1. As Lily paints, she thinks of a time on the beach with Charles Tansley many years before. Mrs. Ramsay was sitting near them, writing letters, and watching. How does Lily believe Mrs. Ramsay affected the way she and Charles acted toward each other?

2. How does Mrs. Ramsay view life as a lighthouse keeper?

3. What is the message in the note that Mrs. McNabb receives?

4. What is the description Mrs. Ramsay gives of Lily Briscoe?

5. Why does Mr. Ramsay interrupt James and his wife as they read a book?

6. What does James remember while he sits in the stillness of the boat on the way to the Lighthouse?

7. What does William Bankes think about as he looks at the far sand hills while walking with Lily Biscoe?

8. Why does Cam feel happy as she lifts her hand out of the sea?

9. Describe the Ramsay's summerhouse now that Mrs. Ramsay has died.

10. What does Paul vow to do after Minta loses her grandmother's brooch?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Evaluate the relationship between Lily Briscoe and Mr. Bankes.

2) Are they a good match?

3) How do they interact with one another?

4) What are the qualities of the friendship? Cite examples from the story proving their acceptance of one another for who they are.

Essay Topic 2

1) Interpret the feelings Paul and Minta have for each other in the first part of the novel when they are at the beach.

2) Are their emotions authentic?

3) Are they truthful with each other?

4) Compare these emotions with how they interact later in the novel, after they are married. What regrets do they have at the end of the novel with regard to their relationship?

5) How does their relationship differ from the first part of the novel?