The novel explores gender roles through the characters of Mrs. Ramsay, Mr. Ramsay, and Lily. Each of these characters embodies different views regarding gender roles. Readers are taken into their minds and thoughts and can see what each character sees regarding their gender role. Ramsay embodies the traditional, ideal woman. She is a wife and a mother. For her, the role is to support her husband, her children and the people around her. Mrs. Ramsay is busy with matronly tasks, such as knitting socks and running errands. She is devoted to her children. She sympathizes with James, understanding his disappointment at not being able to go to the lighthouse. Search a catalog for photos to crop. He also reads fairy tales to James. Mrs. Ramsay is a kind and devoted mother. Ramsay sees his role as helping men. Mrs Ramsay feels she has “the whole opposite sex under her wing”. Men “negotiated treaties, governed India, controlled finance.” Therefore, Mrs. Ramsay believes that it is her duty to make home life easy for men. Men take care of the world and women take care of men. Mrs. Ramsay takes pity on the men, because it seems “as if they were missing something.” A man needs a woman to complete his life. Mrs. Ramsay notices that Mr. Tansley has been excluded; so she asks him to accompany her to the city. He takes a sincere interest in Mr. Carmichael, asking him if he needs anything. During dinner you take responsibility for making sure everyone is comfortable and that the food is served well. Ramsay provides her husband with support and sympathy. Mr. Ramsay goes to Mrs. Ramsay when he wants sympathy or “to be sure of his genius.” Mrs Ramsay ah… halfway down the paper… Mr Tansley was saying.” He chooses to ignore Mr. Tansley's words. Years later, when she returns to the island with the Ramsays, Lily still remembers Mr. Tansley's words. However, Lily resumes her painting. It is through painting that Lily finds fulfillment in life; it is able to capture and preserve a moment and a memory. Woolf presents three characters who embody three different gender roles. Mrs. Ramsay is a dutiful wife and mother. Mr. Ramsay is the domineering patriarch. Lily Briscoe is an aspiring independent woman. Woolf places these three roles in contrast with each other. It allows the reader to see the power and influence of each character. Mrs. Ramsay's submissive and supportive nature commands admiration. Mr. Ramsay's condescending ways provoke animosity. Lily Briscoe's independence allows her to find meaning and fulfillment in her life.