative.

Again, the time she spends with her children develops her
The Window, Chapter 18 maternal character. She opens and closes the door with care,
manages to solve the problem of the skull while making both
children happy, hopes Tansley reads quietly so they can sleep
Summary well. When she returns to the party, she persists in her
motherly airs, asking when she can expect those going to the
After dinner the guests linger, deciding what to do next. Mrs. beach to return and ensuring someone has a watch.
Ramsay hurries off, desiring solitude.

In the stairwell she thinks the dinner guests will remember the
night. To her annoyance she discovers James and Cam still
The Window, Chapter 19
awake, arguing about the pig skull. The skull's shadows
frighten Cam, and James refuses to take it down, shrieking
anytime someone touches it. Hoping to please both children, Summary
she winds her shawl around the skull. She comforts Cam,
whispering descriptions of the skull's new appearance, Forgetting what she wanted, Mrs. Ramsay sits and begins
comparing it to a "beautiful mountain ... with valleys and flowers knitting. Mr. Ramsay reads. Reflecting on the poem he recited
and bells ringing and birds singing and little goats," until she at dinner ("A Garden Song" by Charles Elton), she reads "The
falls asleep. Reassured the skull is still there, James asks if Sirens' Song" by William Browne, "zigzagging" down the page.
they are going to the lighthouse. Mrs. Ramsay tells him no. Their eyes meet, but they avoid talking.
Disappointed she has given him no hope, she knows he will
Mr. Ramsay decides success in thought does not matter, "A
remember the disappointment forever.
great man, a great book, fame—who could tell?" He refrains
She descends the stairwell, and the remaining guests admire from complaining to Mrs. Ramsay, who looks "peaceful." Aware
her. Prue Ramsay, speaking with adults, transforms into a child of his gaze, she asks for—if it isn't a bother—more quiet time.
again at the sight of her. She tells Mrs. Ramsay they are going He smiles at her, admiring her beauty, but exaggerating her
to the beach. Possessed by their grand idea, she urges them to "ignorance" and "simplicity, for he liked to think that she was
go, "saying she only wished she could come too." Instead, she not ... book-learned at all."
joins her husband.
Finished reading, she tells him about Minta Doyle and Paul
Rayley's engagement, which he suspected. They sit, silent.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 25

Wishing for him to speak, she jokes about Paul's watch, which present wait for no one else. Prue, who becomes childlike in
amuses him. the presence of her mother, acts as the adult here, highlighting
the absence of Mrs. Ramsay.
He tells her she won't finish the stocking. She agrees, realizing
he wants her to tell him she loves him, a struggle for her. She The second part of the novel, "Time Passes," covers the
stands at the window, watching the sea. He watches her. longest span of time, 10 years, in a short number of pages, 10
Turning to him, smiling, she tells him he was right; they won't be to 20 or so. The compression of time in this part of the novel
able to go to the lighthouse. She smiles at her success of serves two purposes: 1) it illustrates the way the characters
showing him her love without having to verbalize it. experience the passage of time; and 2) it suggests the
destructive nature of time and the way in which events in time
quickly and profoundly affect the lives of the characters. The
Analysis dark night of these 10 years changes the characters
individually and collectively.
Many of the day's conflicts are resolved by the last chapter of
"The Window": Mrs. Ramsay, at the moment, likes Charles
Tansley; Minta and Paul, engaged, have returned with Nancy Time Passes, Chapter 2
and Andrew Ramsay; Lily Briscoe has resolved not to marry
and has decided to move the tree in her painting, giving her
more understanding of the painting's subject; the lighthouse
trip is settled. What remains are Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay's
Summary
tensions and the confirmation that they love each other as they
On a rainy night, darkness descends on the house through
are.
"keyholes and crevices." The only stir in the house is the
"detached" wind. Exploring the house, it interacts with the
falling wallpaper, the trash. It travels up the stairs to the
Time Passes, Chapter 1 servants' quarters and bedrooms, only to descend the
stairs—moving rose petals, spreading sand. An "aimless gust of
lamentation" slams the kitchen door. At midnight Augustus
Summary Carmichael blows out his candle.

Leaving the terrace, William Bankes says they must wait for
the "future." Arriving from the beach, Andrew Ramsay says, "It's Analysis
almost too dark to see." Prue Ramsay agrees. Lily Briscoe asks
if they should leave the light on. Prue says no—"not if every The imagery—"the moon sunk, and a thin rain drumming on the
one's in." She tells Andrew to extinguish the hall light, and the roof"—creates a mood of almost ghostly upheaval, of things in
lamps go out, except for Augustus Carmichael's, who likes to the house not being as they should. Details show the same
read at night. "shabby" house ("rusty hinges and swollen sea-moistened
woodwork," "hanging" wallpaper), but the atmosphere is far
different. Beginning with a "downpouring of immense
Analysis darkness," "nothing" moves through the house, ending with a
slammed kitchen door. The lyrical language and abstract
The timeline is ambiguous, but the setting is the summer images, a lamenting wind, reinforce the mood and evoke
house, with some of the same characters: Mr. Bankes, Andrew, impending loss.
Prue, Lily, and Mr. Carmichael. It is night, but the ambiguity of
darkness and Mr. Bankes's mention of the "future" create Augustus Carmichael extinguishing the candle, set in brackets,
tension and foreboding, as though the future is not merely a is the only action in the chapter and parallels the death of Mrs.
literal tomorrow. Ramsay, which is noted in the next chapter.

