The induction of Taming of the Shrew centers around a rich lord’s trickery on a poor drunkard named Sly. Shakespeare, through the lord, describes the plan: “I will practise on this drunken man. What think you, if he were conveyed to bed, wrapped in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers, a most delicious banquet by his bed, and brave attendants by his bed when he wakes would not the beggar forget himself?”(36-41). This plan shows both the division between the classes in the play and the humorous deception that will take place throughout the entire book. The entire induction revolves around this plan, in which a lord intends to dress himself and his servants as the servants of a lower- class drunkard. They will then convince this drunkard that he is, in fact, a lord in a coma. The reason that Shakespeare includes this is to show that the wealthy are differentiated by both their excess and the things they wear. He does this by listing all of the things that they will give Sly to trick him into thinking he is rich, like “a most delicious banquet”, “Sweet clothes” and rings. These things are some of the things that separate the wealthy from those who simply get by. Shakespeare also shows the trickery and humor he will use throughout the rest of the book. The lord posing as a servant serves to foreshadow the various switching of roles throughout the entire play; this switching is most often humorous and meant to deceive. Overall, the induction serves simply to set the scene with the difference between the rich and the poor, and to foreshadowing the humorous character switching that will occur throughout the play.
LORD: “O monstrous beast! How like a swine he lies! Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image! Sirs, I will practise on this drunken man. What think you, if he were convey’d to bed, Wrapp’d in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers, A most delicious banquet by his bed, And brave attendants near him when he wakes, Would not the beggar then forget himself?” (Induction. Scene 1. Lines 30-37).
In this quote, Shakespeare uses the characterization of the Lord in order to convey the reality of human nature and ethical behavior present in the entirety of The Taming of the Shrew. When the Lord, returning from a hunting trip, stumbles upon the passed-out Christopher Sly, he doesn’t think twice about a ruthless prank to bring Sly to the palace, dress him in fine garments and convince him he is a Lord when he wakes. Once Sly gains consciousness in the palace, he is confused and declares that he is the tinker Christopher Sly, a claim that the servants innocently deny. But the hoax doesn’t stop there; the Page enters, dressed as a woman, playing the part of Sly’s wife, who finally convinces him of his new identity. The Lord knows that Sly is a poor and incapacitated man, yet he still decides to execute his cruel and extensive trick. While most people would have left Sly to sleep, the actions of the Lord only enhance the ideas of Thomas Hobbes; a philosopher who claimed that people are evil by nature. By taking advantage of Sly, the Lord’s true character shines through and he is seen as a naturally wicked man with nothing better to do than exploit others for enjoyment. Shakespeare uses this idea as a prominent theme in the induction that is hinted at throughout the rest of the play, where human nature, as conveyed by the characterization of the Lord, prepares the reader for the ethical conflict in The Taming of the Shrew.
As we are introduced to The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, we are introduced to two major characters, Sly and The Lord. When Sly passes out from being drunk after being kicked out of a tavern, lord decides to play a trick on him, as he is gains consciousness, everyone around him will pretend his is a honorable man. This sets up the play adding characterization, showing the role that The Lord will play throughout the Play, as being a very powerful man, but also being somewhat immature and cruel. Suggesting that he may be a static character, and remains somewhat immature. Also having Sly drunk and passed out on the street says a lot about his character at the moment. He doesn’t have his life together, and is possibly an alcoholic if he goes as far as to drink until he can no longer stay awake, which also gives him lots of room to grow from, adding the opposite effect from the Lord, suggesting that Sly will grow and blossom throughout the story, and will possibly rise up and be better than he is in the introduction. I believe this also sets up that story as Sly will be portrayed as the heroine of the story, and Lord will be the antagonist of the play.
“O monstrous beast, how like a swine he lies! Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image! Sirs, I will practice on this drunken man. What think you: if he were conveyed to bed, Wrapped in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers, A most delicious banquet by his bed, And brave attendants near him when he wakes, Would not the beggar then forget himself?” (2, Induction)
This quote is used to characterize both Sly and the Lord, as well as comment on inequality in this society and the idea that one’s identity is not stagnant. This is when the Lord sees Sly lying drunk on the ground. It is immediately obvious because of the diction that Shakespeare uses in dialogue that the Lord is more educated and much more prestigious. He sees this drunk and immediately thinks himself above him and develops an elaborate scheme to teach him a lesson. His language is much more elaborate and polished than Sly’s. It is obvious that he is very educated and very wealthy, and the fact that he has servants trailing him only further proves this fact.
