Analysis of Mrs. Ramsay's Emotions and Behaviors in to the Lighthouse based on Adult Attachment Theory

Abstract

Virginia Woolf's stream-of-consciousness novel To the Lighthouse portrays the complex and contradictory character of Mrs. Ramsay through extensive psychological descriptions and unique artistic techniques. Based on the adult attachment theory in psychology, this paper analyzes her complex emotional and behavioral expressions and explores the existence of two types of attachment: explicit and implicit. Meanwhile, through the theory, this paper attempts to analyze Mrs. Ramsay's character from a psychological perspective as accurately and comprehensively as possible so as to appreciate the unique intention of the author in shaping this character.