Readers may expect Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay, but the characters

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 26

Time Passes, Chapter 3 Time Passes, Chapter 5

Summary Summary
Images of autumn, winter, night, darkness, and destruction Approximately 70, Mrs. McNab cleans the house, singing an
continue. Trees are tattered, ravaged. The images of closing old popular song wondering, "how long it shall endure?" She
curtains, broken treasures, and penitence evoke a mood of stands smiling and cleaning and continues life "as before,"
chaos and devastation. Mrs. Ramsay died unexpectedly during drinking and gossiping.
the night. In the "dark" morning, Mr. Ramsay walks down a
hallway, stretching his arms in vain.
Analysis
Analysis This chapter reflects the barrenness of the house and the
mortality of its inhabitants. Mrs. McNab can be seen as almost
Time is unclear in this section. After the foreboding images of a grotesque reflection, or even ghostly parody, of Mrs. Ramsay.
night (winter nights, autumn nights, what is seen in the For beautiful, class-conscious Mrs. Ramsay her home was a
moonlight), the darkness continues in the morning with news of sanctuary; she fussed over her children and guests who loved
Mrs. Ramsay's death. But readers do not know how much time her warmth and hospitality. Not vain, Mrs. Ramsay was aware
has elapsed. The images of ravaged trees, in particular, of her beauty but spent little time in front of mirrors.
symbolize the loss of life, love, and connection embodied in
Mrs. Ramsay's existence. The images also reflect the dark, Now, alone in the house and cleaning under unused beds and

chaotic house, now without its light and its center. in corners, the elderly, worn-out caretaker, Mrs. McNab,
attends to the house. Old Mrs. McNab thinks of the tedium of
life and sees her ravaged image in the glass, what Mrs. Ramsay

Time Passes, Chapter 4 always feared. She thinks of her own children and her life,
without joy, and not as Mrs. Ramsay would think of her own life
and children.

Summary
The "stray airs" seep into the house again, encountering the
Time Passes, Chapter 6
things "people have shed and left." There is rarely movement: a
loose rock in the valley, a "fold of the shawl" falling loose and
swinging. Mrs. McNab arrives to air and clean the house. Summary
Prue Ramsay marries in spring and dies that summer from
Analysis childbirth complications. Mrs. McNab dusts and sweeps the
abandoned house.
Remaining artifacts and groaning wood reflect the house's
In France, Andrew Ramsay, along with approximately 30 other
abandonment. The trees' shadows on the bedroom wall recall
men, dies instantly when a shell explodes. That spring
Mrs. Ramsay and her children watching birds fight over
Augustus Carmichael publishes a collection of poems to
branches. The tree, a symbol of life, represents, with its
acclaim.
shadows (a diminished image), Mrs. Ramsay's death and
absence, a house no longer imbued with love and loveliness.
Mrs. McNab is "directed" to conduct routine cleaning, showing
the family managing the house from a distance. No one visits.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 27

Analysis Analysis
Passing seasons are represented by unpleasant images of Mrs. McNab's observations and thoughts offer clarity. Because
nature: summer winds, flies, gnats, and overgrown gardens. of the war, travel is hard, making it difficult to employ help to
Late in the summer, the war is represented abstractly with the maintain the house. Mrs. McNab notices it has been left with
shock of dull sounds loosening the shawl and breaking the expectation of returning: "a brush and comb left on the
teacups. Periodically the glass in the cupboard quakes, or a dressing table" with its drawers "full of things." This
thud sounds. These little movements represent the distant observation reveals how death and war have disrupted normal
explosions of war, foreshadowing Andrew's death. life. With Mrs. McNab's departure, the house is completely
deserted, with little or no hope for the future—like a town
destroyed by war.
Time Passes, Chapter 7
Time Passes, Chapter 9
Summary
Nights, summer, winters, and years pass: "for night and day, Summary
month and year ran shapelessly together," a description that
reflects the text's concern with both the passage and The house sits deserted and in continued disrepair. As it is
perception of time. The only sound in the abandoned house is about to disappear into the "sands of oblivion," Mrs. McNab
lightning. In spring flowers bloom, even though no one is there receives a letter asking her to prepare the house. She and Mrs.
to witness them. Bast arrive with cleaning supplies. George, Mrs. McNab's son,
cuts the lawn and traps animals. They employ contractors to
repair the house. "Slowly and painfully" the house is restored.
Analysis Mrs. McNab recounts happier times in the house, recalling
once again Mildred the cook. One September evening Lily
Nature creates tension. Despite the deaths of Mrs. Ramsay, Briscoe and Augustus Carmichael arrive.
Prue, and Andrew, life continues, fleeting. The trees, which
represent life, love, and connection, face the house, "beholding
nothing." All remains empty and hollow. Analysis
Other than wild things (toads, swallows, butterflies, and thistle),
Time Passes, Chapter 8 the lighthouse beam is the only thing that enters the house.
The lighthouse, representing inaccessibility and the multiple
nature of things, illustrates the house's descent into ruin. Mrs.

Summary McNab and the people she hires save the deteriorating house
despite the "pool of Time that was fast closing over them." The
narrator's lyrical descriptions—"some rusty laborious birth
Rumors circulate about the Ramsays selling the house. Not
seemed to be taking place"—represent the rebirth of life, the
expecting them to return, Mrs. McNab picks flowers to bring
revitalization of the house.
home. The house and its contents are in disrepair—plaster
falling, books moldy, locks broken, rats. She sees Mrs.
The treatment of time is reflected in this chapter as it is in the
Ramsay's gardening cloak and remembers her employer's
10 chapters of this section of the book, in contrast to the first
graciousness and the cook, Mildred. Mrs. McNab decides it is
and third sections. The repairs that occur over months are
"too much" for her to care for, so she locks up, leaving the
condensed into a few sentences, whereas part of a day is
house completely alone.
extended to 19 chapters.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 28

has forgotten to order lunches. Nancy storms in, "desperate,"

Time Passes, Chapter 10 asking for help: "What does one send to the Lighthouse?" Yet
the house remains as is, dumbstruck. Lily sits; Augustus
Carmichael pours his coffee and leaves as Mr. Ramsay walks
Summary "in a rage," wearing a "distraught wild gaze."

Lily Briscoe falls asleep listening to the sea. Augustus Lily keeps referring to the passage of time (sitting and
Carmichael reads. When he finishes, he thinks the house looks standing in the same spots), drawing attention to the
"much" like he remembers. In the morning Lily opens her eyes absences. As she grows angry with Mr. Ramsay for his
"wide" and sits "bolt upright." selfishness, she thinks, "She was dead. The step where she
used to sit was empty. She was dead." This repetition of Mrs.
Ramsay's death develops the theme of love and loss as Lily
Analysis continues to grieve.