The Lord then decides to take revenge on this “monstrous beast” by playing an elaborate prank on him. The diction describing Sly helps to show how repugnant and disgusting he really is in the eyes of the Lord, and helps the reader forget that he is, in fact, a person. He is characterized as a “beast” and a “swine”, which really dehumanizes his character and makes the actions that the Lord takes seem much less atrocious.
The purpose of the entire induction is to create and interesting start to the play and to engage the audience. The induction is also a comment on power inequalities and the class structure in the society this play is taking place in. The diction and dialogue Shakespeare uses helps to characterize Sly and the Lord, and to highlight the differences in their demeanor and their lives. This comments on the tremendous inequality in the society they are in. Sly is seen as no better than swine, while the Lord sees himself as being all powerful, powerful enough to mess with someone's life as a prank.
The induction may also may demonstrate how much other’s opinions can affect our behavior and how our sense of identity is completely reliant on how others treat us. When Sly is treated like a rich man, he believes he is a rich man and begins acting like a rich man. This shows how fluid one’s perception of self is, and how it can be fundamentally altered by others’ behavior towards them.
The Induction of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare helps to set up the scene and tone for the rest of the play. It contains a short story that follows Sly, a poor man, and a trick that is played on him by a rich lord. While Sly is passed out, the lord devises a plan to deceive Sly and make him think he is a rich lord when he wakes up. Shakespeare uses visual imagery to help describe the lord’s plan. He states, “Carry him gently to my fairest chamber And hang it round with all my wanton pictures: Balm his foul head in warm distilled waters And burn sweet wood to make the lodging sweet:” (46-49). These luxurious descriptions that describe what the lord has ready for Sly shows his wealth and how extreme it will seem to the drunkard, for he is much poorer. By the end of the Induction, the lord succeeds in his plan and successfully tricks Sly into thinking he was asleep for 15 years and completely forgot he was a wealthy lord.
This short story was included in the Induction to set the tone and foreshadow what is to come in the rest of the play. The rest of the play includes other characters who also play tricks on others and deceive others. Future characters will pretend to be someone else, almost how Sly believed he was someone else when he woke up. These switch ups and trickery help to give Shakespeare’s play an overall humorous effect on the reader.
In the Induction of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, he writes about Christopher Sly, a drunken beggar, and a wealthy and mischievous Lord who pulls a prank on Sly. The Lord and his servants devised a plan and pretends that Sly is actually a lord instead of a beggar. Shakespeare uses dirty diction and visual imagery to compare Sly to a beast and full of filth and grime. When Sly falls asleep in front of the alehouse, the Lord and his followers notices him and the Lord says “O monstrous beast, how like a swine he lies! / Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!” (34-35). Shakespeare describes Sly as beast-like, monstrous, and have a foul image. This detailed visual imagery allow readers to interpret Sly’s appearance, which might I add sounds unpleasant and gruesome. Then later on the Lord thinks up a scenario where Sly wakes up and finds himself dressed in fine clothes and jewelries and well dressed attendants that surrounds him, “What think you if he were conveyed to bed, / Wrapped in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers, / A most delicious banquet by his bed, / And brace attendants near him when he wakes” (37-40). In lines 34-40, there is a huge difference between social classes. At one point Shakespeare is talking about filth and a monstrous beast to describe a lower class person, and then he is talking about this lavish and extravagant lifestyle of the upper class.
