Justify the significance of the title Shakespeare’s Sister

Answer

Question: Justify the significance of the title Shakespeare’s Sister.

Shakespeare’s Sister” (1929) is the title of an iconic essay by Virginia Woolf (1882-1941). The essay explores the hypothetical life of a talented and ambitious woman who lived during the same time as William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Woolf uses this fictional character to illustrate women’s limitations and obstacles during the Elizabethan era (1558-1603) and to argue for greater gender equality.

The Title Establishes a Direct Connection Between Shakespeare and His Imaginary Sister:  The title “Shakespeare’s Sister” is significant because it establishes a direct connection between the fictional character and the famous playwright, Shakespeare. This connection immediately highlights the stark differences between the opportunities and experiences of William Shakespeare and his hypothetical sister. While Shakespeare was able to pursue his passion for writing and achieve great success, his sister was limited by societal expectations and ultimately met a tragic end.  Woolf laments, 

“She died young—alas, she never wrote a word.” 

The Title Explores The Essay’s Central Argument: The title also serves to emphasize the essay’s central argument: that women have historically been denied the same opportunities and freedoms as men. This has profoundly impacted their ability to achieve their full potential. By comparing the lives of two fictional siblings, Woolf is able to vividly illustrate the ways in which gender inequality has shaped and limited women’s lives throughout history.

The Title Indicates Gender Inequality: Overall, the title “Shakespeare’s Sister” is significant because it establishes a compelling and memorable connection between the essay’s fictional protagonist and a widely recognized literary figure. This connection helps to drive home Woolf’s central argument about gender inequality and the impact it has had on women’s lives over the centuries. For example, Judith has no right to go to the Grammar school like his brother. Woolf laments for Judith, 

“But she was not sent to school. She had no chance of learning grammar and logic.”

Representation of the Elizabethan Era: Throughout the essay, Woolf uses the imagined figure of Shakespeare’s sister