The trip to the lighthouse recalls the decade-old disagreement

The familiarity of the guests (Lily's fixation with the sea, Mr.
about the weather, a battle between genders and between
Carmichael's reading) shows their comfort at returning despite
father and son (Mrs. Ramsay and James versus Mr. Ramsay
time and loss. Their return to the house will force them to
and Charles Tansley). Ten years later, on a "beautiful still day,"
come to terms with the absence of Mrs. Ramsay in her domain.
disagreement looms between father and children, a battle
between generations (Mr. Ramsay versus James and Cam).

The Lighthouse, Chapter 1 The trip to the inaccessible lighthouse has been delayed for a
decade, and the family seems unable to overcome conflict,
deepening the enduring tension between Mr. Ramsay and
James. James still carries his aversion to his father, exposing
Summary their unloving relationship, their inability to connect, and
James's Oedipal struggles with his mother's death.
It is not quite eight o'clock in the morning, 10 years after the
beginning of the novel. As Lily Briscoe sits at the table alone, The third part of the novel, "The Lighthouse," stretches time
she struggles with her feelings. Mr. Ramsay, Cam, and James again to cover one morning. The effect of stretching and
are late for their lighthouse expedition. Mr. Ramsay, who compressing time continues to emphasize the significance and
stormed out, walks angrily outside. He peers through the effects of particular events on the characters. The movement
window. Lily avoids him. Sitting in the same spot she did at the in time throughout the three parts of the novel from
dinner party, Lily recalls her epiphany to move the tree. Before afternoon/evening, to night, to morning suggests that the
Mr. Ramsay looks at her again, she retrieves her art supplies. characters are moving toward some resolution to their
conflicts.
Lily sets up her easel in the same spot as 10 years before. She
decides to paint the picture again; she never finished the first
one, and now she knows how to complete it ("move the tree to
the middle"), but Mr. Ramsay's sulking distracts her. She
The Lighthouse, Chapter 2
pretends she is busy to ward him off, messing with a rag and
paint tubes, hoping Cam and James will arrive. Mr. Ramsay
stops beside her. She resolves to "give him" what she can.
Summary
Mr. Ramsay observes Lily Briscoe. Seeking her sympathy, he

Analysis asks if she has everything she wants. She does. They stand in
silence, looking at the sea. Baffled by Lily's inattentiveness, Mr.

Mr. Ramsay's character introduces most of the conflict. He Ramsay groans. Lily ignores him. He sighs and waits,

loses his temper because the children sleep late and Nancy wondering why she hasn't said anything. When he says visiting
the lighthouse is "very painful," Lily thinks he is "dramatising

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 29

himself." In vain he adopts a "pose of extreme decrepitude." the dark." She remembers Mrs. Ramsay saying in moments,
Still not knowing what to say, she admires his boots; he starts "Life stand still here," bringing permanence to what might
talking about boots and bootmakers, and then shows her how otherwise be forgotten. Thinking "she owed it all to" Mrs.
to tie a knot. Ramsay, she walks to view the bay and sees Mr. Ramsay, Cam,
and James as they hoist the sail.
As pity seeps into Lily Briscoe's heart, Cam and James arrive.
Imbued with purpose, Mr. Ramsay forgets Lily, who feels
"snubbed," and leads his children away. Analysis
Alone with her painting, Lily struggles with internal conflict, the
Analysis creative process. She realizes how uncomfortable Mr.
Ramsay's lurking had made her (grabbing the wrong
During Lily and Mr. Ramsay's conversation, their missed timing paintbrush, setting her easel wrong), keeping her from painting.
develops tension. In Mr. Ramsay's need for sympathy, Lily Nervous, she paints self-consciously, muttering "can't paint,
could have been any woman, but Mr. Ramsay admittedly likes can't write," displaying how deeply Charles Tansley's thoughts
her; she, knowing how he exhausted Mrs. Ramsay, is unable to have stung. Because her painting symbolizes understanding
speak to him. Presumably caused by disgust or disrespect, this and catharsis, Lily must finish it to attain both.
failure distresses her, causing her to think she is "not a woman,
but a peevish, ill-tempered, dried-up old maid." As Lily gets lost in the process (losing "consciousness of outer
things" such as her name and Mr. Carmichael's presence) she
Much of Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay's conflict arose from being has an emotional epiphany—as "scenes, and names, and
opposites: man, woman; provider, protector; mercurial, calm. sayings, and memories and ideas" arise—she realizes Mrs.
Now Lily finds herself in Mrs. Ramsay's place, and Mr. Ramsay's role in creation, in her life, in her passion. This
Ramsay's presence causes her anxiety. She thinks, as a understanding furthers the theme of love and loss, as Lily
"woman, she should have known how to deal with it," comes to terms with both. Although she hopes no one
demonstrating how the gender-based society has influenced interrupts her because she wants to continue painting, she is
her perception of and expectations for herself. drawn by curiosity and guilt to Mr. Ramsay's excursion.

The Lighthouse, Chapter 3 The Lighthouse, Chapter 4

Summary Summary
Looking from the canvas to the garden, Lily Briscoe feels The boat hardly moves, and Cam and James hope they will
"divided." The image has remained a "knot in her mind" for a have to turn back. The siblings worry their father's behavior will
decade, and she struggles with the first brushstroke. make Macalister and his son, whom they hired to take them to
the lighthouse, "uncomfortable." After Macalister's son rows
Remembering Charles Tansley, who discourages women
out farther, the boat takes off.
artists, she recalls a beach day. While writing letters Mrs.
Ramsay periodically watches Lily and Tansley skip As Mr. Ramsay and Macalister talk about a big storm in which
stones—smiling. Realizing Mrs. Ramsay had choreographed 11 ships were driven into the bay, Mr. Ramsay becomes
their momentary friendship, Lily calls the memory a "work of engrossed in and connected to the story. Cam admires her
art." father's strength, thinking he would have been among the
rescuers, a feeling that threatens her resolve to join her
As she sees the connection between life and art, Lily fails to
brother in fighting their father's tyranny.
discover a revelatory truth, thinking meaning comes from "little
daily miracles, illuminations, matches struck unexpectedly in Then reciting the closing lines of William Cowper's "The

