The History of Literature
631 Shakespeare's Sisters (with Ramie Targoff) | My Last Book with Sarah Gristwood
Sep 5, 2024
In this conversation, scholar Ramie Targoff, an expert in women's literary contributions from Shakespeare's era, reveals how women like Aemilia Lanyer defied societal limitations to carve out their own literary identities. They discuss Virginia Woolf's insights on challenges faced by female writers and highlight influential figures like Mary Sidney and Elizabeth Carey, who navigated a male-dominated world. Targoff also shares the importance of unearthing these voices and the enduring impact they have on literature today.
56:25
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast underscores the contributions of Renaissance women writers who overcame societal obstacles to assert their literary identities amidst male dominance.
- Sarah Gristwood's choice of Virginia Woolf's 'A Writer's Diary' highlights the enduring impact of women's personal narratives on contemporary readers.
Deep dives
Shakespeare's Influence and Women's Voices
Shakespeare's dominance in English literature casts a long shadow, often overshadowing the contributions of women writers during the Renaissance. The podcast highlights the paradox of a time when Queen Elizabeth ruled, yet many women faced significant barriers to literary expression. Expert Rami Targoff discusses how biases in the publishing world prevented these female voices from gaining recognition, despite their undeniable talent. By shedding light on these historical figures, the conversation enriches the understanding of Shakespeare's context and the larger literary landscape of the era.
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