Kahn, Copella. 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. Her groom, Petruchio, has nearly as much mystery surrounding him as does Kate herself. Kate still is able and willing to fight, which is apparent in her monologue. Drunken, he falls asleep before a nearby Lord's house. The Taming of the Shrew is one of the earliest comedies written by sixteenth and seventeenth century English bard, William Shakespeare. Some scholars believe it may have been his first work written for the stage as well as his first comedy (Shakespearean 310). They realize that a union between them would be mutually beneficial, although neither truly feels completely happy with the union. Detroit: Gale Research, Inc., 1989. Vol. This comedic farce, by William Shakespeare, creates an elegant depiction of a modern life and romantic love with all of its masks and pretensions. Though she evolves in her ideas and actions, her personality is essentially the same as it is in the beginning but shaped by empathy and love. The play that Sly watches makes up the main story of The Taming of the Shrew. Bianca, on the other hand was very sweet and charming and beautiful; for these reasons many suitors wooed her. 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. Petruchio beckons a kiss. Petruchio’s method of “taming” Kate featured depriving her of the things she had taken for granted and been given all of her life, and he sarcastically acted as if it was in her best interest (Leggatt 410). I love this play and have seen it several times in several different performances! Leggatt, Alexander. As her awareness of others grows, so does her ability to show love. However, she does it with tact and poise, which is no longer met with a dispute. 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. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of The Taming of the Shrew and what it means. Analysis Of The Play ' Taming Of The Shrew ' 1236 Words | 5 Pages. Despite Petruchio’s criticism of the meat, she insists that it is okay. Through her word choices, one can see that she has indeed fallen in love with Petruchio. The shrewish Kate, who was known to have a sharp tongue, very adequately filled his need for another powerful character in a relationship (Kahn 419). This exchange of roles, which landed Kate on the receiving end of all of those hideous tantrums, took her out of herself. Taming of the Shrew begins with a group of hunting nobleman tricking a drunken tinker named Christopher Sly into believing he is a lord. Petruchio marries Kate and begins his shrew-taming campaign. 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 … Her initial resistance may also be because she is not used to showing affection due to the lack of love she has felt previously. Science Teacher and Lover of Essays. Whenever Kate would throw her tantrums, Petruchio would throw them right back, in perhaps even more exaggerated form. Because she is stubborn, is sometimes ill-mannered, and does not allow herself to be ordered around by men, she is constantly insulted, made fun of, and otherwise denigrated by practically all the other characters in the play. Petruchio’s therapy for Kate has been compared to holding up a mirror and letting the shrew see herself. New York: Chelsea House     Publishers, 1986. 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. He would also serve her, just as Jesus served the church. 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. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. She recognizes marriage as a partnership. She uses the expression “God forbid,” which emphasizes her feelings against being ashamed of him. Only someone who could demand such authority would have been able to give such a robust lengthy speech. Many critics have observed and noted that Petruchio and Kate had a need for each other, being the strong personalities that they are. Analysis. In the early 1600s, John Fletcher wrote a sequel called The Tamer Tamed in which Petruchio is himself tamed by a new wife. 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). Kate desires love, regardless of how unloving and unlovable she begins. Salem: Salem Press, 1990. Petruchio’s goal with Kate is to tame her. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. Analysis and discussion of characters in William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew We’ve discounted annual subscriptions by 50% for our End-of-Year sale—Join Now! Summary Read a Plot Overview of the entire play or a scene by scene Summary and Analysis. That answer probably will not be in any textbook on the Taming of the Shrew, but that is my own personal opinion. Article last reviewed: 2019 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2020 | Creative Commons 4.0. Ann Leavitt from Oregon on March 06, 2010: Excellent work! In effect, Petruchio was demonstrating absurdity by being absurd, and Kate responded to his preposterousness. Here's an in-depth analysis of the most important parts, in an easy-to-understand format. EDIT: Sorry, everybody, looks like UMG doesn't like me using their music. As the action opens, he is being thrown out of an alehouse. 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. 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. 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. Due to his harsh words towards the servants, Kate tries to reason with him by stating, “I pray you, ‘tis a fault unwilling” (IV.i.153). Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans. Congrats on the HOTD! That is essentially saying that a man should lay his life down figuratively and literally for his wife. 825-833. ATTENTION: Please help us feed and educate children by uploading your old homework! With her new understanding, Kate’s actions and words begin to change, but not her personality. There were several points in the play during which she demonstrated her new found domesticated personality. It takes a strong and beautiful woman to be able to submit to her rightful head, because she has to learn to serve, to obey, and to look to another's needs more than her own. Petruchio is very interested in Katharina's money. A summary of Part X (Section4) in William Shakespeare's 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). She still has the passion and energy she began with, but with a realization that her actions affect others. On the other hand, she does not refer to her own need of hunger but defends the cook’s mistake. 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. Answer: Honestly, I believe she always was. The earliest record of it being performed on stage is in 1593 or 1594. 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. This affectionate term further signifies that she has fallen in love with Petruchio. The customs and standards of marriages during the Elizabethan Age that Shakespeare wrote The Taming of the Shrew in are represented very accurately throughout the text of the play. It is supposed to be written between 1590 and 1592. She especially enjoyed admonishing Bianca for her unseemly behavior (Dash 835). Shakespearean Criticism. 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. Congrats on HOTD, too! 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). Thelma Alberts from Germany and Philippines on June 22, 2015: Very well reviewed. Here's an in-depth analysis of the most important parts, in an easy-to-understand format. 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. Harold Bloom. It was written between 1593 and 1594 and it is one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies. Get a verified writer to help you with Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” Analysis. 413-419. One example of this new love being for Petruchio is when Kate first arrives at her father’s home. In the introduction, an impish nobleman beguiles a drunken man Christopher Sly to believe that he is a nobleman. This is Baptista's way of ensuring that someone… read analysis of Baptista Minola. This same spunk is reflected other times in the same speech, despite its strong patriarchal message. It appeared, though, as if Petruchio was the kind of man who needed an opposition in life. https://schoolworkhelper.net/the-taming-of-the-shrew-critical-analysis/, Robert Bolt’s A Man For All Seasons: Summary & Analysis, Joyce Oates’ “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”: Arnold Friend Analysis, Yevgeny Yevtushenko’s Babi Yar: Summary & Analysis, Barbara Kingsolver’s “Animal Dreams”: Alice Analysis, Wolves: Habitat, Characteristics, Behaviors, Mesoamerican Cultures: Olmecs, Mayas, Aztecs, William Carlos Williams & The Young Housewife, Oliver Twist: Characters, Setting, Style, Audience and Diction, Augustus’ Role in Shaping the Roman Empire, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible: Abigail Williams Analysis, Hiro Murai’s “Guava Island”: Film Analysis, Alice Dunbar Nelson: Poet, Essayist and Activist. If he is dishonest, then her rebellion becomes patriotic since the contract has become essentially null and void. This remedy appealed to the intelligent aspect of Kate’s complex personality, and they brought about a change in her. 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. Answer: I believe the moral of the story is to about true character. 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. Get a verified writer to help you with Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” Analysis. This is why Petruchio’s form of violence was accepted; because he was the master of his property and could do what he wanted with it. Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on June 22, 2015: You have done an excellent job on this review. These provided the comical aspect of the play, as well as giving Kate a chance to look at her own image (Nevo 262). 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). Summary. 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. It only takes seconds! It appears that they join an understanding and acceptance of their own behaviors. He reasoned that he would wager that much on his hound, but his wife merited a much larger bet (Leggatt 413). Analysis. Her groom, Petruchio, has nearly as much mystery surrounding him as does Kate herself. Her spoiled tendencies did not shine through until the end, as we see the contrast of Kate's transformation and Bianca's normal state. Petruchio was able to out-shrew Kate, and cause her to be alarmed. She is courted by both Hortensio and Lucentio, who dress as tutors to get near her. Another instant when Kate obeyed her husband’s outlandish demands came as somewhat of a surprise after the wager scene. This willingness to step outside of herself to defend someone else reflects her ability to empathize. Paradox is central to the comedy of Shrew. In The Taming of the Shrew, Petruchio was the only suitor willing to court Kate, the more undesirable of Baptista’s two daughters. The Globe Theatre that Shakespeare created has been performing Taming of the Shrew since its early days. A summary of Part X (Section1) in William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. As far as celebrating it, it was a well-written play that should be recognized and appreciated. Because of this, she seeks it through childish means such as petty questions and fighting. The Taming of the Shrew is a comic play written by William Shakespeare around 1590 and first published in 1898. Taming of the Shrew has been read and reread, performed, and reperformed. 