Taming of the Shrew begins with a group of hunting nobleman tricking a drunken tinker named Christopher Sly into believing he is a lord. This comedic farce, by William Shakespeare, creates an elegant depiction of a modern life and romantic love with all of its masks and pretensions. As the action opens, he is being thrown out of an alehouse. This question is much like what a child would ask their mother or best friend. She recognizes his argumentativeness as playfulness, and she reacts with a similar elaborate rant of her own. New York: Chelsea House     Publishers, 1986. It is a good example that we have to open ourselves up, deal with the bitterness and gradually accept who we are. 310-311. The marriages of the time were very male dominated. They will demonstrate the uncertainty surrounding the origins of texts and the evolution of plays with respect to their cultural atmosphere of the original Lear and Shrew. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare hat das Werk vermutlich spätestens im … It was written between 1593 and 1594 and it is one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies. 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Petruchio is one of two central characters (along with Katherine) in Shakespeare’s play, The Taming of the Shrew.. Petruchio is a wealthy young bachelor looking for an equally rich wife. Question: How did Bianca become the shrew at the end of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew"? The Taming of the Shrew has basic similarities to other Shakespearean comedies and can be seen as following in the tradition of ancient Roman comedy, especially those of the playwright Plautus, whose plays are filled with clever slaves tricking their masters and star-struck young lovers whose plans for marriage are delayed and obviated but ultimately fulfilled. Character Analysis The main character in the play Taming of the Shrew is Katherine, who undergoes a major transformation throughout the play as she begins stubborn and ill tempered and ends a subservient wife. I think if a man is truly loving his wife as Jesus loved the church, then her best interest would always be in the forefront of his mind; therefore, he would not just expect her to serve him solely, but take care of herself as well. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. icon-close Answer: I believe the moral of the story is to about true character. Not only has her love for Petruchio ultimately blossomed, but her ability to empathize has as well, which again is seen through her word choices. Despite Kate’s apparent anti-feminist talk, Kate has not become a completely broken, weak-willed woman. The author switches briefly to the doctor's point of view because there are events taking place that Jim, who is hiding on the island, is unaware of. Regardless, this is the first time she hears such flatteries as being called as “sweet as springtime flowers” (II.i.247) or being told “thy beauty that doth make me like thee well” (II.i.275) then eventually requesting her hand in marriage. 1106-    1107. Shakespeare, William. Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on June 22, 2015: You have done an excellent job on this review. Having trouble understanding The Taming of the Shrew? She demonstrates this when she states, And for thy maintenance; commits his body,To painful labor both by sea and land,To watch the night in storms, the day in cold,Whilst thou li'st warm at home, secure and safe;(V.ii.154-157). Summary. Science Teacher and Lover of Essays. Shakespearean     Criticism. Taming of the Shrew has been read and reread, performed, and reperformed. The Taming of the Shrew study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. As tiredness, hunger, and frustration set in on Kate, her wildcat personality began to weaken noticeably. Kate was not the conventional shrew, because most “shrews” were women that were already married and dominated their husbands in their relationship. Petruchio is one of two central characters (along with Katherine) in Shakespeare’s play, The Taming of the Shrew.. Petruchio is a wealthy young bachelor looking for an equally rich wife. By not accepting the nickname Petruchio has given to her, she proves that she still is independent of him. Question: Is Petruchio's methods of taming Kate funny or cruel? Kate was presented to be much more intelligent and witty than Bianca, but, ironically, she could not compete with Bianca because of these witty comebacks and caustic remarks she made (Dash 830). Then again, in her final speech, Kate talks at length with a strong presence that captivates her audience, further proving she is still the feisty woman she had been at the very beginning but with new understanding. It’s Kate’s desire for love with Petruchio’s help that leads her to show love and