To The Lighthouse: Symbols Related To Women And To Men

The novel from Virginia Woolf presents more than a lighthouse expedition narrative because it illustrates how males and females struggle in society. The novel employs symbolic devices to display how the world treats men differently from women and the varied mental processes of both genders. The Ramsay family and their visiting guests experience various expressions of love and loss and must adapt to all changes as they wait to see the lighthouse.

The lighthouse serves as more than just a physical location because it represents a forceful symbol. The lighthouse symbol along with other symbolic elements helps Woolf display the societal conditions which men and women faced during the early twentieth century. One important thing Woolf does in “To The Lighthouse: Symbols Related To Women And To Men” is show how women are often expected to be caring and quiet, like Mrs. Ramsay, who always puts others first.

As a manifestation of classic female behavior she makes continuous acts of service and her way of life reflects compassion and her constant pursuit of tranquility. The character of Mr. Ramsay reveals the traditional masculine identity by fixing his attention upon success along with knowledge and respect. The characters represent contrasting social expectations between genders which results in emotional distress among characters.

Symbols That Reflect Women’s and Men’s Roles

In “To The Lighthouse: Symbols Related To Women And To Men,” the sea, the lighthouse, and even the dinner table become ways to understand how men and women live differently. The sea exhibits different emotional levels similar to women’s internal feelings which people seldom observe. Similar to how men are taught independence the lighthouse holds an isolated position. The author uses impactful pictorial elements to let us experience hidden emotions of her characters simultaneously conveying gender concepts that remain vital in modern society.