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 … Science, English, History, Civics, Art, Business, Law, Geography, all free! The Taming Of The Shrew Analysis 732 Words | 3 Pages. Although Act IV, Scene 5 is the shortest scene of the play, it is clearly the most important one so far. Petruchio’s goal with Kate is to tame her. Kate recognizes that her husband is working hard for her to have food on the table and a safe home. Bonnie’s Analysis of The Taming of the Shrew. Question: Why did Petruchio want to marry Katharine? It is thought by many to be one of Shakespeare’s most immature plays (Cyclopedia 1106). 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. Because of the helplessness of her situation, she began to show submission to her husband. 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). Marriage ceremonies generally mark the end of Shakespearean comedy — but in this case the ceremony is only the beginning! In fact, Katharina seems quite angered by the situation. At the beginning of her monologue, she begins with the sharp rebuke, “Fie, fie, unknit that threat'ning unkind brow” (V.ii.142). and subjects. They entertain him at their house with a play by a group of travelling actors, which is as follows. She is a strong person, which attracts Petruchio. This comedic farce, by William Shakespeare, creates an elegant depiction of a modern life and romantic love with all of its masks and pretensions. HIRE verified writer $35.80 for a 2-page paper. 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. What a story on transformation, a story at play each day in so many lives. 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. Also, each of them had something to prove: Petruchio needed to confirm his manhood, while Kate needed to steer her demeanor toward the ladylike side of things. The Taming of the Shrew Act 4, Scene 1 Summary & Analysis | LitCharts. Petruchio showed up to the wedding late and in strange attire, but nevertheless they were married that Saturday. If his will is "honest" then she will be obedient and thus not a 'foul. Analysis. Mark W.     Scott and Sandra L. Williamson. Petruchio’s words left no doubt as to his belief in the patriarchal marriage system that existed during Shakespeare’s time, perhaps presented in somewhat of an exaggerated form (Kahn 414). Question: What was Kate and Petruchio's connection during their first encounter in "Taming of the Shrew"? The whole plot of the play drives toward these goals. I loved my Shakespeare class in college, which is what this was originally written for. Also, the speech’s length is further proof that she is as full of strength as she is in the beginning, if not more. 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 fact that neither her sister nor the widow immediately argue back is a reflection of Kate’s continuing authoritative demeanor. Question: What do you think is the main moral of the story? He sought to tame her in a nonviolent but still somewhat cruel fashion. 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). This is really well-written. If she were utterly broken of spirit, she would have simply agreed without an elaborate speech. Let us do your homework! The play opens with a device referred to as an introduction. If she had meant it to be sarcastic, this admission of being cared for would seem out of place and misguided. Ed. Her representation at the end of the play, however, is very docile and submissive. Charles Robert Leslie (1794–1859), via Wikimedia Commons. Their life is richer as a result of one another. 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). 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. The last part of her description shows the sincerity in what she is saying. 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. Katherina is a very different main character than most of Shakespeare’s heroines. This showed how Kate was actually a foil of Petruchio (Nevo 262). Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on June 22, 2015: Angela, nice review on that classic Shakespearan play. “‘Kate of Kate Hall’: The Taming of the Shrew.” Modern      Critical Reviews. Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on March 07, 2010: I am careful to use the word submit, because there is a duality that is going on. I personally believe that yes, we should definitely study this play as it helps give insight into the past. Personally, I believe that the husband and wife have a symbiotic relationship. Does The Taming of the Shrew advocate sexual inequality or does it show and critique men’s attempts to subordinate women? Sometimes we have to look beyond our first impression of people to truly know them and their character. The Taming of the Shrew opens with an Induction. Having trouble understanding The Taming of the Shrew? Untitled Essay. If she had not wanted to marry him, she would have thrown the same kind of fit as she was accustomed to prior. 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. 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. As far as obeying, he also would not expect her to obey anything that was not in her best interest. New     York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. 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 . 