To the Lighthouse: Virginia Woolf
1. How can you explain that 'what' Virginia Woolf wanted to say (for example, the complexity of human relationship, the everyday battles that people are at in their relationship with near and dear ones, the struggle of a female artist against the values of middle/upper-class society etc) can only be said in the way she has said? (Key: The 'How' of the narrative technique is to be discussed along with features of Stream of Consciousness technique which helps Woolf to put in an effective manner what she experienced in abstractions.)
=). There are other techniques also through which, one can explain all the thing what Virginia Woolf wanted to say, but the technique of Stream of Consciousness seems the best to explain as the whole novel is highly psychological where the complexity of relationships as well as the problems in day to day life with near relations due to such circumstances are being tried to explore by the author. i.e the relations between Mr Ramsay and his son James is not looking good from the side of James the even James has an anger (inside) towards his father that even he wants to kill him just denial of Mr Ramsay to visit the lighthouse, but it considered asredas his immaturity, but as he showed grew up in the third part 3 (The Lighthouse), his thinking also becomes mature towards his father, he has a respect towards him. Now all these feeling, as well as the respect of James expressed through Virginia Woolf with the help of Stream of Consciousness, and this is the real success of an author that she is able to make us understood what is the Psyche of James by exploring the dark as well as a bright psychological condition of James.
2. Do you agree: "The novel is both the tribute and critique of Mrs Ramsay"? (Key: Take some clues from the painting of Mrs Ramsay drawn by Lily Briscoe and the article by Andre Viola and Glenn Pedersen. Can we read Mrs Ramsay in the context of the idea of Ideal Indian Woman - Karyeshu dasi, Karaneshu manthri; Bhojeshu Mata, Shayaneshu Rambha; Kshamayeshu Dharitri, Roopeshu Lakshmi; Satkarma yukata, Kuladharma path)
=). Yes, I agree that the novel is both the tribute and critique Mrs Ramsay. Firstly The definition of an ideal woman given in above link is itself problematic in contemporary times, as every person wants the liberality in his/her life, they don't want to be confined in the control of any institution (But anyhow, they have to be) so the idea of an ideal Women according to Indian mythology given in above link says that a wife must be a good loyal worker just like a maid; a good adviser like a minister of King’s court; a caretaker like a mother; Romantic like Rambha, in bedroom; a pardoner just like a goddess of earth; a beautiful like Lakshmi, the goddess of learning and wife of Brahma; and perfect duty minded one. Now, all the characteristics indicate that a wife must be doing something for others not for herself like she must be a caretaker like a mother who can take cares of husband or children, romantic like a Rambha who would satisfy the need of man. in this idea of Women, we can't find the free space for men as the responsibilities have been already giving as a boss gives to their paid employs. so we can say that novel is a critique of Mrs Ramsay as she seems a traditional housewife whose duty is please other people surrounded by her. I think the tragedy of a traditional Women in modern times has been shown in the delighted character of Mrs Ramsay through the perspective of Lily Briscoe and her painting. In painting Mrs, .s knitting and guiding a child which shows the characteristics ideal housewife. on the other side, the novel is also the tribute to Mrs Ramsay the unfinished desire to provide clothes, first aid, newspaper (necessity of all an entire human being) to far living people to the lighthouse being fulfilled by her family members, especially Mr Ramsay. I this the novel is more critique rather tribute to Mrs Ramsay as it is nowhere indicated or said in the novel that the visit to the Lighthouse is in the memory of Mrs Ramsay, but it has been tried to convey in moa ann e a philosophical way.
