Sample Essay Outlines
These are topics on which you can write a substantial analytical paper. They are designed to test your understanding of major themes and details from this novel as a whole. Following topics are outlines you can use as a starting point for writing an analytical paper.
Topic #1
Woolf’s development of the “stream of consciousness” technique in this novel is
regarded by most critics as a tour de force. Identify several examples
of this technique and discuss how a character’s inner thoughts (words and
images): (a) provide an in-depth understanding of his/her character; (b)
illustrate the associative intelligence of the mind in the process of
understanding and creative expression.
Outline
I. Thesis Statement: Woolf uses the “stream of consciousness” technique to
reveal characters in depth and to illustrate the associative intelligence of
the mind.
II. Mrs. Ramsay’s “stream of consciousness”
III. Lily Briscoe’s “stream of consciousness”
IV. Mr. Ramsay’s “stream of consciousness”
V. James Ramsay’s “stream of consciousness”
VI. The “stream of consciousness” technique as a means to reveal associative mental processes
Topic #2
Gender is an important theme in the novel. Give examples of role definitions or
expectations for men and for women in To the Lighthouse and situations
where sterotypical definitions or expectations are resisted or abandoned.
Outline
I. Thesis Statement: Woolf explores various aspects of gender definition
and expectation, as well as providing counter-examples of sterotyped role
expectations.
II. Mrs. Ramsay as quintessential feminine personae
III. Mr. Ramsay as sterotyped Victorian male
IV. Lily Briscoe as artist who resists role expectations
V. Cam as young modern woman, with divided loyalties
Topic #3
In To the Lighthouse, Woolf analyzes the creative process. The evolution
of Lily Briscoe’s emotional and creative abilities is the subtext of the novel.
Analyze Briscoe’s artistic development and explore its implications in terms of
understanding the novel.
Outline
I. Thesis Statement: Woolf illuminates the creative process through Lily
Briscoe’s emotional, psychological, and artistic growth. Her growth is the
subtext of the novel.
II. Lily’s artistic counsciousness during The Window
III. Lily’s place in Time Passes
IV. Lily’s artistic development in The Lighthouse
V. Significant moments in Lily’s artisic growth
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