Themes

Death 

One of the main themes of the story “The Legacy” by Virginia Woolf is the theme of death. The theme is explored mainly by looking at Angela’s death. Through it, Angela leaves behind her life as a politician’s wife, showing she is more than what Gilbert always saw her. Moreover, in death she rejoins her lover. Angela is initially unable to leave Gilbert for B.M., but she finds the “courage” to do so in death. In this way, it can be said that Angela’s death represents the moment when Angela takes control of her own fate and decides to be true to herself. 

Marriage

The theme of marriage is also an important theme in the short story.  Gilbert and Angela’s marriage is shown as flawed. Because Gilbert is self-centered, he fails to notice his wife’s unhap...