3. Considering symbolically, does the Lighthouse stand for Mrs Ramsay or the narrator (Virginia Woolf herself who is categorically represented by Lily)? (Key: Take help from the presentation on Symbolism to connect Mrs Caroline Ramsay with Lighthouse. Secondly, the narrator/author cannot fully disappear from the novel and thus the stoicism of Lily to paint and thus prove that she can paint is symbolically presented in the stoicism of Lighthouse. Read 'lighthouse' symbol from a presentation slide with this insight to connect lighthouse with the narrator. Give your concluding remarks in the comment below in this blog )
=). Mrs Ramsay can be seen as the lighthouse as the symbol of the lighthouse is considered as the strong pillar which bears from the sea, which is stood in between of the sea and not only suffering from the sea but also shows the way to the wandered people. In the same manner, Ramsay is also trying to please all the people all the time and still remains objective and having a very kind nature.
Lily can be also called the lighthouse because throughout the novel she is being irritated by the Tensely(Patriarchy) by such statements like "Women can't write or paint" as the lighthouse also has to suffer many storms into the sea. but ultimately Lily proves herself by completing her painting that whatever Tensely (society) says about her (Modern Women) she is free from all the stereotypes.
4. How do you interpret the last line of the novel (It was done; it was finished.Yes, she thought, laying down her brush in extreme fatigue, I have had my vision.) with reference to the ending of the film (After the final stroke on the canvass with finishing touch, Lily walks inside the house. As she goes ante-chamber, the light and dark shade makes his face play hide-and-seek. She climbs stairs, puts her brush aside, walks through the dark and light to enter her room. Gently closes the door - speaks: "Closed doors, open windows" - lies on the bed and with some sort of satisfaction utters: "Dearest Briscoe, you are a fool".)
=). Yes, the last line of the novel (Yes, she thought...........I have had my vision) suggests two things. one is that painting is now completed and another is that she proved herself as an independent woman in modern times just by complete the paint. she does not just paint a picture but that picture is of Mrs Ramsay, by that painting she would try to prove that she is not like Mrs Ramsay who was busy in housekeeping which clearly indicates in her painting.
5. What do you understand by the German term 'Künstlerroman? How can you justify that 'To The Lighthouse' is 'Künstlerroman' novel?
=). 'Kunstlerroman' is the German word. Meaning of ' kunstlerroman' is the artist's novel. Normally, these type of novels shows the artist’s growth to maturity, which it deals with the problems of any types of artists like, painter, musician, dancer and poet. In the novel, in which the protagonist of the novel is an artist or we can say that in the novel any type of artist is the protagonist. Yes, the novel 'To the Lighthouse' is the 'kunstlerroman' novel because in this novel we find that lily as an artist and who struggle towards patriarchal society and also broke the statement of Charles Tansley, women can not paint and write.
6. "... the wages of obedience is death, and the daughter that reproduces mothering to perfection, including child-bearing, already has on her cheeks the pallor of death. One reminded here of various texts by Luce Irigaray, in which she attacks mothers for being, however unwillingly, accomplices in the patriarchal system of oppression." (Viola). In light of this remark, explain briefly Lily's dilemma in 'To The Lighthouse'.
=). In To the Lighthouse, Mrs Ramsay’s daughters are represented s sporting with infidel ideas; there is also a mute question in their mind about difference and courage, they are also credited with “Manliness in their girlish hearts.” Mrs Ramsay’s three daughters are mentioned namely Nancy, Rose and Prue. But two of them, Nancy and Rose are to speak non-existence but Prue dies from too complete an obedience to her mother’s wishes. Others are Lily and Cam. Lily is adopted as a child. Here Lily symbolizes her fight against patriarchy and its ministering figure of the Angel in the House, with the death of the mother; it was to be fought against her image. Lily passes from her state of numbness to an unexpected expression of anger towards Mrs Ramsay for emptiness which she has created by her death and it creates a dilemma.
7. You have compared the 'beginning' and the 'ending' of the novel and the film adaptation of the novel directed by Colin Gregg (you can see it again in the embedded video below this). Do you think that the novel is more poignant than the movie? If yes, do you ascribe the fact that the power of words is much greater than that of the screen/visuals?
