Table of contentsIntroductionAnalysis of allusions in the poemConclusionIntroductionIn Virginia Woolf's Lighthouse, allusions to other texts highlight the importance of connections and connections human relations. Mr. Ramsay values ​​his ability to influence others through his philosophical works rather than his relationships with his wife and children. The most important thing for him is to reach the pinnacle of knowledge and to leave his genius remembered. Texts such as Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade" and Cowper's "The Castaway" are discussed in the narrative and the context in which they are referenced implies that relationships should be valued above all else. Mr. Ramsay recites "Charge of the Light Brigade" at the beginning of the novel and, in keeping with the poem's proud tone, admires the effect one man can have on many. His character development is demonstrated by his recitation of "The Castaway" at the conclusion, which shows a change in perspective on what matters most to him: academic fame or his relationship with his family. Through these allusions, Woolf suggests that the obsession with influencing others and marking one's place in history is not as important as real human relationships, because ultimately, it is these relationships that fulfill and support life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Analyzing Allusions in the Poem The first allusion of many that Mr. Ramsay makes in To The Lighthouse is to Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade." » This poem is about a man's decision causing the death of hundreds of soldiers during an attack. Mr. Ramsay continually recites the phrase "someone had made a mistake", alluding to the man's error that led to the deaths of so many people (18). Mr. Ramsay is fascinated by the idea of ​​one man having an insurmountable effect on such a large group of people. He too wishes to produce this effect with his philosophical work for generations to come. He is troubled by the idea that "the very stone one kicks with one's boot will survive Shakespeare" and realizes that "its own little light would shine, not very brightly, for a year or two, and then fade away in a greater light. » (35). Mr. Ramsay knows his influence can only last so long. This realization is why he is so intrigued by the idea of ​​six hundred soldiers being killed by the fault of one man. He admires the effect one man can have on the lives of so many and can only dream of having such a big influence with his work. However, Mrs. Ramsay changes the tone to admiration in the phrase "someone had made a mistake" when she looks at her husband after shattering her son's dream of going to the lighthouse the next day. She looks at her husband and thinks about this sentence, indicating that he is making a big mistake with his son. He ruins his relationship with his son, James, by asserting his fatherly power over him and telling him that he cannot go to the lighthouse without any sensitivity. In this scenario, "someone made a mistake" applies to Mr. Ramsay who made the mistake of neglecting the importance of his relationship and bond with his son, something James is unable to forgive him for. . James harbors this hatred for his father and the lasting effects of his father's actions are evident years later in their hostile relationship. Mr. Ramsay does not understand that he can affect his son as deeply as he wishes to affect others. His son is his legacy, but Mr. Ramsay instead views his academic work as a more important legacy and therefore overlooks the importance of his relationship with James. He.