“Tra: Saw you no more? mark’d you not how her sister Began to scold and raise up such a storm That mortal ears might hardly endure the din? Luc. Tranio, I saw her coral lips to move And with her breath she did perfume the air: Sacred and sweet was all I saw in her.” (I.i.464-469)
In Act I Shakespeare contrasts the two female characters that are introduced, specifically in this quote. This quote is from after Lucentio sees Bianca and Kate in the square and decides he is irrevocably in love with Bianca. Bianca’s personality and Kate’s personality are polar opposites, and it is fitting that Lucentio immediately falls in love with Bianca. Bianca is everything a man is looking for in a wife; she is quite, beautiful, and seemingly does what she is told. This is in direct comparison with her sister, who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and is every man’s worst nightmare. Tranio, Lucentio’s servant, describes Kate’s words as a “storm” that “mortal ears” cannot endure. It is hard to decide if Kate is actually as loud as described, or if she only seems loud in contrast to her sister or the stereotypical woman. I think Kate’s characterization is evidence of the normal sexism in this society, and how women are only seen by their most prominent characteristic. Kate is described by her most notable feature, her “scolding tongue”, which characterizes her as a rather one dimensional character. She is probably more than just a harsh voice, but Shakespeare does not expand on her character because her attitude makes her of less interest to men, the center of this play. Bianca is described in relation to her most notable feature, mainly her beauty and her silence. She is later described by one of the men as “the jewel of my life”, which makes her seem valuable, but also characterizes her as a prize to be won, not as a person to be taken seriously.
I found your analysis of this passage very intriguing. What stood out to me the most was your idea behind the characterization of Katherine and Bianca; that they are only recognized by the traits found different or intimidating by men. I think this greatly reflects the stereotypical gender roles in society today, where women are only considered desirable if they conform to men’s standards. With this, I found what you said about Katherine being every man’s worst nightmare quite interesting. It reminded me of the song “A Girl Worth Fighting For” where Mulan sings “…how 'bout a girl who's got a brain, who always speaks her mind?” to which the men respond “Nah!” This shows how an outgoing and independent woman being considered intolerable was a common idea in many different societies.
Quote: “And for I know she taketh most delight In music, instruments, and poetry, Schoolmasters will I keep within my house Fit to instruct her youth.” (act 1, Scene 1, Lines 92-95)
The characters of this play live in a very misogynist society, where the education of women was considered to be taboo, making this quote rather odd, also it was on common for any person living in the middle class to have an education. Which adds to the unusuality of the situation, as Baptista is so keen on his daughter's education. This also characterizes Baptista, depicting him as a very pretentious and high-sounding character, as he is somewhat bragging and letting everyone around him know that he is by far better than anyone one else and he “will only have the best” (millions of pretentious dads across the world) for his daughter. This also adds somewhat of an antithesis with the idea of feminism and that women are equal to me, which in all of Shakespeare's writing is quite out of the ordinary. In most Shakespearian plays, the roles are very sexist and quite prominent with gender roles, so it’s nice to see something pull away from that idea.
As much as I would like to see this part as you described it, with the father actually interested in his daughter's education, I saw this as the father is paying to prepare his daughter to be a wife. She is not taught in the typical school subjects like math, but instead she is instructed in stereotypical "female" subjects. I think that it is great that her father is giving her any education at all, but I think that even this act that seems like it is promoting Bianca's independence may actually to be to make her more desirable to men. But for his time, Baptista is doing a lot and I'm sure learning only music and poetry would be immensely enjoyable.
HOR: “Tarry, Pertuchio, I must go with thee; For in Baptista’s keep my treasure is: He hath the jewel of my life in hold, His youngest daughter, beautiful Bianca; And her withholds from me and other more, Suitors to her and rivals in my love; Supposing it a thing impossible, For those defects I have before rehearsed, That ever Katharina will be woo’d; Therefore this order hath Baptista ta’en, That none shall have access unto Bianca Till Katherine the curst have got a husband” (I.ii.22-23)
In this quote, Shakespeare uses the extravagant diction of Hortensio to represent female gender roles in society. First, by referring to Bianca as his ‘treasure’ and ‘jewel’, Hortensio speaks as though Bianca is simply a prize to be won; not a woman with thoughts and feelings of her own. This notion of objectifying women was common in the Elizabethan Era; however it is also present in today’s culture. In addition, Hortensio declares that, “…none shall have access unto Bianca” (I.ii.22). For a second time, Hortensio categorizes Bianca as a secret or special reward that no one may have, once again objectifying her as a trophy and not a person. Next, Hortensio had only laid eyes on Bianca one time, yet he knew that he was in love with her. While the concept of ‘love at first sight’ is a widely accepted claim, the fact that Hortensio is basing his affection for Bianca entirely on the fact that she is the opposite of her sister is representative of his belief that a woman’s role in marriage is to be an ideal wife: quiet, indifferent and discreet. With this, Hortensio is only aware of Bianca’s physical appearance and calls her ‘beautiful Bianca’. By this, Hortensio sees Bianca’s looks as another standard for an ideal wife; and by doing so, he is objectifying her solely as an image of beauty, when she is much more than a pretty face. The extravagant diction Hortensio uses when referring to Bianca is symbolic of gender roles that objectify women as nothing more than a prize to be won.
