To the Lighthouse

Novel | Virginia Woolf

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Explore 3 main texts related to To the Lighthouse. Each section contains the full literary work.

To The Lighthouse Summary

First Section: “The Window” Desire for the Lighthouse Journey: Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse begins with the Ramsay family’s summer holiday. The time is just before the First World War, a calm and peaceful period. Mr. Ramsay and Mrs. Ramsay arrive at a summer house on the Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland, with their large family and some guests. The house is by the sea, and from its w...

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To the Lighthouse key Facts

Key Facts Full Title: To the Lighthouse Original Title: To the Lighthouse Author: Virginia Woolf (1882–1941) Title of the Author: Modernist Novelist, Essayist, Feminist Critic Source: Inspired by Woolf’s childhood summers at Talland House, St. Ives, Cornwall, and her memories of her parents (Leslie and Julia Stephen) Written Time: 1925–1927 (post–World War I, during Woolf’s mature modernist phase...

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"To the Lighthouse" Theme

Themes Family Relationships: In the novel, the tensions, love, and misunderstandings within the Ramsay family are clearly shown. James finds peace in his mother’s affection but suffers from his father’s harshness. Cam is also irritated by her father’s rudeness, yet during the boat journey, she feels tenderness toward him. Mr. Ramsay longs for the love of his wife and children, but it is not direct...

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To the Lighthouse Characters

Characters Major Characters Mrs. Ramsay: The central female character of the novel. She is loving, sympathetic, and family-centered. Her personality binds the whole family together. She is caring toward her children, guests, and husband, though she feels an inner sadness and restlessness in life. She symbolizes motherhood, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. Mr. Ramsay: A philosophical, rati...

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To the Lighthouse Quotes

Quotes “Yes, of course, if it’s fine tomorrow.” – (The Window – Mrs. Ramsay, Part I, Chapter I) Explanation: Mrs. Ramsay gives hope to little James about going to the Lighthouse. This shows her kindness and motherly love. “But, it won’t be fine.” – (The Window – Mr. Ramsay, Part I, Chapter I) Explanation: Mr. Ramsay crushes James’s hope about the Lighthouse. This shows his harsh realism. “Had...

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