View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Lily thankful that Mr. Ramsay is reciting poetry?

2. Which of her children does Mrs. Ramsay want to stay young?

3. Why is Mr. Ramsay angry with his wife, cursing her?

4. What does Mr. Ramsay say he will do if Mr. Tansley marries Prue?

5. What is James' favorite hobby?

Short Essay Questions

1. Lily Briscoe sees Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay watching Prue and Jasper playing with a ball. What does she think the Ramsays symbolize?

2. What does Mr. Ramsay say to try and please his wife while they are walking on the grounds of the summerhouse?

3. Describe the outcome of the marriage between Minta and Paul as Lily depicts it.

4. Describe the scene as Mr. Bankes, Prue, Andrew, and Lily turn off the lights before going to bed.

5. What message does the sea give to Lily Briscoe as she lies down to sleep after returning to the summerhouse?

6. Summarize the conversation between Mr. Bankes and Lily Briscoe as they are strolling together.

7. What does William Bankes think about as he looks at the far sand hills while walking with Lily Biscoe?

8. Describe nature's impact on the summerhouse as it remains empty after the deaths of Mrs. Ramsay, Prue, and Andrew.

9. How does Mr. Tansley react when Lily Briscoe asks him to take her to the Lighthouse the next day?

10. What does Mr. Tansley do to predict the weather for the outing to the lighthouse?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Evaluate the elements of cause and effect in this story using examples from the novel.

2) Choose three events from the story which cause Mr. Ramsay's life to undergo a change.

3) How does he react to the events and their effects?

4) How does he grow emotionally in his own life and in his attitude toward his children because of these changes?

Essay Topic 2

1) What is the message Woolf is trying to convey about life in the novel?

2) Does she depict a realistic and relevant view of human nature through the Ramsay family and friends?

3) Are the human qualities of each character true to life? Explain.

4) How do the characters convey the everyday struggles of life?

Essay Topic 3

1) Mrs. Ramsay feels James will always remember the disappointment of not going to the lighthouse.

2) When does James remember that day?

3) Where is he when he remembers and what is is he doing?

4) What kind of an emotional impact does the memory have on him?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 875 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample