IndexIntroductionAnalysis of Allusions in PoetryConclusionIntroductionIn Virginia Woolf's To The Lighthouse, allusions to other texts highlight the importance of human connection and relationships. Mr. Ramsay values ​​his ability to influence others with 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 be remembered for his genius. Texts such as Tennyson's “The Charge of the Light Brigade” and Cowper's “The Castaway” are referenced in the narrative, and the context in which they are cited implies that relationships should be valued above all else. Mr. Ramsay recites "The Charge of the Light Brigade" at the beginning of the novel and, in accordance with the proud tone of the poem, admires the effect one man can have on many. The development of his character is demonstrated by the 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 authentic human connections because, ultimately, these relationships are what fulfills and sustains life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Analysis of Allusions in the Poem The first allusion among the many that Mr. Ramsay makes in To the Lighthouse is to Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade." " This poem is about one man's decision to cause the death of hundreds of soldiers in an attack. Mr. Ramsay continually recites the phrase “someone had made a mistake,” alluding to the man's mistake that led to the death of so 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 also wishes to achieve this effect with his philosophical work for generations to come that “the same stone who kicks himself with the boot will outlast Shakespeare” and realizes that “his little light would shine, not very brightly, for a year or two, and then merge into a larger light” (35). Mr Ramsay knows his influence cannot last long. This knowledge is why he is so intrigued by the idea of ​​six hundred soldiers being killed for the mistake of one man. He admires the effect one man can have on the lives of so many others and can only dream of having such a great influence on his work. However, Mrs. Ramsay changes the tone of admiration to the phrase "someone had made a mistake" when she looks at her husband after he shatters her son's dream of going to the lighthouse the next day. She looks at her husband and thinks about this sentence, indicating that she is making a big mistake with her son. He ruins his relationship with his son James by asserting his paternal power over him and telling him he can't go to the lighthouse without any feelings. 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 influence his son in the profound way he would like to influence others. His son is his legacy, but Mr. Ramsay instead considers his academic work a greater legacy and consequently overlooks the importance of his relationship with James. He tends to one.