empathy without losing her feisty attitude. Petruchio, Katherine, Hortensio, and some of Petruchio's servants are making the journey from Petruchio's house to Padua. Another instant when Kate obeyed her husband’s outlandish demands came as somewhat of a surprise after the wager scene. In fact, neither of them were really accepted until they did that. Scott, Mark W. and Williamson, Sandra L., et al., ed. and subjects. Personally, I believe that the husband and wife have a symbiotic relationship. To help you look at any scene in The Taming of The Shrew and begin to analyse it, it’s important to ask questions about how it's written and why. A detailed analysis of gender roles, the main theme of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, as well as other motifs such as appearance vs. reality and animal imagery. Thanks for sharing. Kate truly showed submission, obedience, and respect to her husband in the final scene of the play, earning respect for herself in the process. Despite his flattery, she still seeks to find love from him, although she seeks it in juvenile ways. Nevo, Ruth. Here we see Kate coming to understand that, when she agrees to let Petruchio have his way, she reaps the benefits. Kate still is able and willing to fight, which is apparent in her monologue. The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken tinker named Christopher Sly into believing he is actually a nobleman himself. Analysis Of The Play ' Taming Of The Shrew ' 1236 Words | 5 Pages. Here we meet Christopher Sly, a tinker by trade and a drunk by avocation. The Taming Of The Shrew Analysis 732 Words | 3 Pages. At the beginning of her monologue, she begins with the sharp rebuke, “Fie, fie, unknit that threat'ning unkind brow” (V.ii.142). 413-419. Her response is, “nay I will give thee a kiss. Analysis. A detailed analysis of gender roles, the main theme of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, as well as other motifs such as appearance vs. reality and animal imagery. Petruchio playfully hints that since she won’t kiss him in public, they should go home. But instead, she made a show of the nonsensicalness. Just as the word “love” is chosen, her word choices in the final speech prove she is genuinely in love with Petruchio and sincere in what she says to the two women. As she describes a husband to Bianca and the widow, she states, “thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, / thy head thy sovereign, one that cares for thee” (V.ii.153). Taming of the Shrew Essay May 31, 2014. Kate was never described as unattractive (Elizabeth Taylor played her role in one film of the production), but was known for her shrewish behavior around all of Padua. With her new understanding, Kate’s actions and words begin to change, but not her personality. On the other hand, she does not refer to her own need of hunger but defends the cook’s mistake. Detroit: Gale Research, Inc., 1989. Get a verified writer to help you with Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” Analysis. Question: What was Kate and Petruchio's connection during their first encounter in "Taming of the Shrew"? The sixteenth century drama. The earliest record of it being performed on stage is in 1593 or 1594. The whole plot of the play drives toward these goals. Petruchio showed up to the wedding late and in strange attire, but nevertheless they were married that Saturday. Question: What do you think is the main moral of the story? Analysis Of The Play ' Taming Of The Shrew ' 1236 Words | 5 Pages. She constantly insults and degrades the men around her, and she is prone to wild displays of anger, during which she may physically attack whomever enrages her. Ed. Bianca, on the other hand was very sweet and charming and beautiful; for these reasons many suitors wooed her. Kate voices these feelings when she snaps at her father as he comes to Bianca’s defense by saying, “[Bianca] is your treasure” (II.i.32), which reflects Kate’s belief that her father views Bianca as someone valuable. This speech addresses his absurdity by saying, “But sun it is not when you say it is not, / And the moon changes even as your mind” (V.i.20-21). When Petruchio says she'll go to bed hungry, that's what she does. It appears that they join an understanding and acceptance of their own behaviors. Petruchio’s therapy for Kate has been compared to holding up a mirror and letting the shrew see herself. The Critical Perspective Volume 2. She is capable of being a submissive wife but be her own person, as well. Some scholars believe it may have been his first work written for the stage as well as his first comedy (Shakespearean 310). In addition to the already mentioned sun-moon incident, Kate referred to the old and decrepit Vincentio as a ‘young budding virgin, fair and fresh and sweet’ (Evans 32). When