To the Lighthouse · Chapter
XIII explained
Lily Briscoe and Mr.
What happens
Lily Briscoe and Mr. Bankes stroll across the lawn, discussing art and travel. Mr. Bankes shares his experiences seeing Rembrandts in Amsterdam and visiting Rome, while Lily reflects on the discontent pictures can cause. They encounter the Ramsays watching Prue and Jasper throw a ball, and Lily sees them as symbols of marriage. The moment passes as Prue catches the ball and Mrs. Ramsay breaks the spell, asking about Nancy. Mr. Ramsay laughs at a story about Hume and retreats to his study.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Creativity
Lily and Mr. Bankes discuss art, travel to see masterpieces, and the discontent or inspiration pictures can bring to one's own work.
Gender Roles and Marriage
Lily sees Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay as symbols of marriage, reflecting on Mrs. Ramsay's earlier attempts to convey its meaning.
Characters to notice
- Lily Briscoe
Strolls with Mr. Bankes, discusses art and painting, reflects on marriage upon seeing the Ramsays.
- Mr. Bankes
Talks about his travels to Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome, and his wife's health; discusses art with Lily.
- Mrs. Ramsay
Seen with Mr. Ramsay watching Prue and Jasper; greets Lily and Mr. Bankes, mentions triumphing in getting Mr. Bankes to dine.
- Mr. Ramsay
Stands with Mrs. Ramsay, laughs at a story about Hume, then strolls off to his study.
- Prue Ramsay
Throws catches with Jasper, catches the ball brilliantly, and is brought back into family alliance by Mrs. Ramsay.
- Jasper Ramsay
Throws catches with Prue.
Key passages
“So that is marriage, Lily thought, a man and a woman looking at a girl throwing a ball.”
Lily perceives the Ramsays watching their children as the essence of marriage.
Lily's symbolic interpretation of the domestic scene.
“I have triumphed tonight”
Mrs. Ramsay is pleased that Mr. Bankes agreed to dine with them instead of eating alone.
Mrs. Ramsay's social victory in securing Mr. Bankes's company.