Mr. And Mrs. Ramsay's Relationships In The Novel 'To The Lighthouse'

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In the novel To the Lighthouse, two main characters named Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay have an intriguing relationship with one another. Throughout the novel, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay take alternative viewpoints on life, disagreeing frequently. For example, in the first chapter of the novel, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay argue about what the forecast will be for tomorrow. However, there are certain times where the two of them have an unspoken interaction. They reveal their true feelings for one another, striving to protect each other from harm. While one may question the status of their relationship and as to whether it is good or even healthy, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay appear to be normal human beings who show various emotions and perceptions on life. Since the Ramsay’s …show more content…

Ramsay’s protection for his wife makes it so that their understanding for one another grows, which enables them to stay together and protect each other from harm. While Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay have their differences, a specific quality holds their marriage together and provides hope for the future. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay remain together even after having eight children, which shows that even though there may be struggles with their relationship, there are times where the relationship is good and loving. Mrs. Ramsay wonders if Minta and Paul will have a successful marriage and be able to stay together like she does with her husband. She believes that “there was one quality -- she need not name it -- which was essential: the thing she had with her husband” (54). Since their marriage had not failed yet, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay need to possess something to keep them from falling apart. She believes, in particular, one quality keeps them from falling apart. They understand each other and do not need to verbally communicate with one another. Out of their mutual understanding for each other, they do not disturb one another when it looks as though the other person should not be bothered because he or she is deep in thought. This quality keeps their marriage afloat and allows for a few moments where affection towards one another becomes evident. One of these instances is when Mrs. Ramsay believes that others are much prettier than she. However, Mr. Ramsay says, “Somebody else was …show more content…

and Mrs. Ramsay have a complicated and ambiguous relationship. While Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay seem to have moments where their feelings for each other appear to be genuine, there are multiple moments where the status of their relationship can be questioned as to whether or not they actually love each other. However, there is a quality in their marriage, which keeps them together, one that is unspoken. While they may not tell each other “I love you ”, their feelings for one another can be seen briefly. Overall, the Ramsay’s relationship shows periods of both love and criticism towards one another making their marriage appear to be similar to a roller coaster ride, filled with moments of happiness one minute and anguish the

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