one of the men proposed a wager on whose wife will return first when they are all called, Petruchio responded by raising the bet significantly. In Act III, Scene 2, roughly the play's mid-point, Shakespeare gives us one of the most unusual (and unpleasant) weddings in literary history. The Taming of the Shrew is in fact a play within a play. The play opens with a device referred to as an introduction. The acting done by Kate and Petruchio lived up to the patriarchal ideals of their time, but yet the reader is led to believe that in the future, there will still be opposition in their relationship. The noblemen give Sly a disguised young page as his supposed wife. When she expresses her feelings towards a woman’s obedience, it is not only a representation of what is expected of a woman but what men are expected to do for their wives as well. Analysis. This is really well-written. If she were utterly broken of spirit, she would have simply agreed without an elaborate speech. Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” Analysis August 26, 2020 by Essay Writer Since Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” was written in 1592 (Royal Shakespeare Company), there have been many adaptations of his works created in “an overwhelming variety of ways,” (Fischlin & Fortier 1). Some scholars believe it may have been his first work written for the stage as well as his first comedy (Shakespearean 310). The noblemen give Sly a disguised young page as his supposed wife. It has lasted many years, and is still as great as the original. Petruchio is very interested in Katharina's money. Augustus Egg (1816–1863), via Wikimedia Commons. The last part of her description shows the sincerity in what she is saying. This showed how Kate was actually a foil of Petruchio (Nevo 262). Later she uses further piercing words, such as “foul contending rebel” and “graceless traitor,” which again are not met with an immediate challenge (V.ii.165-166). I think the play is a good example that we have to first love ourselves for who we are (rather than becoming a narcissist). Her groom, Petruchio, has nearly as much mystery surrounding him as does Kate herself. Many people get stuck on the Bible stating that a woman is supposed to submit to their husband and miss the rest of that verse where it states that a man should love the wife as Christ loves the church. I believe both Kate and Petruchio are putting on an act towards the end, but I do believe that they both know that the other is acting and they are doing so out of mutual respect. Zorba the Geek, via Wikimedia Commons Taming of the Shrew Essay In The Taming of the Shrew, Kate goes through a fantastic transformation from a harsh spitfire to a spirited yet submissive wife. The book is a comedy, mainly about Petruchio and his wife Kate. It only takes seconds! Many scholars feel that, despite Kate’s submissiveness in the closing scene of the play, she would continue to be a strong opposition for Petruchio. Her quarrelsome behavior is not entirely due to her lack of being loved, but also her self-absorption. Sulabha Dhavalikar from Indore, India on June 22, 2015: You are simply brilliant. On a visit to Padua someone tells him about a shrewish woman in the city whose family is trying to marry her off so that her younger, beautiful, sweet-tempered, sister, Bianca, can be married. Ed. ATTENTION: Please help us feed and educate children by uploading your old homework! Dive deep into William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew with extended analysis, commentary, and discussion perfect for college-level preparation She shows this by explaining this behavior through a husband’s eyes. In the introduction, an impish nobleman beguiles a drunken man Christopher Sly to believe that he is a nobleman. It was the first time Kate was ever challenged in the way that Petruchio was willing to challenge her, and he enjoyed the challenge. Few women, now and especially during Shakespeare’s time, would be willing to risk humiliation for themselves or others, unless they have a strong personality. It was Kate’s submission to Petruchio which makes him a man, finally and indisputably (Kahn 419). Question: Why did Petruchio want to marry Katharine? The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy play written by William Shakespeare. Sly wants to be left alone with his wife, but the servants tell him that a troupe of actors has arrived to present a play for him. Paradox is central to the comedy of Shrew. Kate recognizes that her husband is working hard for her to have food on the table and a safe home. All of the men who desired Bianca needed somebody to marry Kate, as it was customary for the older daughter to be married before the young one. EDIT: Sorry, everybody, looks like UMG doesn't like me using their music. That