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 30

Castaway," Mr. Ramsay points out their house to Cam, startling Recalling the tension between Lily and her friend regarding
her. He points again. All look, but Cam fails to see it. He mocks marriage, she thinks how despite Mrs. Ramsay's power over
and scolds her. Annoyed yet charmed by women, he tries to people, nothing has turned out the way she intended. As Mrs.
remedy the situation by asking about their puppy. She answers Ramsay had wished, she and William Bankes went on walks
halfheartedly and then ignores his subsequent question. He but remained friends. She keeps looking at the house steps,
reaches for his book, and she stares at the island, which because of Mrs. Ramsay's death seem empty. Again Lily
remembering his "crass blindness and tyranny." yearns to talk to Augustus Carmichael. These desires
culminate in her thoughts: "to want and not to have—to want
and want—how that wrung the heart." Mourning her friend and
Analysis searching for meaning, she begins to cry, thinking "all was
miracle," that no one knows a thing. Tears flowing, she cries
The people on the boat are in close proximity but interact little, out for Mrs. Ramsay.
their internal lives dominating their external lives, and thus
highlighting the lack of connection among them. The one
exception is Macalister and Mr. Ramsay's connection during Analysis
the discussion of the storm.
Lily Briscoe explores her internal conflict while painting, in an
This social tension in the boat is reminiscent of Mrs. Ramsay's attempt to come to terms with her life and Mrs. Ramsay's
dinner. Because Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay represent oppositions, death. Her uninterrupted thoughts flow from Mrs. Ramsay to
the events they host reflect these differences: an intimate Minta Doyle to Paul Rayley, deepening the theme of internal life
dinner within the house and an adventurous excursion by revealing the pain that has remained dormant. Though Lily,
outdoors. for once, does not want to be alone, her inability to console Mr.
Ramsay plagues her, distracting her from painting. She wants
Forced into Mr. Ramsay's ritual, Cam and James are angry. In
to talk to Mr. Carmichael, who reclines on his chair, but his hat
"The Window" the siblings fought about the skull, but here, 10
is tipped over his face, making him inaccessible and spiraling
years later at 17 and 16, respectively, they are united,
Lily deeper into thought.
developing their characters and their connection. In response
to their father's authoritarian personality, they promise each Searching for the reason Mrs. Ramsay is obsessed with
other to "resist tyranny to the death," thereby deepening the marriage, Lily—thinking about love—sees Paul, a fire protruding
tension and interpersonal connection on the boat. from him. Any time love has arisen in Lily's mind over the
decade, "Paul's fire" burns, "the roar and the crackle,"
developing her unrequited love for him, her character, and the
The Lighthouse, Chapter 5 theme of love and loss.

Summary The Lighthouse, Chapter 6

Lily Briscoe spots Mr. Ramsay's boat before it launches across
the bay. The memory of Mrs. Ramsay writing letters at the
Summary
beach returns to her, making her wonder why this, of all
memories, survives: how Mrs. Ramsay sees something in the The entire chapter appears in brackets, as if the action is an
distance and grabs for her glasses, asking and guessing what afterthought to the main text. After Macalister's son catches a
it is. Painting, Lily struggles with space, while in her mind she fish, he cuts a chunk from its body to bait his hook and throws
sits beside Mrs. Ramsay on the beach. Lily imagines updating its body back into the sea: "The mutilated body (it was still
her about the Rayleys, whose marital troubles she has alive) was thrown back into the sea."
fabricated: Minta careless and garish; Paul jealous and
unfaithful.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 31

becomes aware of each other, except for Mr. Ramsay, who

Analysis reads. Cam thinks, "Everything in the whole world seemed to
stand still."
Typically, the narrator uses brackets to include factual
information, which here suggests little is happening on the In thinking about his father, James realizes it is not Mr. Ramsay
boat, inwardly and outwardly. The language suggests a certain he wants to kill but the dark rages that overcome his father.
brutality in the act, or in survival itself. James begins to understand that his father's behavior toward
him and others is not his father's fault; his father is a victim of a
The bracketed text also suggests that the action is
higher, uncontrollable force. Using the image of the wagon
meaningless to Macalister's son; the toss back into the sea is
wheel crushing someone's foot, James realizes he cannot
written in the passive voice, as if he is not an active participant.
blame the wheel. For James the wheel was his father's
Yet the inclusion of this chapter suggests this compressed
crushing ("It will rain," Mr. Ramsay had said) of his childish
moment in time may have an effect on another character.
yearning to go to the lighthouse: a "silvery, misty-looking tower
with a yellow eye that opened suddenly and softly in the
evening." He sees the lighthouse clearly now from the boat—a
The Lighthouse, Chapter 7 stark and straight black and white tower, with laundry drying
on the rocks.

Summary James waits for his father to "say something sharp," but he
doesn't. As James senses his father's awareness, the sail
Lily Briscoe is grateful no one hears her crying and calling for catches wind, and the boat moves again.
Mrs. Ramsay. The "pain of want" and her "bitter anger" lessen.
Briefly she feels Mrs. Ramsay's presence bringing her relief.
She returns to painting, imagining Mrs. Ramsay surrounded by Analysis
flowers.
The stalled boat parallels James's internal life. Stalled
Desiring "distance and blue," Lily looks to the water and sees emotionally by hatred for his father, he reflects on old but
Mr. Ramsay's boat in the middle of the bay. continuing anger, stalled in time. The anger centers on the
lighthouse, which for James represents the inaccessible,
something far different from the unremarkable tower he sees
Analysis now. Accepting the reality of both—a mystery of his childhood
and a commonplace reality of the present time—James seems
Noticing the considerable distance between the boat and able to accept the multiplicity of vision and understanding.
lighthouse, Lily wonders whether they will reach their
destination, a journey that parallels for them what completing That multiplicity applies to his relationship with his father as
her painting means for her. Thinking the "sea and sky" look well. By understanding that his father's tyranny is something
made of "one fabric," disoriented, she momentarily loses sight more than deliberate behavior toward him, James can come to
of the boat and feels anxious, wanting to connect more with terms with the subjective reality of his father at the same time
Mr. Ramsay. as he continues to long for his mother, a memory in which his
father's presence intrudes but does not destroy.