Your analysis on female gender roles in society is similar to the ideas I talked about in my analysis. You wrote about how Hortensio only sees Bianca’s beauty as the only important and special aspect of herself. You also mentioned that women are seen as prizes to be won rather than to be in a valued relationship and marriage. This is similar to my idea when I talked about how Petruchio does not care who his wife is or what she is like as long as she has money. Hortensio and Petruchio dehumanize women with what they look for in a wife and this may be offending to some readers.
Petruchio "Signior Hortensio, ’twixt such friends as we Few words suffice. And therefore, if thou know One rich enough to be Petruchio’s wife (As wealth is burden of my wooing dance), Be she as foul as was Florentius’ love, As old as Sibyl, and as curst and shrewd As Socrates’ Xanthippe, or a worse, She moves me not, or not removes at least Affection’s edge in me, were she as rough As are the swelling Adriatic seas. I come to wive it wealthily in Padua; If wealthily, then happily in Padua" (I.ii.64-75).
In Act I scene 2, Shakespeare begins to characterize the main characters of the play. The readers are introduced to two main characters, Petruchio and his servant Grumio. Petruchio has left his home in Verona and has come to Padua in search of a wife. He greatly values money and views marriage as a more of dominating act, rather than an important relationship. Shakespeare uses allusions to portray how Petruchio really does not care who he marries as long as she has money. He writes, “Be she as foul as was Florentius’ love, / As old as Sibyl, and as curst and shrewd / As Socrates’ Xanthippe, or a worse” (I.ii.68-70). “Florentius” is a reference to a knight in an old tale who married an ugly hag and she then turned into a beautiful girl. “Sibyl” is an indirect reference to an old Greek and Roman prophetess and “Socrates’ Xanthippe” was a woman who is very well known for her shrewdness. All of these allusions are not necessarily pleasant or complementary ones. They go to show how Petruchio does not care if he marries a woman like them, or an even worse woman. He only cares about the money. This characterizes Petruchio as very materialistic and selfish, which are not attractive traits most women desire in a husband.
I agree with your analysis and it helped clear up exactly what Shakespeare was alluding to. When I read this, the other thing that jumped out besides allusion was the fact that Petruchio kept claiming that he would be happy and would enjoy a marriage with any rich woman. He claims “I come to wive it wealthily in Padua;/If wealthily, then happily in Padua" (I.ii.64-75). I found it interesting that Petruchio thinks that money will make him happy in his marriage, although today most people would agree that is not the case. I think that maybe this shows how important social status and connections are to people in this particular play.
ACT I Quote: Petruchio: Here, sirrah Grumio, knock, I say. Grumio: Knock, sir? Whom should I knock? Is there/ any man has rebused your worship? Petruchio:Villain I say, knock me here soundly Grumio: Knock you here sir? (I.ii.5-9) This selection from Act I is the beginning of a very long sequence of puns and misunderstandings between Petruchio and his servant Grumio. As Petruchio and Grumio approach Hortensio’s door, Petruchio tells Grumio to “knock me here”, by which he means that Grumio should knock on Hortensio’s door. Instead Grumio interprets this as Petruchio wanting Grumio to hit him on the head. Grumio disobeys because he doesn't want to hurt Petruchio, and Petruchio ends up hurting him anyways because he isn't following directions. This exchange is a prime example of both puns and slapstick comedy in Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, and it helps show the divide between servant and master. Shakespeare uses a pun on the word knock mostly for comedic effect. The rough, visual, violent nature of the comedy here is typical slapstick-- it brings to mind modern comedy like the Three Stooges or Tom and Jerry. Later in the sequence, Petruchio further threatens Grumio by saying “faith, sirrah, and you’ll not knock, I’ll ring it;” (I.ii.16). Shakespeare again uses a pun, this time on the word “wring” to further the slapstick comedy of the section. This section helps to set the humorous tone that has been developing throughout the whole play. It also helps prepare the reader for the large number of double entendres that occur throughout the play. Finally, this interesting misinterpretation serves to show the divide between servant and master. Words like “sirrah” refer to Grumio, while Grumio claims to “worship” Petruchio. This shows that masters were expected to be revered by their servants, not just served. It also shows that the two classes spoke in very different manners-- to Grumio, “knock me here” means “knock me” while to Petruchio it means “Knock here for me”. This misunderstanding helps show that the rich and poor in Taming of the Shrew are divided in nearly every way.
