AN ANALYSIS OF GENDER PERSPECTIVES IN VIRGINIA WOOLF'S "TO THE LIGHTHOUSE"

This article examines Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse” through a feminist lens, focusing on its portrayal of gender roles and the contrasting representations of femininity embodied by Mrs. Ramsay and Lily Briscoe. Mrs. Ramsay reflects the Victorian ideal of womanhood, devoted to domesticity and self-sacrifice, while Lily Briscoe represents the emerging modern woman, seeking artistic and intellectual independence. Woolf critiques patriarchal values by highlighting the limitations placed on women and exploring themes of personal and creative freedom. The study utilizes a close textual analysis, supported by Woolf's feminist essays and biographical context, to reveal how the novel challenges traditional gender roles and advocates for female autonomy. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of Woolf’s feminist ideology and her subtle yet impactful critique of societal expectations for women.