The Lighthouse, Chapter 8 As the wind picks up and the boat moves, James's thoughts
parallel the boat's movement, allowing him to move on as well,
toward the lighthouse and toward resolution.

Summary
The sail loses the wind, stalling the boat. Without wind,
movement, and sound to distract everyone, the group

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 32

Observing Mr. Ramsay in memory (an "intolerably egotistical"

The Lighthouse, Chapter 9 and "sarcastic brute") and at present ("reading the little book
with his legs curled"), she does not see a "vain tyrant." She
sees an old man, someone who ensures she is comfortable,
Summary and she can accept him as he is now. Like Lily Briscoe and
painting, Cam creates, inventing an adventure story. Her
As Lily Briscoe gazes at the still and peaceful sea that narrative represents how she aligns more with modern women
"stretche[s] like silk across the bay," she worries over the than with the gender roles her parents represent. At the same
power of distance. She cannot find Mr. Ramsay's boat, and she time, she repeats something her father says, "how we perished,
fears her friends are "gone for ever ... becom[ing] part of the each alone," showing how part of him lives in her.
nature of things."

The Lighthouse, Chapter 11

Analysis
The chapter is enclosed in brackets, signifying an external
observation. The structure suggests Lily is completely invested
Summary
in finding the boat. Her fear alludes to the unaddressed trauma
As Lily Briscoe thinks "so much ... depends on distance," she
of Mrs. Ramsay's death, developing the theme of love and loss.
watches Mr. Ramsay's boat move across the bay. Augustus
As she searches for the group whom she fears may be
Carmichael grunts, retrieves his book, and continues reading.
"swallowed up" by the sea, she seems afraid to lose more.
Barely able to spot them, Lily thinks they will land at the
lighthouse before lunch and returns to her painting, not
wanting to be interrupted.
The Lighthouse, Chapter 10
Noting how Mr. Carmichael has changed and not changed, Lily
feels they are connected by thoughts, despite her knowing him
Summary only vaguely—the outline, not the details. She thinks both of
how Andrew's death affected him and of his current
Cam watches the shore from the sea. She begins telling recognition, although she has never read his poetry. She
herself a story of escaping from a sinking ship because she recalls he did not care much for Mrs. Ramsay and was
craves "adventure and escape." James watches the sail, and unaffected by her. Her thoughts then turn to Charles Tansley,
she wants to tell him to consider their father as he is now her dislike of him, Mrs. Ramsay's treatment of him, and his
(reading), to temper James's negative opinions. Mr. Ramsay antiwar advocacy. She sees him in her own way and for her
looks up to "pin down some thought more exactly." She own purposes, which for her are in the role of a whipping boy.
continues with her adventure story, looking back at the shore, But that is not necessarily how others view him.
whispering "how we perished, each alone."
While observing and fussing with a trail of ants, Lily wishes for
"fifty pairs of eyes" to understand. She thinks, "Fifty pairs of

Analysis eyes were not enough to get round that one woman with." She
ponders the memory of Mr. Ramsay gallantly proposing to Mrs.

Cam reaches peace in her thoughts—no longer hurt by her Ramsay and then their marriage, which "was no monotony of

father's offensiveness and brother's stubbornness, which bliss," recalling their arguments, "long rigid" silences, and how

cause her "anguish"—and considers what is next after feeling Mr. Ramsay bothered Mrs. Ramsay until she spoke to him

"all had slipped, all had passed, all had streamed away." Cam, again. Their petty differences and deeper conflict appear in her

like her mother, fears old age and loneliness. These thoughts, "impulses and quicknesses; he with his shudders and glooms."

like James's in Chapter 8, display emotional growth.

Someone enters the drawing room. The person's shadow
creates a "triangular shadow" on the step—recalling how Lily

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Chapter Summaries 33

represented Mrs. Ramsay reading to James in her first mind was of what she was thinking, of what she was seeing."
painting—which slightly changes the "composition of the
picture." Dipping her brush, she remembers her former "mood,"
thinking someone wants to see the ordinary (a "chair") as it is, The Lighthouse, Chapter 12
but recognize simultaneously it is also miraculous. Her torment
returns after her inspiration, the new shape on the porch, is
altered by the wind, letting the image escape her. She recalls
Summary
the Ramsays again and Prue's short-lived happiness. She sees
Mrs. Ramsay again, amid flowers, and cries for her. Then Lily
James observes Mr. Ramsay, close to finishing his book, and
walks to the lawn's edge to look for the boat and Mr. Ramsay.
thinks he looks old, the physical manifestation of "what was
always at the back of both their minds"—"loneliness."
Approaching the lighthouse, James is satisfied and repeats
Analysis something his father has said, "We are driving before a
gale—we must sink." Bored, Cam watches her father read,
Facing the external conflict of balancing Mrs. Ramsay and the
oblivious to them, and dozes off. Hungry, Mr. Ramsay startles
painting, which will bring her understanding and catharsis of
Cam, demanding, "Come now."
grief, Lily is filled with the sensation things are "happening for
the first time." This feeling creates tension between memory Macalister praises James for his control of the boat, but James
and the present, as she searches for what evades her. is annoyed his father never compliments him. Feeling safe,
Cam eats an egg, adding to her story, as Mr. Ramsay and
As Lily sifts through her memory, she remembers Mr. Ramsay's
Macalister discuss the war. Mr. Ramsay scolds Cam for almost
tyrannical nature, giving her insight into Cam's and James's
throwing her sandwich overboard and tells her to save it. She
anger toward their father. She remembers how the "bedroom
reacts as though he has said something wise, of which she
door would slam violently early in the morning," displaying how
approves, and he gives her a gingerbread nut from his own
Mr. Ramsay's wrath would begin as soon as he woke, making
lunch.
Cam and James's pact reasonable.
Finally, Macalister's son speaks, pointing out where three men
Through her memories, Lily recalls the extent to which Mrs.
drowned in the storm. James and Cam think their father will
Ramsay protected her children, and the source of the family's
recite poetry, which they hate. To their surprise, he doesn't. Mr.
peace becomes apparent. Lily remembers how often Mr. and
Ramsay compliments James on his steering. As they prepare
Mrs. Ramsay wandered off to the pear trees to "have it out
to land, two men wait at the lighthouse, and James and Cam
together." The setting is significant here because the trees
watch Mr. Ramsay looking back at the island, thinking, "Ask us
symbolize the life, love, and connection between husband and
anything and we will give it you." But he is silent. He then asks
wife and between mother and children. Being in harmony with
his children to carry the parcels Nancy packed. They obey and
her husband and fulfilling her role as a wife enable her to fulfill
prepare to follow him as he jumps "lightly like a young man ...
her role as a mother.
on to the rock."

