Compare and contrast Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay.
To the Lighthouse is a notable literary work by Virginia Woolf. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of To the Lighthouse.
Answer
Compare and contrast Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay. [NU: 2019, 21] ★★★
Virginia Woolf’s (1882–1941) “To the Lighthouse” (1927) 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”.