What key theme in "To the Lighthouse" addresses the conflict between gender roles?

The key theme in "To the Lighthouse" that addresses the conflict between gender roles is indeed related to the dynamics between men and women, which encompasses several aspects of their interactions, societal expectations, and individual identities. In Virginia Woolf's narrative, the characters grapple with the limitations placed upon them by their gender. Through the depiction of Mrs. Ramsay and her contrasting role to Mr. Ramsay, Woolf explores how traditional gender roles can lead to conflict.

Mrs. Ramsay embodies the nurturing and supportive female archetype, focusing on family and domesticity, while Mr. Ramsay represents a more traditional male role, preoccupied with intellect and authority. The tensions that arise from their differing viewpoints and societal expectations highlight the struggles inherent in their relationship. This theme extends throughout the book, illustrating the challenges and conflicts individuals face when trying to conform to or rebel against the roles assigned to them based on gender.

In contrast, themes such as survival of the fittest or nature versus nurture do not specifically tackle the nuances of gender roles in the same way, while tradition versus modernity could encompass broader societal shifts but does not focus explicitly on the male-female dynamic central to Woolf's exploration. The gender role conflict in "To the Lighthouse" is