In act one, all the personality traits of different characters are presented. Petruchio is clearly very arrogant as he does not take the time to look into Katherine, he simply wants to carry on his family’s fortune. This may make the readers question if this will backfire and later cause trouble between the two when he realizes how much of a shrew Katherine is. This supports Shakespeare’s idea that marriage is an economic activity more so than a loving relationship between two people. This status of women in a relationship may be the reason Katherine acts so stubbornly. As she continues to act more shrewish, more rumors begin to spread especially as more people begin to gossip about her. This only enhances her stubbornness. However no one should be treated as poorly as Katherine has been. This therefore creates a sense of empathy from the audience towards Katherine. No one should be spoken so negatively about regardless of how unappealing their personality and actions are. As Lucentio uses Tranio to distract Hortensio and Gremio from seeing Bianca, his mischievous side is revealed. Although tranio convinced all the men to be friends while fighting for Bianca, this introduced the first of many battles over Bianca that the men endure throughout the play. It immediately intrigues the readers since they want to see who will win the battle and get the final relationship with Bianca. The audience may pick a side from early on since the true characteristics of these men are revealed during this first act.
Petruchio “Why, that is nothing. For I tell you, father, I am as peremptory as she proud-minded; And where two raging fires meet together, They do consume the thing that feeds their fury. Though little fire grows great with little wind, Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all. So I to her and so she yields to me, For I am rough and woo not like a babe.” (II.i.123-130)
This is where Baptista has warned Petruchio how Katherina is not a desirable wife. Petruchio asks about her “assets” or how much money he will receive for being her wife. When he is satisfied with the amount, he goes on to say this. This quote says, in theory that Petruchio finds that Katherina’s undesirable qualities are actually negligible, and that he will “fix” her. He says that he is as commanding as she is proud, and that when these two “raging fires” meet, they end up consuming the very thing that kindled them and all that happens is the fires grow. He states that a small gust of wind will only increase the size and intensity of the fire, while a strong wind will put out the fire completely. He describes himself as the strong wind, which indirectly compares other men to smaller gusts of wind. This fits with the preceding characterization of Katherina and her previous interactions with men. She seems to get more proud-minded and harsh-tongued when confronted with men, but Petruchio claims to be the one that will “fix” her. He is rough and does not scare easily, so he will be able to turn her into a desirable woman. Basically, he is going to tame the shrew. Later in this section, in his soliloquy Petruchio reveals his plan to do this. He says that he will contradict everything Katherina says, and this he does, and they exchange masterfully crafted insults and terrible puns (by Petruchio) until she slaps him. He continues to debate her until the others return, and then claims that she was all over him and can’t wait to get married.
I agree with your analysis of this quote regarding Petruchio’s plan to ‘fix’ the qualities of Katherine deemed undesirable. However, I do not think it was his plan all along to do so. When he first heard of a rich man seeking a suitor for his eldest daughter, Petruchio was only interested in the dowry he would receive from marrying her. However, once he heard of Katherine’s disagreeable disposition, I believe he accepted a challenge to be the only man able to ‘tame the shrew’. This exhibits the egotistical nature of man; that people are willing to do anything for fame and fortune.
I like your analysis on how Petruchio is the wind to Katherine’s fire. However, while I read the section where he claims he will be the best fit for her, I thought this was almost sarcastic. It seemed to me that Petruchio was trying extremely hard to convince and win Baptista over. I would think that Baptista would catch this since Petruchio cut right to the chase and brought up the dowry right away. This again supports the idea that Petruchio see his potential marriage with Katherine only as a materialistic thing rather than a loving relationship. It also feels like he is only interested for the feeling or recognition he would get if he could be the only man to “tame the shrew.”
