TTL 2

In this section of To the Lighthouse, Mr. Ramsay contemplates his reputation due to his abilities and mental vitality.  In his analogy, humans theoretically have the capability to start at point A and end at point Z, however, very few make it that far.  He, himself, is metaphorically stuck at R, which displeases him, even though only "one in a generation" will make it all the way to Z (35).  However, Mr. Ramsay does not seem personally distressed with his own failure, but he seems to be worried as to how he will be perceived.  He asks if he is "to be blamed then if he is not that one [who completes the alphabet] provided he has toiled honestly, given to the best of his power, and till he has no more left to give" (35).  At first, it seems as if Ramsay is personally upset at his inability, meaning that he wants to try more to live up to his fullest potential.  However, he then comments that "it is permissible even for a dying hero to think before he dies how men will speak to him hereafter... His own little light would shine, not very brightly, for a year or two" (35).  His seemingly persistent thoughts of improvement are then shown to truly be selfish acts of vanity; He only truly cares about how society perceives him.  Although this idea of extreme vanity might seem over the top, it is one that many people can relate to, especially seniors in high school.  Society sets such high standards that every person feels he must reach in order to be successful and seen as such.