In To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf, there is a stark comparison that is set up between Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay throughout the events of "The Window". In various instances, Mrs. Ramsay's compassionate and gentle nature greatly contrasts Mr. Ramsay's realistic and factual stance about anything and everything. Mrs. Ramsay thinks about things that are not plausible, and this angers Mr. Ramsay: "Why, she asked, pressing her chin on James's head, should they grow up so fast? [...] And, touching his hair with her lips, she thought, he will never be so happy again, but stopped herself, remembering how it angered her husband that she should say that. Still, it was true. They were happier now than they would ever be again" (58-59). Her idea of never wanting the kids to grow up angers Mr. Ramsay because he knows that it is not a realistic thought. She is constantly having mental battles with a figurative Mr. Ramsay in her mind, before verbally communicating. Mrs. Ramsay's idea of contentment and happiness is the equivalent of being a carefree child. She sees the joy and freedom that they have by being young and innocent. Although Mrs. Ramsay is persistent with her thoughts which anger Mr. Ramsey, she is convinced and consumed by his superior knowledge. As she tells him that growing up means you lose everything, he responds saying, "Why take such a gloomy view of life? [...] It is not sensible" (59). Mr. Ramsay's answer is curt and simple, but it is enough to make her change her mind about what she originally thought: "And she believed it to be true; that with all his gloom and desperation he was happier, more hopeful on the whole, than she was. Less exposed to human worries [...] He had always his work to fall back on" (59). Mr. Ramsay has a set ideal of what life is and what is realistic; therefore, he always has a firm mindset. Mrs. Ramsay is in awe with his dismissive response and straightforwardness. Mrs. Ramsay's epiphany shows that she may not be as collected and content as she presents herself to be. She questions her happiness and ability to hope.
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