Introduction
To the Lighthouse is a masterpiece and defining work of Virginia Woolf. The novel appeared in 1927, at a time when the world was not ready to accept full-blown feminist thoughts. Women had barely scored rights for voting. Woolf's attempt in explaining domestic life in To the Lighthouse was severely met by criticism for being a feminist novel. Before tracing out the feministic traits in To the Lighthouse, first, we have to get a clear idea that what is feminism. Feminism is a social and political doctrine that aims at the liberation of women from the clutches of conventional confinement (to home) and establishing a sense of equality among women and men.
As far as To the Lighthouse is concerned, it displays a varying role of women through two distinct characters of Mrs. Ramsay as well as Lily Briscoe. Let's explore them in detail:
Role of Mrs. Ramsay
The character of Mrs. Ramsay showcases the conventional role of women. For starters, Mrs. Ramsay is a housewife. At the very beginning of the novel, Mrs. Ramsay also appears as a kind mother, ensuring and consoling her son, James that the weather will be fine tomorrow for a visit to the Lighthouse. Another role of Mrs. Ramsay is that of a match-maker. She finds it interesting to make martial pairs of the ones who visit them in the summer holidays. Lastly, her role is demonstrated as a uniting force of her family and the guests.
From the role of Mrs. Ramsay, it is clear that she abides by the conventional order of the confinement of women to their house only. Not only that, Mrs. Ramsay is consistently in search of making others engaged in this confinement of marriage. The confinement of Mrs. Ramsay is justifiable and understandable. She is left with no other option but to fulfil her duties as a kind mother to her children, as a faithful wife to her husband and as an intelligent manager cum multi-tasker to facilitate and fulfil the desires of her guests.
Role of Lily Briscoe
Lily Briscoe is a delightful character whose role in the novel is characterized by the freedom of an artist. Like many other conventional men, Lily is mentally tormented by Charles Tansley's remarks that "Women can't write. Women can't paint". Due to his corrosive remarks, she hates men and the institution of marriage. Lily leads her life, serving for the art, trying to strike a balance in her painting.
From the character of Lily Briscoe, it is obvious that Lily is an outcome of feministic doctrine. But it must be noted that her adherence to feministic doctrine is propelled by Charles Tansley and for the rest of her life in the novel, she strives to prove herself to be a painter. Lily is often considered as the mouthpiece of Virginia Woolf. Through Lilly Woolf attempts to prove that "Women can write [as equally eloquent as men]". Thus, the character of Lily Briscoe conveys the feministic thoughts in the novel for remaining unmarried and serving for her passion.
Feministic Traits in the Novel
It is difficult to decide whether To the Lighthouse is thoroughly feministic or non-feministic. On one side, we witness thoroughly conventional Mrs. Ramsay who devotes her life to her family. On the other side, the independent character of Lily Briscoe and her dedication to arts demonstrates feministic freedom. But Lily is the admirant of Mrs. Ramsay and anxiously longs for her presence. On the other hand, the anti-feministic characters leave the world as soon as their purpose in the novel is served like Mrs. Ramsay and Prue Ramsay, one dies naturally and one dies in child-birth. Such a symbol of death demonstrates that non-feministic values will soon die.
Conclusion
To the Lighthouse is a semi-feministic novel with a greater emphasis on the feministic freedom of women.
