I Burn, I Pine, I Perish

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how, through symbolism, allusions, and dialogue, Shakespeare reveals his attitudes concerning love, marriage, and gender roles in 16th-century society in his play, "The Taming of the Shrew".

From the Paper:

"One of William Shakespeare's best-loved comedies, The Taming of the Shrew takes audiences on a rather comprehensive journey through Renaissance social culture. Though the courtship between main characters Petruchio and Katherina is far from typical, it does offer insight into not only the customs and attitudes of Europeans in general but those of Shakespeare himself. Shakespeare seems to hold the same opinions as those of most men of the late 1500s that love is generally very superficial and based on physical attraction; that marriage closely resembles a business proposition; and that women are nothing without their husbands or fathers to whom they must submit. Through literary devices ranging from witty dialogues and impassioned speeches to plentiful allusions and creative symbolism, Shakespeare reveals his attitudes concerning love, marriage, and gender roles in sixteenth-century society."

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