=). Yes, we can say that the novel is more poignant than the movie. In the film, camera low to speak, there is no use of the word, camera help to describe the scene, there is no need to speak, word, less need of the word, reading a novel is more effective than the screen or visuals. In visuals we can not feel the scene or any situation, it suddenly pass, but de the reading of the novel we feed more and more the situation and we also imagine it. so reading book is more effective.
8. How do you interpret the last line of the novel?
=). My interpretation about the last line of the novel is that Woolf's get her vision with the character of lily and also prove women ability by the character of lily.
9. What does the catalogue named as 'Army and Navy' signify? What does the cutting of 'Refrigerator' signify?
=). The catalogue named 'Army and Navy' and cutting of 'Refrigerator' has crucial meaning. The catalogue in the novel does not have a date, but it does have a name. The war and consumption are connected or linked with this catalogue named as 'Army and Navy'.
One meaning of cutting refrigerator is it is a tool for conserving and as such a symbol of preservation. Another meaning, refrigerator symbol of the change of human culture. The refrigerator is an instrument of science and it symbolises preservation and shaper of culture.
10. .Why did Virginia give such prominence to the tale of the “Fisherman’s Wife”? In particular, why did she weave such a misogynist tale into the fabric of a book which so eloquently challenges received patriarchal notions about the roles and capabilities of women?
=). In this novel we can find the representation of fairy tale told by Mrs. Ramsay to her children which shows barrenness and unreasonable demand from the husband which also depicts that how Mrs.Ramsay had to bent in front the bad mood of her husband because a woman should not speak or quarrel with anybody especially with her husband otherwise she would be known as an uncultured woman. Mrs Ramsay always satisfies the ego of her husband, So it shows suppressed desires of woman like Mrs Ramsay.
11. .How is India represented in 'To The Lighthouse'?
=). India is represented in the novel as use of myth and concept of ideal women, man is in power position in the family, the character of Mrs Ramsay as the ideal mother, housewife show image of ‘patriarchal society.
1. How can you explain that 'what' Virginia Woolf wanted to say (for example, the complexity of human relationship, the everyday battles that people are at in their relationship with near and dear ones, the struggle of a female artist against the values of middle/upper-class society etc) can only be said in the way she has said? (Key: The 'How' of the narrative technique is to be discussed along with features of Stream of Consciousness technique which helps Woolf to put in an effective manner what she experienced in abstractions.)
=). There are other techniques also through which, one can explain all the thing what Virginia Woolf wanted to say, but the technique of Stream of Consciousness seems the best to explain as the whole novel is highly psychological where the complexity of relationships as well as the problems in day to day life with near relations due to such circumstances are being tried to explore by the author. i.e the relations between Mr Ramsay and his son James is not looking good from the side of James the even James has an anger (inside) towards his father that even he wants to kill him just denial of Mr Ramsay to visit the lighthouse, but it considered asredas his immaturity, but as he showed grew up in the third part 3 (The Lighthouse), his thinking also becomes mature towards his father, he has a respect towards him. Now all these feeling, as well as the respect of James expressed through Virginia Woolf with the help of Stream of Consciousness, and this is the real success of an author that she is able to make us understood what is the Psyche of James by exploring the dark as well as a bright psychological condition of James.
