Online Task on 'To The Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf

Here is my interpretations on the given questions.
                                           
                                                


2)  Do you agree: "The novel is both the tribute and critique of Mrs. Ramsay"? (Key: Take some clues from the painting of Mrs Ramsay drawn by Lily Briscoe and the article by Andre Viola and Glenn Pedersen. Can we read Mrs. R in context of the idea of Ideal Indian Woman - Karyeshu dasi, Karaneshu manthri; Bhojeshu mata, Shayaneshu rambha; Kshamayeshu dharithri, Roopeshu lakshmi; Satkarma yukta, Kuladharma pathni. )

Ans, Yes, I am agree with this idea that 'The Novel is the both the tribute and the critique to Mrs, Ramsay'. When we read article by Andre Viola, Lily Briscoe is at the center and Mrs, Ramsay became critique as one of her daughters died during childbirth because she walks on Mrs Ramsay's path and others are don't want to sacrifice more like there is "manliness in girlish heart", in that way it's like critique on her. on the other hand if we see that she maintains all human relations and even after her death, she will remembered by other characters as Mrs, Ramsay has traditional womanhood to serve men which presents Ideal Indian  women who always care for others ,so she good at men's view (Mr, Ramsay and James) it's like tribute to her but from women's side she is not good as her daughters are not satisfied with her behavior. Till the end of the novel, we can't get clear idea that in which way Mrs, Ramsay's character is described. Virginia Woolf  puts character of Mrs,Ramsay in such a way that we can interpret it in both  way , we are free to do it and novel has not one meaning but multiple meanings as literature is not for one interpretation but open for many.

3) Considering symbolically, does the Lighthouse stand for Mrs. Ramsay or the narrator (Virginia Woolf herself who is categorically represented by Lily)? 

Ans,  Lighthouse is at the center of the novel, it symbolises the spiritual strength and emotional support which is provided by Mrs, Ramsay to other characters of the novel in that sense , 'Lighthouse' stands for Mrs, Ramsay. But when we look from other side , Mrs, Ramsay became wall rather than bridge between her husband and children as Poojaba Jadeja said earlier. It stands for Lily Briscoe or Virginia Woolf herself as 'Lighthouse' stands alone in ocean which says that Virginia Lily Briscoe chalande the point that 'women can't speak and can't paint'. As as the end the wall fell down between Mrs,Ramsay, James and Cam.

5) What do you understand by the German term 'Künstlerroman'? How can you justify that 'To The Lighthouse' is 'Künstlerroman' novel? 

Ans, This novel is can be 'Kunstlerroman' novel. 'Bildungsroman' is other word which shows the spiritual,psychological  or social growth of protagonist while 'Kunstlerroman' means the growth of an Artist. In this novel, there is two Artists  Lily Briscoe is a painter  and  Augustus Carmichael is a poet who are in beginning can't paint or write poetry but as novel grows, Carmichael (poet) found his place and his poems famous during war time. and Lily Briscoe is able to complete her painting till the end.

10) Why did Virginia give such prominence to the tale of the “Fisherman’s Wife”? In particular, why did she weave such a misogynist tale into the fabric of a book which so eloquently challenges received patriarchal notions about the roles and capabilities of women? 

Ans,  Virginia Woolf  used the tale of ' Fisherman's Wife'  but in ironic way and subverted  it in this novel. In real tale, women is became cause of downfall as she tells her husband to ask more from fish which here it subverted that Mr, Ramsay is in power that without his permission.Mrs, Ramsay can't  renovate her house and help needy person. So, here this tale shows the Patriarchy rules as on way to lighthouse , boy cuts fish and throw its pieces in water while in real tale Fisherman is kind and give life to fish. 

11) How is India represented in 'To The Lighthouse'? 

Ans,  India is represented in novel as 'Ruled India' means still India ruled by Patriarchy as our all myths or folklore are male centered like Ram, Krishna etc.. which is also shown in novel that Mr, Ramsay has power than Mrs, Ramsay.

Augustus Carmichael's visits to India is considered as an Achievement because during that time India is shown in positive way as outsiders attracted towards India's culture and heritage. India also referred as the land of Desire to visit and exotic land. So, here we can say that Virginia Woolf  has given the positive representation of India while today the India is known as country of poverty, dirtiness and illiteration.