is essentially saying that a man should lay his life down figuratively and literally for his wife. Her representation at the end of the play, however, is very docile and submissive. Also, the speech’s length is further proof that she is as full of strength as she is in the beginning, if not more. Her speech at the end is over the top and is often thought to be mocking and sarcastic. Shakespearean Criticism. Kate earned bountiful respect from the other men in the closing scene, as she proved to fit the mold of the conventional woman better than their wives did (Dash 835). The Taming of the Shrew has been prone to adaptations since the 17th century. Although she states that she’d “rather see thee hanged…” (II.i 300) than get married to him, she does show up to the wedding and further feels grieved when he does not arrive on time. Congrats on HOTD, too! His sincerity is in question because he plans to “woo her with some spirit when she comes” (II.i.170) and praise her with the opposite of her actions. icon-close The “one that cares for thee,” indicates her acknowledgment, despite Petruchio’s crazy antics, that he genuinely cares for her. Katherine Minola is a fiery, spirited woman, and as such, the male dominated world around her doesn't quite know what to do with her. Analysis. Her initial resistance may also be because she is not used to showing affection due to the lack of love she has felt previously. I will be having my high school students read it as an example of an effective analysis. Does The Taming of the Shrew advocate sexual inequality or does it show and critique men’s attempts to subordinate women? Although Act IV, Scene 5 is the shortest scene of the play, it is clearly the most important one so far. Ann Leavitt from Oregon on March 06, 2010: Excellent work! Once married, Kate becomes his legal "property," so she has to do what Petruchio says. I loved my Shakespeare class in college, which is what this was originally written for. In 1948, Cole Porter adapted Shakespeare's play into a musical comedy called Kiss Me, Kate.And in more recent years, the 1999 movie 10 Things I Hate About You … 3. That answer probably will not be in any textbook on the Taming of the Shrew, but that is my own personal opinion. From the beginning, Petruchio wanted to dominate a relationship of two dominating personalities. A really great hub about a fantastic play, one i would dearly love to see in London on stage some day, thanks for sharing, voted up, Lee. Marriage ceremonies generally mark the end of Shakespearean comedy — but in this case the ceremony is only the beginning! His "friend" Hortensio adored Katharina's sister Bianca, but they could not marry until Katherina was married, therefore, Hortensio tried to convince Petruchio to marry Katharina. Mark W.     Scott and Sandra L. Williamson. Petruchio beckons a kiss. Even in the final scene, Kate never showed signs of being a weak character, but rather the ability to be strong in any way she needs to be. The fact that neither her sister nor the widow immediately argue back is a reflection of Kate’s continuing authoritative demeanor. Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare and the modern film 10 Thingss I hate about you are analogous to each other in many ways. Submitting is not the same as obeying. A very good critical study. Her spoiled tendencies did not shine through until the end, as we see the contrast of Kate's transformation and Bianca's normal state. The Taming of the Shrew: Stand by Your Man - The Psychotherapist Perspective The universal nature of the themes in The Taming of the Shrew, beg analysis and social critique. The Taming of the Shrew. The Taming of the Shrew is one of the earliest comedies written by sixteenth and seventeenth century English bard, William Shakespeare. This willingness to step outside of herself to defend someone else reflects her ability to empathize. Petruchio marries Kate and begins his shrew-taming campaign. Free proofreading and copy-editing included. Drunken, he falls asleep before a nearby Lord's house. A summary of Part X (Section4) in William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Analysis. Need help with Act 4, Scene 1 in William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew? She is known throughout the town for her angry abrasive manner. The subtextual message in the speech is directed to Petruchio and Kate clearly outlines the obligations and rewards he is entitled to if he acts properly. Interpreting the power dynamics between men and women, in The Taming of the Shrew, an in particular the central couple Katherina and Petruchio, is a problem from the outset. Your online site for school work help and homework help. Petruchio began his famous process of taming his bride. For instance, once the marriage ceremony ends, she