To the Lighthouse

Novel | Virginia Woolf

Compare and contrast Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay.

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Compare and contrast Mr and Mrs Ramsay NU Virginia Woolf s To the Lighthouse shows family life in the Ramsays summer house in the Hebrides Mr Ramsay and Mrs Ramsay are husband and wife They are very different yet deeply connected Their contrast gives depth to the novel Mr Ramsay- Harsh but Insecure Mr Ramsay is a philosopher He values truth and logic He often sounds harsh When James wants to go to the Lighthouse he says about the weather that But it won t be fine James feels hatred for his father for this speech Woolf says Had there been an axe handy would have gashed a hole in his father's breast and killed him Mr Ramsay always seeks sympathy He worries he will never reach greatness He is intelligent but insecure Mrs Ramsay- Loving and Harmonious Mrs Ramsay is the heart of the family When James wants to

go to the Lighthouse she comforts James saying Yes of course if it s fine tomorrow She cares for Cam Prue Andrew Nancy Roger Jasper and Rose She unites guests Lily Briscoe William Bankes Charles Tansley Augustus Carmichael Paul Rayley and Minta Doyle She is kind warm and brings peace She even arranges Paul and Minta s engagement Contrast and Connection Mr Ramsay is rational strict and self-centered Mrs Ramsay is emotional gentle and selfless He wants words of love She gives silent love He is often feared She is loved by all Yet they are bound together Even when she cannot say he knows she loves him Mr Ramsay shows intellect doubt and harshness Mrs Ramsay shows love unity and care In the summer house at the dinner table and in memory they remain two opposite yet connected forces Their contrast gives balance to To the Lighthouse

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