The Two-Dimensional Character of Virginia Woolfs To The Lighthouse :: To The Lighthouse Essays

To the Lighthouse The Two-Dimensional Character   In the novel, To the Lighthouse, Virginia Woolf illustrates the character of Mr. Ramsay, a husband and father of eight children. As a husband, he degrades and mentally abuses his wife, Mrs. Ramsay, and as a father, he disparages and psychologically injures his children. Yet, Mr. Ramsay has another side -- a second dimension. He carries the traits of a very compassionate and loving husband and a securing and nurturing father. Although Woolf depicts Mr. Ramsay as crude, brusque, and insensitive, he, nonetheless, desires happiness and welfare for his family. Even though Mr. Ramsay frequently scolds and denounces Mrs. Ramsay, he still seeks happiness and comfort for his wife. For example, after Mrs. Ramsay lies to James about the next days weather, "He Mr. Ramsay stamped his animal foot on the stone step. Damn you, he said." (31) Mr. Ramsay devastates his wifes emotions. Because of a little lie, the temperamental Mr. Ramsay hurts, if not kills, Mrs. Ramsays emotions. Still, right after the incident, Mr. Ramsay self-reflects and "he was ashamed of that petulance that he brought to his wife." (32) Mr. Ramsay understands and regrets the sorrow he brought on Mrs. Ramsay. He sympathizes with her and is "ashamed" for what he had done. Mr. Ramsay wants to appease his wife and make her happy as a result of the torment that he inflicted on her. Next, Woolf over again illustrates Mr. Ramsays insensitive dimension when Mr. Ramsay makes Mrs. Ramsay "bend her head as if to let the pelt of jagged hail, the drench of dirty water, bespatter her unrebuked." (32) Mr. Ramsay is heartless to his wifes feelings it is as if he enjoys " soakage" Mrs. Ramsay and enjoys seeing her in mental anguish. However, Woolf later contrasts the callous Mr. Ramsay with a more sensitive and caring Mr. Ramsay So stiffened and composed the lines of her face in a consumption of sternness that when h er husband passed he could not help noting, the sternness at the heart of her beauty. It saddened him, and her remoteness pained him. (64) Therefore, here Mr. Ramsay is portrayed as a tender and caring husband that is "pained" by the expression of sorrow on his wifes face. Mr. Ramsay is sensitive to his wifes feelings and desires her well-being.