desires to stay for the reception, whereas Petruchio wants to leave. Kate’s willingness to kiss Petruchio is more than just a desire to stay at her father’s house; her word choice proves this, which she reveals when she calls him “love,” before she kisses him. The Taming of the Shrew is one of the earliest comedies written by sixteenth and seventeenth century English bard, William Shakespeare. In Act III, Scene 2, roughly the play's mid-point, Shakespeare gives us one of the most unusual (and unpleasant) weddings in literary history. The Taming of the Shrew study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. HIRE verified writer $35.80 for a 2-page paper. Here we see Kate coming to understand that, when she agrees to let Petruchio have his way, she reaps the benefits. Because of the helplessness of her situation, she began to show submission to her husband. The Taming of the Shrew Widely reputed throughout Padua to be a shrew, Katherine is foul-tempered and sharp-tongued at the start of the play. Petruchio believes that women should do what their men say. In the Elizabethan era, there was a huge demand for new entertainment, and The Taming of the Shrew would have been produced immediately following the completion of the play. The book is a comedy, mainly about Petruchio and his wife Kate. When Petruchio began to woo Kate, everybody was rather surprised, but Signior Baptista agreed when Petruchio wanted marry her on Saturday of the week he met her. Sometimes we have to look beyond our first impression of people to truly know them and their character. I think submit gets a bad rap in our society today, because it's not completely understood or respected. In the introduction, an impish nobleman beguiles a drunken man Christopher Sly to believe that he is a nobleman. Some scholars believe it may have been his first work written for the stage as well as his first comedy (Shakespearean 310). The play opens with a device referred to as an introduction. She uses the expression “God forbid,” which emphasizes her feelings against being ashamed of him. Dash, Irene G. “Wooing, Wedding, and Power: Women in Shakespeare Plays”. Despite Petruchio’s criticism of the meat, she insists that it is okay. Marriage ceremonies generally mark the end of Shakespearean comedy — but in this case the ceremony is only the beginning! This appeal to her intelligence is why Kate’s will was not broken, but rather changed to meet Petruchio’s mold to some extent (Nevo 263). Katherine is the "shrew" of the play's title. Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on January 25, 2017: Thank you very much. Taming of the Shrew begins with a group of hunting nobleman tricking a drunken tinker named Christopher Sly into believing he is a lord. The immaturity of this act reflects her lacking the basic necessity of being nurtured and feeling cared for. Bianca recognizes this cruel act as jealousy and a desire to be loved when she states, “Is it for [Gremio] you do envy me so?” (VII.i.18). The play Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, written in 1590-1592, takes place in Italy. The real difference between the Kate that Gremio refers to as a “fiend of hell” (I.i.89), to the Kate that Baptista gives “another dowry to” (V.ii.120), is that she has learned to look beyond herself and begins to express love. In the early 1600s, John Fletcher wrote a sequel called The Tamer Tamed in which Petruchio is himself tamed by a new wife. The wealthy father of two daughters, Bianca and Katherine, Baptista establishes a rule that no man may marry Bianca until his older daughter Katherine is married. There were several points in the play during which she demonstrated her new found domesticated personality. In a sense, Kate and Petruchio had what one might call a symbiotic relationship; that is, they both had a strong need for each other, which is somewhat paradoxical, as both of them were fiercely independent characters. Many critics have pointed out that the wager scene is dominated by reversals: quiet Bianca talked back, while the shrewish Katherina came across as an obedient wife (Kahn 418). They entertain him at their house with a play by a group of travelling actors, which is as follows. She still has the passion and energy she began with, but with a realization that her actions affect others. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans. Detroit: Gale Research, Inc., 1989. This transformation is due to Petruchio’s over-the-top kindness towards Kate and cruelty towards all … Finally, Petruchio came along to court Kate, saying he wanted to marry wealthily in Padua. She is courted by both Hortensio and Lucentio, who dress as tutors to get near her. Mark W.      Scott and Sandra L. Williamson. When the tailor brought in what seemed to be a very pretty cap, Petruchio refused to let Kate have it, despite her incessant pleas to keep the cap (Legatt 410). Evans, Bernard. Answer: Honestly, I believe she always was. I love this play and have seen it several times in several different performances! “‘Kate of Kate Hall’: The Taming of the Shrew.” Modern      Critical Reviews. She is a strong person, which attracts Petruchio. If his will is "honest" then she will be obedient and thus not a 'foul. This Shakespeare play is not often touted as a favorite. Their life is richer as a result of one another. A detailed description and in-depth analysis of Lucentio. In the name of love, Petruchio refused to let her eat, under the pretense that she deserved better food than what was being given her (Nevo 262). Shakespeare’s plays are driven by their characters and every choice that’s made about words, structure and rhythm tells you something about the person, their relationships or their mood in that moment. A summary of Part X (Section4) in William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Petruchio displayed complete trust in Kate in that situation, and she came through for her man. Although Act IV, Scene 5 is the shortest scene of the play, it is clearly the most important one so far. However, she does it with tact and poise, which is no longer met with a dispute. In fact, Katharina seems quite angered by the situation. Analysis. Whether you see the relationships in the play as harmlessly boisterous and knockabout or tragically violent and oppressive, Shakespeare is clearly offering us his take on that perennial trope in both comedy and tragedy : the … As her awareness of others grows, so does her ability to show love. Congrats your Hub of the Day award for an interesting post filled with food for thought. The Taming of the Shrew Act 4, Scene 1 Summary & Analysis | LitCharts. Charles Robert Leslie (1794–1859), via Wikimedia Commons. This refers to what men of this time had to do for their wives. This same spunk is reflected other times in the same speech, despite its strong patriarchal message. Here we meet Christopher Sly, a tinker by trade and a drunk by avocation. Tutor and Freelance Writer. As far as obeying, he also would not expect her to obey anything that was not in her best interest. Like many other of Shakespeare's comedies, The Taming of the Shrew features a woman as one of the story's chief protagonists. The speech is long and does not end until she decides it ends, which is emphasized by the couplets. Like many other of Shakespeare's comedies, The Taming of the Shrew features a woman as one of the story's chief protagonists. In Act Two, Scene One, when Kate ties her sister’s hands, she questions Bianca of all the suitors that are after Bianca. Women are allowed to disagree with their husband. She especially enjoyed admonishing Bianca for her unseemly behavior (Dash 835). Character Analysis Petruchio Although Kate is one of Shakespeare's most enigmatic heroines, she is not the only complicated character in The Taming of the Shrew . The Taming of the Shrew essays are academic essays for citation. Many critics have observed and noted that Petruchio and Kate had a need for each other, being the strong personalities that they are. He would also serve her, just as Jesus served the church. This admission goes further than just recognition of a husband’s willingness to work hard and to provide for his wife; she also claims that her desire to be submissive and loving is “too little payment for so great a debt” (V.ii.160). As the action opens, he is being thrown out of an alehouse. William Shakespeare's Richard III: Summary & Analysis, Cite this article as: William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team), "The Taming of the Shrew: Critical Analysis," in. The Taming of the Shrew opens with an Induction. Salem: Salem Press, 1990. Kate enjoyed winning the wager for Petruchio just as Petruchio delighted in making (and raising) it (Leggatt 413). He sought to tame her in a nonviolent but still somewhat cruel fashion. HIRE verified writer $35.80 for a 2-page paper. It is supposed to be written between 1590 and 1592. But for chapters XVI-XVIII, the story is narrated by Dr. Livesey. So in the end, Kate has not either been tamed, nor has has simply told Petruchio what he wanted to hear. The Taming of the Shrew is the only play by Shakespeare that has an “induction,” or anterior section, that introduces the main action. Kate committed four physically violent acts on stage: she broke the lute over the Hortensio’s head, tied and beat Bianca, and hit Petruchio and Grumio (Kahn 415). Analysing Petruchio's Language Petruchio has 22 per cent of the lines in the play, and is a catalyst for the main events. If he is dishonest, then her rebellion becomes patriotic since the contract has become essentially null and void.