Ramsay and Lily Briscoe's experiences with gender norms and preconceived standards of femininity as commentary. Mrs. Ramsay lives a sheltered and quiet life in a conscious attempt not to shock society as she knows it. Lily Briscoe lives life feeling her emotions through artistic expression in a conscious attempt to interrupt the repetitive flow of her life and find meaning in her existence. And because these two women live their lives so differently, their relationships with others, especially men, are handled in radically different ways. As previously mentioned, Mrs. Ramsay's relationship with her husband is quite unhealthy, as they simply see each other as ways to achieve the desired outcome of living a seemingly impressive life. Their relationship becomes so stifled over the years that they tread on thin ice around each other; they only care about maintaining an enviable marriage for the viewing pleasure of others, rather than a healthy partnership. Mrs. Ramsay internalizes Mr. Ramsay's opinions to the point that she "stops, remembering how angry it made her husband that she would say that" (56), almost hypnotizing herself into thinking, acting, and perceiving as her husband would. In their relationship, they are not equal, rather there is a clear distinction between who is the leader and who is the follower as Mr. Ramsay constantly undermines his wife, forcing her