Questions and Answers
What fictional character does the narrator create to illustrate the position of women?
What major obstacles does Judith Shakespeare face?
She is beaten for refusing to marry, becomes pregnant by the stage manager, and ultimately commits suicide.
The narrator believes that the lives of Elizabethan women are well-documented.
False
Who is the author of the work 'History of England'?
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What is the narrator's reaction to the historical example of middle-class women?
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Study Notes
Narrator's Exploration of Women's History
- The narrator feels overwhelmed by information from the library and shifts focus to women's historical roles.
- Middle-class women are notably underrepresented in literature and historical records.
- A fictional character, Judith Shakespeare, is created to explore hypothetical experiences of a talented woman in a male-dominated society.
- Judith faces insurmountable social barriers, leading to dire circumstances in her life, including abuse, forced marriage, and ultimately her tragic fate.
Elizabethan Era Perspective
- The narrator explores the Elizabethan era, anticipating richer documentation of women's lives due to Queen Elizabeth I's reign.
- Contrary to expectations, the research reveals a lack of information on middle-class Elizabethan women, pointing to gaps in historical narratives.
Judith Shakespeare's Narrative
- Judith is depicted as Shakespeare's equally talented sister, yet her abilities go unrecognized within societal confines.
- Despite writing in secrecy, Judith's literary aspirations never flourish due to societal restrictions.
- After resisting her father's attempt to marry her off, she suffers abuse and feels compelled to escape.
- Her journey leads to involvement in the theater, where she hopes to seize opportunities, but falls victim to unwanted pregnancy and despair, eventually leading to her suicide.
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Description
Explore key concepts from Chapter 3 of 'A Room of One's Own' through these flashcards. This chapter delves into the historical context of women in literature and introduces a fictional character to illuminate societal constraints. Perfect for deepening your understanding of Virginia Woolf's ideas on gender and creativity.