Lily's statement about distance applies not only to her sighting

of the boat, but of life and understanding in general. One
cannot see or understand people or events when one is too
Analysis
close to them. The statement is only part of the author's vision,
In the novel's denouement, the group arrives at the previously
for not only does one need distance, but one needs "fifty pairs
inaccessible lighthouse, bringing the mounting tension over the
of eyes" to see the many simultaneous and often conflicting
bad weather and human interaction to rest and offering
facets not only of Mrs. Ramsay but of people and events.
resolution.
As Lily confronts her issues, she comes closer to
James faces his emotional conflict, reflecting the Freudian
understanding the complexity of life and the balance in the
Oedipal theories of early childhood, his murderous rages being
painting, inching closer to understanding herself—"so full her
the natural reaction to a father's interference in a boy's desire

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Quotes 34

for intimacy with his mother. Reflection helps James recognize lawn's edge and says, "They will have landed." Lily is comforted
he and his father are similar: both are lonely; both have now by knowing they are thinking the same things, and "he had
shared a close view of the lighthouse. As James faces the answered her without her asking him anything."
structure he was once so passionate about, he realizes it is a
"stark tower on a bare rock," and he repeats one of his father Exhausted, Lily returns to her canvas. Looking between the

lines, "exactly as his father said it," showing deep "blurred" painting and the "empty" steps, with "sudden

contemplation and acceptance. intensity" she paints a line in the center of the canvas, finishing
the piece.
After Mr. Ramsay compliments James on his sailing, Cam, torn
between them, thinks "There! ... You've got it at last." Even
though James looks "sulky" and frowns, Cam knows he does Analysis
not want to "share a grain of pleasure," illuminating their bond,
a milestone between father and son, and another confirmation Lily and Mr. Carmichael share a profound moment of ease over
of their similarity. Earlier Cam pondered Mr. Ramsay's knowing, individually then together, Mr. Ramsay's boat has
inaccessibility—like the lighthouse's. Now they arrive at what reached the lighthouse, that Mr. Ramsay, James, and Cam
has seemed impossible, or inaccessible, for them throughout have reached what was previously inaccessible. Their
the novel: the lighthouse trip and human connection. connection satisfies Lily, showing the growth of both
characters, who throughout the novel have struggled to
Through Mr. Ramsay's approval of his sailing, James and his connect with others.
father are able to connect. James may already have forgiven,
or at least come to terms with, his father and his failures. In this Almost simultaneously Lily is able to complete her painting, as
scene, Cam, who knows her brother better than the other she reaches her own understanding of its subject and comes
passengers do, believes he is content, but he does not reveal to terms with her years of grieving. Lily's vision, which now
this emotion. satisfies her, is equivalent to James, Cam, and Mr. Ramsay
arriving at the lighthouse. As she finishes her painting, she
It is up to the reader to decide how much James has accepted realizes she does not care where it is hung, but she knows that
and where he is emotionally. Certainly his vision is broader and it captures for eternity the essence of a single moment. The
his acceptance greater—he sees the lighthouse as it was to moment and her vision of it will endure long after all are gone.
him and as it is now—but he is still young and may need more
distance, which he and Cam maintain somewhat, for although
they rise to follow their father, they are still in the boat at the
end of the novel. Readers may wonder whether Mr. Ramsay,
g Quotes
with his newfound energy, will help them disembark or leave
them to do it on their own, affirming their independence. Either
"It was a thousand pities."
way, they will disembark, and James, like Cam earlier in the
excursion, has moved toward accepting his father and his
father accepting him in their journey toward understanding and — Narrator, The Window, Chapter 9

connection.
Mr. Ramsay scares Lily Briscoe with his mood swings, and
William Bankes consoles her by contemplating Mr. Ramsay's
The Lighthouse, Chapter 13 tempestuousness. As he speaks William Bankes reflects on the
others Mr. Ramsay harms with his tyrannical nature. Secretly in
love with Mrs. Ramsay, Mr. Bankes pities Lily who gets caught
Summary in the wake of his anger: Mrs. Ramsay who caters to Mr.
Ramsay's neediness; the Ramsay children who are subjected
Lily Briscoe assumes the boat has reached the lighthouse and to their father's erratic behavior; and himself, who mourns his
thinks Mr. Ramsay has received the sympathy she failed to estranged friendship with Mr. Ramsay and perhaps thinks
give him that morning. Augustus Carmichael joins her at the himself a better partner for Mrs. Ramsay.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Quotes 35

"The sky stuck to them; the birds could do whatever he wanted. He

sang through them." had felt her eyes on him all day
today, following him about (though
— Narrator, The Window, Chapter 9
she never said a word) as if she
As Lily Briscoe watches Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay "being in love," were saying, "Yes, you can do it. I
she excitedly witnesses their emotions and how the world
appears to revolve around them. Mrs. Ramsay's world certainly
believe in you. I expect it of you.""
does revolve around her, together with her husband. Lily loves
and envies them. — Narrator, The Window, Chapter 14