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). Need help with Act 4, Scene 1 in William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew? Submitting is not the same as obeying. Similarly, Petruchio did not think that her bed was suitable for her to sleep in, so his servants took turns keeping her awake and denying her the sleep that she so desperately needed. Dive deep into William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew with extended analysis, commentary, and discussion perfect for college-level preparation Another point in the play where Kate displayed her complaisance was when she came at Petruchio’s call. Ed. Answer: Any answer to this would be someone's opinion and therefore is up for debate. 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. The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy play written by William Shakespeare. It is supposed to be written between 1590 and 1592. 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. Petruchio wanted to show Kate how mean she was, by beating her at her own game. Petruchio’s actions were very extreme during the play, but as Kate caught on to their role playing their relationship improved (Nevo 262). It is not Gremio or any other suitor that Kate feels jealousy towards; she feels jealous of Bianca and how everyone, even their father, views her as the preferred sister. A Streetcar Named Desire A Tale of Two Cities Lord of the Flies The Taming of the Shrew The Tempest As tiredness, hunger, and frustration set in on Kate, her wildcat personality began to weaken noticeably. He tries to make the point that she should be in submission to him as he refers to the sun as the moon and the moon as the sun. As if all of these symbols of her obedience were not enough, Kate showed one more sign. The play Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, written in 1590-1592, takes place in Italy. Kate truly showed submission, obedience, and respect to her husband in the final scene of the play, earning respect for herself in the process. Petruchio began his famous process of taming his bride. The play that Sly watches makes up the main story of The Taming of the Shrew. It did inspire a very robust musical called Kiss Me Kate which is enjoyed by audiences. She rebukes, yet no one interrupts. The characters are really similar to each other because in Taming of […] Katherine is the "shrew" of the play's title. Firstly, she showcased it by saying what Petruchio wanted her to, regardless of the absurdity of the statement. Evans, Bernard. Some scholars believe it may have been his first work written for the stage as well as his first comedy (Shakespearean 310). Analysis and discussion of characters in William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew We’ve discounted annual subscriptions by 50% for our End-of-Year sale—Join Now! This was not just a 16th and 17th century idiom, but a proper and true behavior that women in all civilized countries have practiced from the beginning of history until the 20th century, the time when they began to abandon their proper roles and rebel against the freeing and fulfilling headship God placed upon them. In contrast, Kate does not believe that he feels the same way towards her. Petruchio, however, never once committed an act of physical violence, but he did, in the name of love, deprive Kate of her needs until she bent to his will. 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. Even Jesus allowed suffering on himself in order to save his church. It was Kate’s submission to Petruchio which makes him a man, finally and indisputably (Kahn 419). Clearly, he was not opposed because he wanted to hurry and get Kate married so she would not be in Bianca’s way anymore. Another point that must be made concerning her speech is that she delighted in reprimanding the other ladies for their unconventional behavior. Kate proceeded to agree with him, to which, of course, he changed his mind back. Petruchio, Katherine, Hortensio, and some of Petruchio's servants are making the journey from Petruchio's house to Padua. Petruchio playfully hints that since she won’t kiss him in public, they should go home. Women are allowed to disagree with their husband. Question: Is it a possibility that Kate from Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" is putting on a complying act because she knows that by pretending to submit, she can get what she wants? In the last scene, as she gives her speech to Bianca and the widow, this new compassion is again revealed. In Act Two, Scene One, when Kate ties her sister’s hands, she questions Bianca of all the suitors that are after Bianca. In the introduction, an impish nobleman beguiles a drunken man Christopher Sly to believe that he is a nobleman. She recognizes his argumentativeness as playfulness, and she reacts with a similar elaborate rant of her own. Context- The Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare’s most popular works. The Taming of the Shrew. As she concluded the scene and the play, Kate prepared to put her hand beneath her husband’s foot, and Elizabethan symbol of wifely obedience (Kahn 419). 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. Ed. Tutor and Freelance Writer. When Kate mentioned the sun in a conversation, Petruchio absurdly disagreed with her and told her it was the moon. Answer: Keep in mind that Petruchio wanted to marry a wealthy woman. She shows this by explaining this behavior through a husband’s eyes. While preparing himself for Katharina's entrance, Petruchio proclaims his intention to believe the opposite of whatever Kate tries to say about herself: "Say that she rail, why then I'll tell her plain/She sings as sweetly as a nightingale." The fact that she is willing to go along with his outlandish remarks and humiliate a man she has never met proves she has not lost her spunk. Although her development is very evident from an outside perspective, she is essentially the same person after Petruchio’s taming as she is before.