Perfect! Let’s continue the line-by-line explanation of the To the Lighthouse passage in the same format: original text followed by interpretation.
---
Original:
Such were the extremes of emotion that Mr Ramsay excited in his children’s breasts by his mere presence; standing, as now, lean as a knife, narrow as the blade of one, grinning sarcastically, not only with the pleasure of disillusioning his son and casting ridicule upon his wife, who was ten thousand times better in every way than he was (James thought), but also with some secret conceit at his own accuracy of judgment.
Explanation:
Mr Ramsay’s presence alone triggers very strong emotions in his children. In this moment, James sees his father as cold and sharp, like a knife—both in appearance and attitude. Mr Ramsay seems to enjoy proving others wrong, especially his hopeful wife and innocent son. James feels his father is being cruel just for the sake of being right, and this makes him admire his mother even more.
---
Original:
What he said was true. It was always true. He was incapable of untruth; never tampered with a fact; never altered a disagreeable word to suit the pleasure or convenience of any mortal being, least of all of his own children, who, sprung from his loins, should be aware from childhood that life is difficult; facts uncompromising; and the passage to that fabled land where our brightest hopes are stored...
Explanation:
The narrator admits that Mr Ramsay always tells the truth, even when it’s harsh or unpleasant. He doesn't soften his words to protect anyone—not even his children. He believes that children should learn early on that life is hard and unforgiving. He wants them to understand that happiness and hope are not easily reached; reality often stands in the way.
---
Original:
...grown grey.
Explanation:
This line suggests that the journey toward one’s dreams is long and difficult—so much so that people grow old and weary before ever reaching their ideal future. It's a bleak but realistic view of life, from Mr Ramsay’s perspective.
---
Would you like to continue with the next part of the passage or need an overall thematic analysis too after we complete the full explanation?