“The Body of His Friendship”: Harmful and Healthy Masculinity in the Friendships of William Bankes in To the Lighthouse

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Edward Upton

College

Christ College (CC)

Discipline(s)

Literature, History

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-24-2025

Abstract

Much of Virginia Woolf scholarship focuses on the damage of gender roles on women and their relationships, with little emphasis or acknowledgement on her thoughts on men and male roles. She does, however, write regarding both. This paper examines how gender roles shaped the success or failure of the friendships between William Bankes and the characters of Mr. Ramsay and Lily Briscoe in To the Lighthouse. The generational aspect of the novel lends itself to a comparison of Victorian and Modern gender roles and expectations. By examining Ramsay, Bankes and Briscoe within the context of these roles and expectations, it becomes clear that for Woolf Victorian standards impede the creation of deep friendships. In both the Modern and Victorian era, marriage was a priority for both men and women. Mr. Ramsey embodies a male gender norm, serving as the provider and “superior” in his marriage. He prioritizes this over developing an emotionally deep friendship with Bankes. At the same time, Ramsay is stuck in the past, choosing to repeat his past successes in this role instead of pursuing a satisfying reciprocal friendship. Briscoe, conversely, has no interest in a marriage deemed necessary by societal norms and is self-sufficient. As a result she is able to have a rich friendship with Bankes. Bankes himself is a widower, also unimpeded by gender norms, allowing him to pursue deeper friendships that exceed those norms. Bankes and Briscoe embody Woolf’s idea of an “androgynous mind” from A Room of One’s Own. Ramsey lacks this androgynous mind. However, he is able to approach this state by the end of the novel after the death of his wife, showing a newfound potential to create true reciprocal friendships.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

I am a sophomore history major who enjoys literature in my free time and in academic work. Gender roles across history is a particular academic interest, so this project taps into both personal and educational interests. My goal is to pursue a career in museum studies.

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