PET: “If she and I be pleased, what’s that to you? 'Tis bargained ’twixt us twain, being alone, That she shall still be curst in company. I tell you, ’tis incredible to believe How much she loves me. O, the kindest Kate! She hung about my neck, and kiss on kiss She vied so fast, protesting oath on oath, That in a twink she won me to her love. O, you are novices! 'Tis a world to see, How tame, when men and women are alone, A meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew. Give me thy hand, Kate. I will unto Venice To buy apparel 'gainst the wedding day. Provide the feast, father, and bid the guests. I will be sure my Katherine shall be fine” (II.i.35-36).
In this passage, Shakespeare uses the monologue of Petruchio to show how language is used as a tool of persuasion. When Baptista, Gremio and Traino enter the room, Petruchio wastes no time telling the group of his proposal to marry Katherine. To this, Katherine immediately rejects, but as usual she is ignored. It is then that Petruchio pronounces “…’tis incredible to believe / How much she loves me” (II.i.35). Since Katherine is infamous for being disagreeable when it comes to suitors, it is hard to believe she fell so quickly for Petruchio, yet he speaks in such a way that their love is believable. Petruchio then begins to elaborate on his deep affection for Katherine, saying “O, the kindest Kate! / She hung about my neck, and kiss on kiss / She vied so fast, protesting oath on oath, / That in a twink she won me to her love” (II.i.35). Here, Petruchio explicitly describes the love between himself and Katherine, calling his bride to be ‘kindest Kate’ and using repetition in the phrases ‘kiss on kiss’ and ‘oath on oath’ to emphasize and add reality to his tale. He later closes his monologue with “I will be sure my Katherine shall be fine” (II.i.35-36). In this line, Petruchio refers to Katherine as ‘my Katherine’ to stress his deep love and show his complete control of her. Baptista happily accepts the match, thoroughly convinced of Petruchio’s love for his eldest daughter. However, surprisingly, Katherine does not object. She knew that all of Petruchio’s words were false, yet his language was used in such a way to persuade even her.
In your analysis you stated that Katherine immediately rejects when Petruchio tells everyone that they plan to get married, but in the actual play she has no reaction. You mentioned this later in your analysis, and I find the fact that she does not react very important because it does not coincide at all with the characterization of Kate, The fact that she has no reaction can be interpreted in different ways, and after some research I discovered that some directors change this so that Kate reacts to this statement. Some ideas for why Kate does not react to this statement in the original Shakespeare play are that she is flattered that someone is finally taking interest in her, she is just too shocked to answer, or like you said, that she actually feels affection for Petruchio and is possible entranced by his words.
I thought your idea that Petruchio’s language may have convinced even Kate was very interesting. To me, the most interesting part of this excerpt was the fact that Petruchio rarely if ever refers to his own feelings about Kate, and yet he spends his entire speech speaking of Kate’s love for him. I feel like this has the effect of showing further that Petruchio is not marrying for love but rather money, so he doesn't have romantic feelings to speak of. I think it also shows that Petruchio may be making this speech to frustrate Kate because despite her best attempts to ward him off, he still speaks of her grandly.
Quote: “K: If I be waspish, best beware my sting P: My remedy is then to pluck it out K: Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies P: Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail. K: in his tongue P: Whose tongue? K: Yours, if you talk of tales, and so farewell P: What, with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again good Kate I am a gentleman--” (II.i.210-218)
This quote serves as an excellent example of Shakespeare’s use of puns and dialogue to characterize the relationship between characters. Petruchio and Kate especially have a very unique relationship in the play. The quick, one to two line jibes that they throw at each other are good examples of their wit. One of the most famous lines of the play, “if I be waspish, best beware my sting” is a clever retort by Kate to Petruchio’s claim that she is like a wasp rather than a woman. This characterizes Kate as a woman who is not afraid to insult men, especially if she feels that they are disrespecting her. Petruchio, however is characterized by his quick response that he will simply pluck out her sting. I believe that this shows that Petruchio actually has more respect for women than most other men in this play, despite saying he wishes only to marry for money-- this is because while other men simply refuse to accept any insults from a woman in their society, Petruchio takes it in jest and is willing to fire back. Petruchio’s willingness to accept Kate’s jests and their subsequent persiflages show that they are intellectual equals, something that will eventually allow Kate to be “tamed” because she has finally found someone she feels is on her intellectual plane. The end of the quote also shows a unique component of Taming of the Shrew-- the varied sexual puns throughout the play. Petruchio uses the pun “what, with my tongue in your tail” to use more bawdy meanings of Kate’s own words. This serves to characterize their relationship as a whole- filled with banter and fearlessness on both sides.