2. Do you agree: "The novel is both the tribute and critique of Mrs Ramsay"? (Key: Take some clues from the painting of Mrs Ramsay drawn by Lily Briscoe and the article by Andre Viola and Glenn Pedersen. Can we read Mrs Ramsay in the context of the idea of Ideal Indian Woman - Karyeshu dasi, Karaneshu manthri; Bhojeshu Mata, Shayaneshu Rambha; Kshamayeshu Dharitri, Roopeshu Lakshmi; Satkarma yukata, Kuladharma path)
=). Yes, I agree that the novel is both the tribute and critique Mrs Ramsay. Firstly The definition of an ideal woman given in above link is itself problematic in contemporary times, as every person wants the liberality in his/her life, they don't want to be confined in the control of any institution (But anyhow, they have to be) so the idea of an ideal Women according to Indian mythology given in above link says that a wife must be a good loyal worker just like a maid; a good adviser like a minister of King’s court; a caretaker like a mother; Romantic like Rambha, in bedroom; a pardoner just like a goddess of earth; a beautiful like Lakshmi, the goddess of learning and wife of Brahma; and perfect duty minded one. Now, all the characteristics indicate that a wife must be doing something for others not for herself like she must be a caretaker like a mother who can take cares of husband or children, romantic like a Rambha who would satisfy the need of man. in this idea of Women, we can't find the free space for men as the responsibilities have been already giving as a boss gives to their paid employs. so we can say that novel is a critique of Mrs Ramsay as she seems a traditional housewife whose duty is please other people surrounded by her. I think the tragedy of a traditional Women in modern times has been shown in the delighted character of Mrs Ramsay through the perspective of Lily Briscoe and her painting. In painting Mrs, .s knitting and guiding a child which shows the characteristics ideal housewife. on the other side, the novel is also the tribute to Mrs Ramsay the unfinished desire to provide clothes, first aid, newspaper (necessity of all an entire human being) to far living people to the lighthouse being fulfilled by her family members, especially Mr Ramsay. I this the novel is more critique rather tribute to Mrs Ramsay as it is nowhere indicated or said in the novel that the visit to the Lighthouse is in the memory of Mrs Ramsay, but it has been tried to convey in moa ann e a philosophical way.
3. Considering symbolically, does the Lighthouse stand for Mrs Ramsay or the narrator (Virginia Woolf herself who is categorically represented by Lily)? (Key: Take help from the presentation on Symbolism to connect Mrs Caroline Ramsay with Lighthouse. Secondly, the narrator/author cannot fully disappear from the novel and thus the stoicism of Lily to paint and thus prove that she can paint is symbolically presented in the stoicism of Lighthouse. Read 'lighthouse' symbol from a presentation slide with this insight to connect lighthouse with the narrator. Give your concluding remarks in the comment below in this blog )
=). Mrs Ramsay can be seen as the lighthouse as the symbol of the lighthouse is considered as the strong pillar which bears from the sea, which is stood in between of the sea and not only suffering from the sea but also shows the way to the wandered people. In the same manner, Ramsay is also trying to please all the people all the time and still remains objective and having a very kind nature.
Lily can be also called the lighthouse because throughout the novel she is being irritated by the Tensely(Patriarchy) by such statements like "Women can't write or paint" as the lighthouse also has to suffer many storms into the sea. but ultimately Lily proves herself by completing her painting that whatever Tensely (society) says about her (Modern Women) she is free from all the stereotypes.
4. How do you interpret the last line of the novel (It was done; it was finished.Yes, she thought, laying down her brush in extreme fatigue, I have had my vision.) with reference to the ending of the film (After the final stroke on the canvass with finishing touch, Lily walks inside the house. As she goes ante-chamber, the light and dark shade makes his face play hide-and-seek. She climbs stairs, puts her brush aside, walks through the dark and light to enter her room. Gently closes the door - speaks: "Closed doors, open windows" - lies on the bed and with some sort of satisfaction utters: "Dearest Briscoe, you are a fool".)
=). Yes, the last line of the novel (Yes, she thought...........I have had my vision) suggests two things. one is that painting is now completed and another is that she proved herself as an independent woman in modern times just by complete the paint. she does not just paint a picture but that picture is of Mrs Ramsay, by that painting she would try to prove that she is not like Mrs Ramsay who was busy in housekeeping which clearly indicates in her painting.
5. What do you understand by the German term 'Künstlerroman? How can you justify that 'To The Lighthouse' is 'Künstlerroman' novel?
