Narrative Perspective and its Spatial Effects in To the Lighthouse

Abstract

To the Lighthouse is one of Woolf’s representative works. The choice and shift of narrative perspectives in the novel create a unique narrative mode and also give rise to a spatial effect. This article focuses on the narrative perspectives in To the Lighthouse from the perspective of spatial narration, investigating that how zero focalization presents physical space, internal focalization contributes to the formation of multidimensional space of character consciousness and subjective emotional space, and how perspective shifts construct the spacial juxtaposition or switch, as well as narrative structure. In this essay, we can gain insights into Woolf’s unique narrative artistry.