After Paul Rayley proposes to Minta Doyle, he wants to tell

"A light here required a shadow Mrs. Ramsay, who encouraged him. His thoughts reveal the
power Mrs. Ramsay has over others. Her positive energy and
there." wordless encouragement lead others to do as she believes
they should, for better or worse. Even if not all follow Mrs.
— Narrator, The Window, Chapter 9 Ramsay's ideas, her influence affects them deeply, and they
believe in her love.
William Bankes shows interest in the purple triangular shape in
Lily Briscoe's painting. Lily says it is Mrs. Ramsay reading to
James and explains the process of shading. Harboring "He went to the heart of things."
romantic feelings for Mrs. Ramsay and scientific-minded, Mr.
Bankes is intrigued and questions her representation, but Lily — Narrator, The Window, Chapter 17
cannot articulate or visualize her intention "without a brush in
her hand." Taken at face value, her words pertain to the
At dinner Charles Tansley and William Bankes discuss a
painting technique; however, beyond their literal meaning, she
political issue. Bored and drained from keeping the
may be referring both to multiple perspectives and to balance
conversation going among her guests, Mrs. Ramsay hopes her
(what eludes her in the composition), indicating that something
husband will contribute something of his sharp political
dark is countered by contrasting lightness, or more broadly a
insights. But as she admires his knowledge, he disappoints her
negative by a positive, or opposing condition.
with silence and an angry scowl because Augustus Carmichael
has asked for more soup.

"She could be herself, by herself."

"Everything seemed possible.
— Narrator, The Window, Chapter 11
Everything seemed right."
Mildred takes James from Mrs. Ramsay. Because of the roles
she has assumed for herself, because of the way others see — Narrator, The Window, Chapter 17
and need her, and because her external life conflicts with her
internal life, Mrs. Ramsay takes great pleasure in the few During dinner Mrs. Ramsay, seeing how much William Bankes
minutes she has to be alone and not playing a part. and Lily Briscoe have in common, regrets not seating them
next to each other. She plans to arrange a walk or picnic for
them the following day. She is matchmaking again and once
"[S]he made him believe that he again, shortsighted and mistaken in her ideas about the two

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Symbols 36

characters. Independent Lily has little interest in marriage, and

William Bankes is in love with Mrs. Ramsay. This observation l Symbols
parallels her influence in Paul Rayley's and Minta Doyle's
engagement.

Lighthouse
"Life stand still here."
Across the bay the lighthouse represents inaccessibility. It
— Mrs. Ramsay, The Lighthouse, Chapter 3
appears in the opening scene, creating conflict between Mr.
and Mrs. Ramsay and murderous rage from young James. Over
When Mrs. Ramsay choreographs a moment on the beach in 10 years, the long sweep of the light—Mrs. Ramsay believes
which Charles Tansley and Lily Briscoe share a friendly the light emanates from her—reaches the Ramsays' house,
moment skipping stones, she wants to remember it. The becoming a comfort and a curse to the characters.
statement is important because Mrs. Ramsay does not want
time to pass; she does not want her children to get older or for With multiple meanings, the lighthouse represents what the

anything to change. main characters find inaccessible at first, but later accessible,
or "enlightening." Lily finishes her painting, and James and Cam
Ramsay reach a connection with their father. In "The
Lighthouse," Chapter 8, James observes the lighthouse, once
"They're happy like that; I'm happy an unattainable "passion," thinking, "So that was the
like this. Life has changed Lighthouse, was it?" Observing its "stark and straight"
structure, he decides the lighthouse in front of him is also the
completely." lighthouse of his memories, an "opening and shutting" eye
reaching their summer house, "For nothing was simply one
— Narrator, The Lighthouse, Chapter 5 thing." His reconciliation of the past and present images of the
lighthouse typify the novel's multiple viewpoints that truth, or
understanding, is not one-dimensional and that what is
Lily Briscoe mourns Mrs. Ramsay, reflecting on the distance
inaccessible to one character is not the same for others.
she feels between her life and her friend's "old-fashioned"
beliefs. She imagines someone trying to update her on all that
has occurred in the last decade. Seeing the distance between
Mrs. Ramsay and herself, Lily is able to accept who she is.
Painting

"Love had a thousand shapes."

Painting represents understanding and catharsis. Lily Briscoe
paints a scene that includes Mrs. Ramsay reading to James in
— Narrator, The Lighthouse, Chapter 11
the drawing room. She ponders Mrs. Ramsay's character, who
is "like a bird for speed, an arrow for directness," a
Lily Briscoe ponders the "feeling of completeness" that "commanding" presence opening windows and shutting doors.
inspired her a decade ago when she began the painting and Not attempting a "likeness" but rather another sense of
fell in love with everything around her at the Ramsays' home. "mother and child," she depicts Mrs. Ramsay as a purple
Her statement reflects the many ways that love, as well as triangular shadow. Later Mrs. Ramsay in "The Window,"
other emotions, can be felt, understood, and expressed. Chapter 11, describes herself as a "wedge of darkness," which
resembles a purple triangular shadow.

Lily navigates the issue of balance in the painting. Working on

the composition, she achieves a certain understanding by

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Themes 37

moving the tree (symbolizing love, life, and connection, which

for Lily show themselves in Mrs. Ramsay) to a more prominent m Themes
position to reflect the Mrs. Ramsay's essence and importance.