=). 'Kunstlerroman' is the German word. Meaning of ' kunstlerroman' is the artist's novel. Normally, these type of novels shows the artist’s growth to maturity, which it deals with the problems of any types of artists like, painter, musician, dancer and poet. In the novel, in which the protagonist of the novel is an artist or we can say that in the novel any type of artist is the protagonist. Yes, the novel 'To the Lighthouse' is the 'kunstlerroman' novel because in this novel we find that lily as an artist and who struggle towards patriarchal society and also broke the statement of Charles Tansley, women can not paint and write.
6. "... the wages of obedience is death, and the daughter that reproduces mothering to perfection, including child-bearing, already has on her cheeks the pallor of death. One reminded here of various texts by Luce Irigaray, in which she attacks mothers for being, however unwillingly, accomplices in the patriarchal system of oppression." (Viola). In light of this remark, explain briefly Lily's dilemma in 'To The Lighthouse'.
=). In To the Lighthouse, Mrs Ramsay’s daughters are represented s sporting with infidel ideas; there is also a mute question in their mind about difference and courage, they are also credited with “Manliness in their girlish hearts.” Mrs Ramsay’s three daughters are mentioned namely Nancy, Rose and Prue. But two of them, Nancy and Rose are to speak non-existence but Prue dies from too complete an obedience to her mother’s wishes. Others are Lily and Cam. Lily is adopted as a child. Here Lily symbolizes her fight against patriarchy and its ministering figure of the Angel in the House, with the death of the mother; it was to be fought against her image. Lily passes from her state of numbness to an unexpected expression of anger towards Mrs Ramsay for emptiness which she has created by her death and it creates a dilemma.
7. You have compared the 'beginning' and the 'ending' of the novel and the film adaptation of the novel directed by Colin Gregg (you can see it again in the embedded video below this). Do you think that the novel is more poignant than the movie? If yes, do you ascribe the fact that the power of words is much greater than that of the screen/visuals?
=). Yes, we can say that the novel is more poignant than the movie. In the film, camera low to speak, there is no use of the word, camera help to describe the scene, there is no need to speak, word, less need of the word, reading a novel is more effective than the screen or visuals. In visuals we can not feel the scene or any situation, it suddenly pass, but de the reading of the novel we feed more and more the situation and we also imagine it. so reading book is more effective.
8. How do you interpret the last line of the novel?
=). My interpretation about the last line of the novel is that Woolf's get her vision with the character of lily and also prove women ability by the character of lily.
9. What does the catalogue named as 'Army and Navy' signify? What does the cutting of 'Refrigerator' signify?
=). The catalogue named 'Army and Navy' and cutting of 'Refrigerator' has crucial meaning. The catalogue in the novel does not have a date, but it does have a name. The war and consumption are connected or linked with this catalogue named as 'Army and Navy'.
One meaning of cutting refrigerator is it is a tool for conserving and as such a symbol of preservation. Another meaning, refrigerator symbol of the change of human culture. The refrigerator is an instrument of science and it symbolises preservation and shaper of culture.
10. .Why did Virginia give such prominence to the tale of the “Fisherman’s Wife”? In particular, why did she weave such a misogynist tale into the fabric of a book which so eloquently challenges received patriarchal notions about the roles and capabilities of women?
=). In this novel we can find the representation of fairy tale told by Mrs. Ramsay to her children which shows barrenness and unreasonable demand from the husband which also depicts that how Mrs.Ramsay had to bent in front the bad mood of her husband because a woman should not speak or quarrel with anybody especially with her husband otherwise she would be known as an uncultured woman. Mrs Ramsay always satisfies the ego of her husband, So it shows suppressed desires of woman like Mrs Ramsay.
11. .How is India represented in 'To The Lighthouse'?
=). India is represented in the novel as use of myth and concept of ideal women, man is in power position in the family, the character of Mrs Ramsay as the ideal mother, housewife show image of ‘patriarchal society.
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