The Lighthouse and legacy

     It is evident from the very beginning of the novel that Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay are representations of life purposes and that Lily finds herself caught in between them. Mrs. Ramsay's purpose in life is to be charismatic, nurture relationships with others, and find happiness in the present. Mr. Ramsay obsesses over intillectual hierarchies and strives to be admired and admired for his work, a legacy he may not live to see: "How long would he be read - he would think" (161). Lily stuggles to decide which legacy she wants to Perdue because she wants to be admired for both her intellect and her self as a person. However, ten years pass and Lily is still unsure of her purpose. As everyone prepares to go to the lighthouse, a symbol which can be interpreted as guidance and purpose, Lily is stil questioning: "What does one send to the lighthouse? ... What does one do? Why is one sitting here after all?" (218). In the end, Lily decides that art and expression are the thoughts that pervade her mind the most and after ten years lily finally finishes her painting.