The role of Mrs Ramsay in To the Lighthouse

Answer

Discuss briefly the role of Mrs. Ramsay. [NU: 2017, 20] ★★★

Virginia Woolf’s (1882–1941) “To the Lighthouse” (1927) is set in the Ramsays’ summer house in the Hebrides. Mrs. Ramsay is the central figure. She is a wife, a mother, and a hostess. Her presence shapes the lives of all.

Loving Mother and Wife: Mrs. Ramsay cares deeply for her children, James, Cam, Prue, Andrew, Nancy, Jasper, Roger, and Rose. James wanted to visit the Lighthouse when he was six. His mother, Mrs. Ramsay, promised,

“Yes, of course, if it’s fine tomorrow”.

James’s father, Mr. Ramsay, crushed the hope. But she protects their joy. She also supports Mr. Ramsay. She cannot always say words, but she gives love through silence.

Hostess and Matchmaker: In the summer house, Mrs. Ramsay gathers guests, Lily Briscoe, William Bankes, Charles Tansley, Augustus Carmichael, Paul Rayley, and Minta Doyle. She creates harmony. At the dinner party, she unites all with warmth. She also arranges the engagement of Paul Rayley and Minta Doyle. She dreams Lily will marry William Bankes. She brings order and beauty into the house.

Symbol of Memory and Loss: After her sudden death, she lives on in memory. Lily Briscoe thinks of her while painting. Woolf says,

“Mrs. Ramsay had faded and gone.” 

Mr. Ramsay still longs for her sympathy. James and Cam remember her promise about the Lighthouse. Her role continues even in her absence. She connects the past, present, and future.

Mrs. Ramsay is the soul of “To the Lighthouse”. She is a mother, wife, hostess, and memory. She touches James, Cam, Prue, Andrew, Nancy, Jasper, Roger, Rose, Mr. Ramsay, Lily Briscoe, Charles Tansley, William Bankes, Paul Rayley, Minta Doyle, and Augustus Carmichael. Her role is central and eternal.