"Taming of the Shrew"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew". The paper examines the play's patriarchic themes, such as the taming of wild women, a man's domineering character and female subjugation. The paper contends that while many critics feel that the play chronicles the domination process in a marriage where Petruchio, the male lead finally overpowers his wild and aggressive wife, Katherine Minola, closer analysis of the play reveals that this is not exactly true. The paper claims that the play actually deals with the issue of equality of power. The paper states that this play presents a mockery of wife submission norms in English society of 17th century rather than an approval of the same.

From the Paper:

"Kate who was very wild and rarely ever submitted to anyone was dragged into a marriage against her wishes. One wonders then, how and why did she ever let her father take this action if she was actually so outspoken. We must understand that while she didn't have much choice in the case since it was a time when arranged marriage customs were rife her behavior earned her the right and respect that she deserved. This is very clear when we read the betrothal scenes of both Kate and Bianca and compare them to each other. In Kate's betrothal scene, her father Baptista, makes it absolutely clear that he wants Pet to win her daughter's love before he could hope to have her money while in Bianca's betrothal scene, she is objectified as Baptista feels he could hand her over to anyone he found suitable enough. "

More papers on "Taming of the Shrew":

• Book Review # 116664 : "Taming of The Shrew"
• Analytical Essay # 136103 : "Comedy in "Taming of the Shrew"
• Book Review # 75726 : "Gender Themes in 'The Taming of the Shrew'"
• Analytical Essay # 2384 : "Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: