In Virginia Woolf's novel “To the Lighthouse” readers can detect feminist nuances that subtly filter throughout. The struggle to guarantee and proclaim women's freedom is constantly put to the test by social normality throughout history. Woolf's ability to subtly include the conflict between what traditional women's ideologies should be and the internal tug-of-war of those who challenge them comes across many times and ultimately gives rise to the idea that even women who choose to live a unconventional life have the ability to end up happy and successful. In the novel Woolf chooses the character of Lily Brisco to embody this idea. It represents the rosy image of a woman who ends up defying social norms to actually achieve a sense of freedom and individuality in the end. Woolf throughout the novel addresses Lily's break with conventional feminine ideals in myriad ways, from the confrontation between Lily and Mrs. Ramsey, to Lily's stream of consciousness, as well as the profession she makes on her painting, in order to reinforce the idea that a happy life does not necessarily have to come from living up to the standards set by society for women. One of the most important ways Woolf chooses to use Lily's break with social norms as an example of how women who take unconventional paths in life can still end up being content is by comparing Lily to Mrs. Ramsay. In the novel, Lily is depicted as a middle-aged woman, who has chosen to focus more on her success in painting than on worrying about finding a husband and even settling down, a position that could make it extremely difficult for her to interact with more than just society at large. but with anyone who doesn't share his same points of view. Throughout the novel Lily more often than not feels pressure to conform to certain gender roles, and can also be seen doubting herself from time to time. It clearly has an impact on her