Introductory
To the lighthouse is one of the flagship novels written by Virginia Woolf. This book hit the shelves in 1927. The novel revolves around the psychological complexities of modern times. Just like many modern novelists, Virginia Woolf deals with time differently. In this novel, time is not moved forward straight like the movement of a clock. But Woolf moves it with the modes of her characters of the novel. For instance, in the first and last parts of the novel, time is slowed significantly in accordance with the needs of the characters. But in part 2, ten years are skipped with the blink of an eye or more specifically, on twelve pages. Moreover, time is perceived differently through the eyes and thoughts of different characters.
Mrs. Ramsay, The Sea and Time
The sea and its ongoing waves are used as a symbol of the tyrannical and unstoppable movement of time. Mrs. Ramsay does seem dependent on the movement of time in general. She looks at time as a source of emotional stability in the present time and a hope of retaining the same level of stability in future. A critic highlights,
Woolf suggests that a concentrated focus on commonplace objects releases a series of memories and ideas with important psychic resonance.
The above-mentioned phenomenon is consistently practised by Mrs. Ramsay as a dutiful supporter of her family. That is why, she feels concerned about the future of her children and how the uncontrollable force of time will mould them in future. She wants her children "never to grow up". Because she fears that her children shall suffer without an escape from such a suffering of time. That explains why Mrs. Ramsay wants to stay in the present moment of time.
Mr. Ramsay and Time
Mr. Ramsay has a different approach towards time as compared to Mrs. Ramsay. He does not seem to care of the present moment, but he looks concerned about his future as a philosopher. It is obvious through his gestures [of sympathy] that he wants to break the chains of time but he is afraid after the failure that comes as an unsuccessful publishing of his [last] book. But he still has a notion in his mind,
It is permissible even for a dying hero to think before he dies how men will speak of him hereafter.
Thus, showcasing Mr. Ramsay's long viewpoint of time and his desire to be remembered well after his death through his contribution to philosophy. The character of Mr. Ramsay exhibits Woolf's consciousness of time "also within the life of the body, moving from moment to moment towards that final obliteration of consciousness which is death.".
Independent Outlook on Time
A critic demonstrates Woolf's independent outlook of time as thus,
The notion of time as a linear and diachronic entity of homogenous and measurable quality, as instanced by clock and calendar time, comes under severe scrutiny.
In simple words, Virginia Woolf configures the rate of time in accordance to the minds of characters in the novel. Each character clearly shows the concept of time, not measured by the passing seconds or through a specific unit, but by the achievements and failures of a particular owner [of time]. The moments of great achievements are felt at a considerable amount of time and pages while the moments of insignificance are passed within the blink of an eye. For instance, Lily's achievement of completing her long attempted painting is felt in a deeper length of time by Lily. Thus, shaping this novel as an experiment of independence from the traditional chronological timeline of the novels before Virginia Woolf.
Conclusion
Conclusively, Virginia Woolf treats time in a modern manner by going out of the chronological aspect of it to the psychological recollections that are independently called upon by the characters individually. A critic beautifully sums up,
As a novelist centrally concerned with how to represent consciousness and subjectivity, [Virginia Woolf] was intensely aware of time, both as an impersonal force and as a personal experience.
Sources and Suggested Readings
- https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/to-the-lighthouse/themes/time
- https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/examine-concept-time-virgina-wolfs-light-house-375874?__cf_chl_jschl_tk
- https://jenniferhamiltonblog.wordpress.com/2016/01/11/the-concept-of-time-in-to-the-lighthouse/
- https://www.litcharts.com/lit/to-the-lighthouse/themes/time
