Woolf’s novel primarily focuses on Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay, their eight children, and their family friends, Lily Briscoe, Paul Rayely, Minta Doyle, Charles Tansley, William Bankes, Augustus Carkichael, that reside with them on the Isle of Skye. The book is split into three parts with the first part taking place before WWI. While the family vacations in the summer house, the youngest Ramsay, James, wishes to go to the lighthouse. However both his parents agree that the weather conditions are not fit for the trip, Mrs. Ramsey promises that they’ll visit the lIghthouse before they leave. The family and guests enjoy a dinner, with Mrs. Ramsey plays matchmaker between two of the guests, and reflects how her present is already her past. The second part is during the war, Mrs. Ramsay and two of her children have passed, and the rest of the family don’t vacation in the house anymore. The housekeepers try their best to fix up the home when news arrives that Mr. Ramsey and his remaining children will return. In the final section, the Ramsey’s return with Mr. Ramsey, his son, James, and his daughter, Cam, decide to visit the lighthouse. Lily Briscoe also returns, and continues working on her art. Mr. Ramsey acts differently from the first section, even his children start to resent him less. As they arrive at the Lighthouse, Lily finishes her painting, they all reflect on life itself and their own realities.
