Mrs. Ramsey told James, her six-year-old son, that if the weather is good, they will go on a trip to the Lighthouse tomorrow. The weather won't be good, commented Mr. Ramsey, the philosopher.

They are vacationing on the Isle of Skye, in Scotland, at their country house — the couple with their eight children. They also have guests. Tansley, the atheist, who has managed in life without help and is angry. William Banks, who respects Mr. Ramsey but also sees him as a bit of a hypocrite. Lily Briscoe, who wants to paint but is still unmarried.

There is no greater happiness than marriage, Mrs. Ramsey thinks, and she is sure her daughters understand this. Mr. Ramsey thinks he has failed. Does he deserve to rest? He wants compassion.

Not much happens outside. Inside, life boils. Time passes.