"Shakespeare's Sister"

In her essay “Shakespeare’s Sister,” what prompts Virginia Woolf’s musings

about Shakespeare’s sister?

• a bishop’s statement

• something she reads in a play

• an invitation to a speaking engagement

• her admiration for the works of Shakespeare

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In “Shakespeare’s Sister,” what does Woolf suggest was the main reason a

woman in Shakespeare’s day could never have written plays like

Shakespeare’s?

• financial hardship

• lack of ambition

• social strictures

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Which of these adjectives best describe the imaginary character of Judith

Shakespeare in “Shakespeare’s Sister”? Choose two options.

• loyal

• talented

• obedient

• kind-hearted

• adventurous

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Given the details in “Shakespeare’s Sister,” identify the statement that most

accurately reflects the situation of women in the England of Shakespeare’s

day.

• Most women received an excellent classical education.

• Many women were allowed to choose their husbands.

• Few women could fulfill their artistic ambitions.

• No woman would be permitted to rule the nation.

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Which of these qualities would a dancer most need to display in order to be

described as a gifted ballerina?

• honesty and integrity

• skill and grace in her art

• a ruthless drive for success

• a strong need to be admired

If a man has a taste for opera, how does he most likely feel about it?

• He finds it greatly appealing and enjoyable.

• He likes it but does not understand it very well.

• He believes that it shows elegance and refinement.

• He sampled it once and decided that once was enough.

Which of these people most clearly displays a fancy for words?

• someone who is nervous about speaking in public

• someone who frequently works on crossword puzzles

• someone who never says what he or she really means

• someone who enjoys the finer things in life

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Consider the account presented in “Shakespeare’s Sister.” How would

well-to-do parents in Shakespeare’s day most likely have treated a daughter’s

literary ambitions?

• They would have encouraged those ambitions.

• They would have tried to stop those ambitions.

• They would have boasted about those ambitions.

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In the scenario that Virginia Woolf presents in “Shakespeare’s Sister,” what is the main reason that Judith Shakespeare sets off for London?

• She wants to avoid an arranged marriage.

• She hopes to join her famous brother.

• She is driven by her creative genius.

• She is angry at her father.

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According to the details in “Shakespeare’s Sister,” what happens to a young woman who runs off to London to become a playwright?

• She needs to work twice as hard as a man.

• She is able to find a generous patron.

• She has to work as an actress first.

• She comes to a tragic end.

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