Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse depicts a female struggle in a male-dominant society. Through Lily Briscoe, Woolf expresses her own desire to challenge traditional female gender roles. By contesting male supremacy, Lily acts as a model for idealized feminism within the novel. Her role in the story revolves around her status as an unmarried and modest woman who still lives with her father. She isn't the most attractive of women; In fact she is quite plain in comparison to Mrs. Ramsay. Lily's artistic nature is what carries her through repeated adversity. Shown by her painting, and even more so through her overall outlook on life, she focuses on creative thinking and self-expression rather than how others perceive her. Despite a bright persona, Lily faces constant abuse by Charles Tansley, all en route to completing her painting. Mrs. Ramsay's "traditional " outlook plagues her, as well. Mrs. Ramsay values the idea of marriage, yet Lily's independence and free spirit never quite land her any deserved respect. Even though Lily and her quest aren't quite understood by others, she continues onward in determination, propelled by the artistic vision she holds. .
Virginia Woolf proudly stresses Lily Briscoe's role as the novel's ˜outcast' figure. Introduced as thirty-three years old and single, Lily's character is Woolf's way of challenging the social conventions of early-20th century England. Never diving in too deep, Woolf provides us with brief snippets of the story's setting. With this, the environment is never quite familiar, depleting any sense of comfort and giving the setting and characters an almost ˜regimental' feel. Society's expectations are constrained, similar to the constrained character personalities. Lily's deviance and strive for artistic achievement over the prospects of marriage becomes progressively difficult to maintain. The pressure to conform to current female gender roles puts a huge strain on Lily's conscience.