The act of painting represents catharsis for Lily. At the

beginning of the novel, she is anxious about showing the Love and Loss
painting to others. Introverted and sensitive, she is unsure
about her abilities and intimidated by Charles Tansley's
derogatory comments about women's inabilities as artists. Whether the love is familial (James and Mrs. Ramsay), lustful
Although she continues painting, Lily cannot achieve complete (Paul Rayley and Minta Doyle), marital (Mr. Ramsay and Mrs.
catharsis—for her, the inaccessible—until she fully understands Ramsay), platonic (William Bankes and Mr. Ramsay), or
her feelings about Mrs. Ramsay. unrequited (Lily Briscoe and Paul Rayley; William Bankes and
Mrs. Ramsay), each character contemplates love and copes
When Lily finally allows herself sufficient distance, she is able
with loss in individual ways. Often characters miss
to finish the new painting with a simple line down the center,
opportunities to connect with one another, making reflection
achieving the complete sense of balance she has sought, and
their only expression of love or loss, which is witnessed
she can accept herself as an artist. If she achieves
through the shifting point of view and stream-of-
understanding in "The Window," she achieves catharsis in "The
consciousness style. This isolation represents an almost
Lighthouse," as she finishes the painting at the same time as
constant loss throughout the novel.
Mrs. Ramsay's husband and children reach the lighthouse.
In "The Window," Chapter 19, Mrs. Ramsay senses Mr. Ramsay
wants her to tell him she loves him, desiring the "thing she
always found it so difficult to give him." Unable to articulate her
Tree love, she tells him he was right about the rainy weather, which
is her way of connecting with him. Typically, where others may
fail to connect, Mrs. Ramsay succeeds merely by being
While the pear tree receives the most attention in the novel, it present. Therefore, the absence caused by her death is all the
is noteworthy that the summer house is surrounded by trees. more pervasive.
Representing love, life, and connection, trees protect the home
Sometimes unconscious or seemingly unrelated actions reveal
and those in it, as does Mrs. Ramsay.
love and loss. In "The Window," Chapter 9, while Mr. Bankes
In "The Window," Chapter 4, Lily Briscoe and William Bankes complains about Mr. Ramsay to Lily Briscoe, he quietly admires
pause by the pear tree, discussing Mr. Ramsay's stalled career, Mrs. Ramsay, making Lily aware of his unrequited love. In "Time
a discussion showing the intimacy of their deep friendship. At Passes," Chapter 6, quiet Augustus Carmichael, grieved by
that spot Lily imagines a kitchen table—which, because of Andrew Ramsay's death, publishes a well-received poetry
Andrew Ramsay's explanation of Mr. Ramsay's field, collection. A decade later in "The Lighthouse," Lily completes a
represents the patriarch and his work—"lodged" in the tree. new painting of Mrs. Ramsay, and Mr. Ramsay takes James to
Lily's image, considering her love for the Ramsays, illustrates the lighthouse. These final actions reveal not only love for Mrs.
how Mr. Ramsay's difficult professional life and demanding Ramsay but acceptance of her death and an affirmation of the
presence harm the family's well-being. love, life, and connection she inspired.

When Lily changes the composition of her painting by moving

the tree closer to the center, she affirms the tree's importance
as a representation of the inner spirit of Mrs. Ramsay, which Internal Life
Lily is trying to capture: the love, life, and connection that make
her a nurturing, protecting, and stabilizing force in others' lives.

Because of the novel's stream-of-consciousness style and

shifting point of view, most of the "plot" unfolds in the minds of

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

To the Lighthouse Study Guide Suggested Reading 38

the characters. Very little outward action occurs. Indeed, the she wants to possess it, the dinner's ideal, to understand how
plot is driven not by what characters do but by what they she and others will remember it. In reality, however, it is a
observe, think, and feel, thus defining their existence. dinner party not unlike others and already a memory.

Mrs. Ramsay may be the most obvious character whose Throughout the novel, Lily Briscoe labors to represent Mrs.
internal and external lives conflict. Externally, she is a devoted Ramsay and James, their shape and color. Struggling through
mother, compassionate neighbor and benefactor, and her creative process and impressions, she tries to create a
sympathetic and sensitive wife. She performs these roles with truth, which she knows, in "The Window," Chapter 9, is not a
calm and grace; however, her internal life is chaotic, as "likeness" but a "vision ... she had seen clearly once."
conflicting thoughts and emotions battle. As she directs guests
to their seats at her dinner party, she feels far removed from
the task, asking herself what she has done with her life. The
role she has created for herself and in which others see her is e Suggested Reading
not what it appears.
Bloom, Harold. Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse. New York:
During one-on-one encounters, characters are alienated by
Chelsea, 1988. Print.
their own or others' isolation, or lack of connection. In "The
Window," Chapter 10, Cam Ramsay ignores Mrs. Ramsay when Briggs, Julia. Virginia Woolf: An Inner Life. New York: Harvest,
she calls her, making Mrs. Ramsay wonder what her daughter 2005. Print.
is dreaming about, standing in front of her "with some thought
of her own." Mrs. Ramsay compares talking to Cam with Davies, Stevie. Woolf's To the Lighthouse. New York: Penguin:
dropping a message into a well, showing their lack of 1989. Print.
connection, and she asks her daughter to repeat the message
Harris, Alexandra. Virginia Woolf. New York: Thames & Hudson,
to ensure she listened to her.
2011. Print.
Mr. Ramsay's internal life, too, is one of insecurity and continual
Matar, Hisham. "The Unsaid: The Silence of Virginia Woolf." The
need for praise and reassurance. He seeks admiration from his
New Yorker. Condé Nast, 10 Nov. 2014. Web. 8 Oct. 2016.
followers, who are few, and comfort from his wife, who
supplies it. He knows, internally, the reality of his limited
Pease, Allison. The Cambridge Companion to To the
intellect will lead to no great contributions in his field.
Lighthouse. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2014. Print.
Externally, however, he acts like the "philosopher" he aspires to
be, and in his demands for attention from those around him, he
is cranky and belligerent, causing murderous emotions in his
son and antipathy in others.

Reality versus the Ideal

Many of the characters in the novel consider ideals. During the

summer holiday each one—whether pursuits are professional,
artistic, domestic, or romantic—makes an effort to organize
what and whom they encounter to extract beauty or truth.
After the dinner party in "The Window" Mrs. Ramsay enjoys a
moment of silence in the stairwell where she tries to extract
the "thing that mattered" from the dinner. Wanting to "detach it;
separate it off; clean it of all the emotions and odds and ends,"

All material contained within this document/guide is protected by copyright law of the US and various other
jurisdictions and may not be reproduced or distributed without the express written consent. Contact Course Hero
with respect to reproduction or distribution. This document was downloaded from Coursehero.com on 07-19-2021
by 100000817764887.