Themes: Gender Roles
The idea of adhering to gender roles plays a prevalent role in Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Many critics have denounced the play as a misogynistic relic from Early Modern England—and there is definitely an argument in the text to support this claim. Headstrong Katherine rails against a society that forces her to act demure and requires her father to marry her and her sister off to the highest bidders. For her protestations, Katherine is called a shrew, and Petruchio sets out to change her nature. He starves her, deprives her of sleep, abuses the people around her on her behalf, and contradicts everything she says until she is docile and obedient. This evidence can be read as a testament to the patriarchal beliefs of Early Modern England. During Shakespeare’s time, Katherine’s suffering may have been purely comical to audiences and her reformation reinforced accepted gender roles. In other words, the “shrew” gets what she deserves and her husband takes his rightful place as her lord. However, modern audiences have taken different messages away from the play that are similarly textually supported.
Depending on the way it is performed, the play can be read as a tragicomedy in which the audience sympathizes with the abused Katherine. By emphasizing Petruchio’s cruelty and having Katherine deliver her last speech like a eulogy, the play can be read tragically as the death of a strong woman whose will is overcome by social pressure. By this interpretation, Petruchio is a villain. Katherine’s speech at the end of the play becomes an overt critique of how society breaks women, as opposed to a reinforcement of patriarchal mentalities.
Another reading of gender in The Taming of the Shrew focuses on Petruchio’s references to falconry as he “breaks” Katherine. When socializing a bird of prey, the falconer must deprive the bird of food and sleep until it trusts its master. It is cruel to bird and master alike. Throughout the play, Petruchio plays the role of falconer: when Katherine does not eat, he deprives himself of food; when she is kept awake, he is the one doing the waking. Petruchio’s descriptions of Katherine and his interactions with her show a type of reverence. He compares her to Diana, the goddess of chastity. When he reveals his plan to the audience, he says that he will “kill a wife with kindness” to “curb her mad and headstrong humor.” Petruchio himself seems to believe that it is his job is to socialize his wife so that they can be together within society; otherwise, he could choose to leave her at the country estate and enjoy her dowry in the city, which seems more in line with his “wive and thrive” character. The fact that Petruchio decides to “socialize” Katherine and give her a platform to speak in front of others could demonstrate his love for her. It also offers a subtle critique of a society that prevents an intelligent woman like Katherine from being accepted until she agrees to submit to a man.
Expert Q&A
What are three reasons that prove Kate's transformation from a shrew to an obedient wife in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew?
Kate's transformation into an obedient wife in The Taming of the Shrew is evidenced by Petruchio's manipulation. First, he publicly embarrasses her at their wedding, prompting her to change to avoid future humiliation. Second, he isolates her from family and friends, making her dependent on him. Lastly, he deprives her of food and sleep, using psychological tactics to break her spirit. Ultimately, she demonstrates her obedience through a speech affirming her husband's authority.
In The Taming of the Shrew, is Katherine being tamed?
How do the lord's instructions to Bartholomew introduce the main theme of The Taming of the Shrew?
The lord's instructions to Bartholomew in "The Taming of the Shrew" introduce the theme of deception and the unreliability of first impressions. By instructing Bartholomew to pretend to be Sly's wife, Shakespeare mirrors the play's exploration of characters who disguise their true nature, like Bianca's deceptive demeanor and Katherine's misunderstood character. This foreshadows the importance of sincerity over appearances, a central theme in the play's examination of relationships and societal roles.
Is Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew sexist?
The question of whether "The Taming of the Shrew" is sexist can depend on interpretation and staging. While the play depicts male dominance, some productions suggest it critiques these dynamics as fantasies or social constructs. Kathrine is portrayed as intelligent and strong, with her "shrewishness" potentially a response to societal treatment. This duality allows interpretations that either criticize or reinforce traditional gender roles, leaving the play's stance on sexism open to debate.
What is Shakespeare's message about courtship, marriage, and relationships in The Taming of the Shrew?
Shakespeare's primary message about courtship, marriage, and relationships in The Taming of the Shrew is that the emotional component is subordinate to more dominant social and economic power structures, employed for the benefit of husbands individually and broader family interests collectively.
In The Taming of the Shrew, how does Kate represent Elizabethan society's patriarchal aims?
Kate in "The Taming of the Shrew" exemplifies Elizabethan society's patriarchal aims by initially resisting and ultimately conforming to the era's expectations of female submission. Her transformation under Petruchio's "taming" reflects societal norms that valued obedient wives. While Petruchio uses harsh methods, Shakespeare suggests a mutual respect and attraction between the two, hinting at a more complex relationship that transcends mere submission, aligning with societal norms yet preserving Kate's spirit.
What quotes from Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew illustrate Katherine's resistance and eventual submission to traditional gender roles?
The exploration of gender roles in The Taming of the Shrew and their adaptation in 10 Things I Hate About You
The Taming of the Shrew explores traditional gender roles through Katherine's transformation from a headstrong woman to a compliant wife, reflecting societal expectations of the time. In contrast, 10 Things I Hate About You adapts these roles to a modern setting, portraying strong, independent female characters who challenge and redefine gender norms, ultimately promoting equality and self-expression.
Gender Roles and Marriage in The Taming of the Shrew
In The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare explores marriage and gender roles through the dynamic between Petruchio and Kate. The play presents a complex view of marriage, where Petruchio's dominance seems to "tame" Kate, yet interpretations vary on whether Kate truly submits or plays a strategic role. Modern audiences can learn about the necessity of compromise and balance in relationships, as the play highlights power struggles and the importance of mutual respect and understanding for a successful marriage.
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