“ Petruchio: For thou art pleasant, gamesome, passing courteous, But slow in speech, yet sweet as springtime flowers. Thou canst not frown, thou canst not look askance, Nor bite the lip as angry wenches will, Nor hast thou pleasure to be cross in talk. But thou with mildness entertain’st thy wooers, With gentle conference, soft, and affable. Why does the world report that Kate doth limp? O sland’rous world! Kate like the hazel twig Is straight, and slender, and as brown in hue As hazel nuts, and sweeter than the kernels. O, let me see thee walk! Thou dost not halt. Katherine: Go, fool, and whom thou keep’st command” (II.i.258-272).
In Act II, Katherine and Petruchio meet for the first time. Petruchio wants to marry Katherine, but for all the wrong reasons. He wants the large dowry that comes with her and the satisfaction of being the only man to “tame the shrew.” After quarreling for a while and even a slap from Katherine, Petruchio still proposes to her. Their back-and-forth banter appears as some sort of game and the reader can tell that Petruchio is just as witty at Katherine is. She is clearly shocked about the proposal as she has almost no response. Petruchio compliments Katherine and says she is “pleasant, gamesome, passing courteous, But slow in speech, yet sweet as springtime flowers.” This is the opposite of how most people usually describe her. Katherine is used to being degraded so it is believable that she would be shocked to hear such a polar opposite comment. The only way she knows how to respond is by retorting back. She replied with, “Go, fool, and who thou keep’st command.” Katherine does not know how to respond to such a kind compliment as it is rare for her to receive one. Although Katherine’s almost non-existent response to the sudden engagement may seem surprising to the reader, it may be normal as she is misunderstood by her peers. Katherine’s shrewdness may be because she feels the others around her are not on the same page as her in terms of quick-wit. Now that she has met Petruchio who is just as witty as her, she doesn’t respond with an insult. This serves as an emotional turning point for Katherine.
I agree with your point, but did you consider that Katherine's shrewdness may be because she is compensating because she is always laying in the shadow of Bianca, and as many suitors don't flock to her as they do to her sibling, and its humiliating to her somewhat because Bianca is younger than Katherine.
Katherine is a very strong and independent woman, a woman beyond her time really. The men of the play are depicted as horribly as they possibly could be, just voracious, lustful savages. All the suitors, but Especially a character like Petrucio.
PETRUCHIO: Come, come, you wasp, i’faith you are too angry. KATHERINE: If I be waspish, best beware my sting. PETRUCHIO: My remedy is then to pluck it out. KATHERINE: Ay, if the fool could find where it lies. PETRUCHIO: Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail. KATHERINE: In his tongue. PETRUCHIO: Whose tongue? KATHERINE: Yours, if you talk of tales, and so farewell. PETRUCHIO: What, with my tongue in your tail? (II.i.207–214)
From this passage here, shakespeare displays Katherine as a strong, well witted woman, with her mind clearly set on remaining who she wants to be. This antithesis from modern belief was blasphemy in its time, gender roles were very clear, and women who were witted and smart were unattractive, but Katherine was an un-ordinary woman, as she had her wits among her and she wasn’t going to subdue to any man. This goes to characterize her as a character, setting herself apart from social norm, as well as making her a strong character. This also goes to characterize Petruchio; showing him as a simple minded imp, whose enraged with lust and entitlement, and has little to no respect for Katherine.
PET. Why, that is nothing; for I tell you, father, I am as peremptory as she proud-minded; And where two raging fires meet together They do consume the thing that feeds their fury: Though little fire grows great with little wind, Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all: So I to her and so she yields to me; For I am rough and woo not like a babe. BAP. Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed! But be thou arm’d for some unhappy words. PET. Ay, to the proof; as mountains are for winds, That shake not, though they blow perpetually. (II. i. 32)
Petruchio is trying to convince Baptista that even though Katharina is unpleasant Petruchio is willing to put up with that to show his love. The use of allusion i this poem really caught my attention, since both characters have unique personalities and work hard to get what they want and to their goals, the use of allusion and the phrase "two raging fires" which conveys how similar to fire they can also get out of control and lead to a disaster. Fire is also known to be a term that has been used to convey damage and destruction even in this time, someone who offends and attacks someone with words, is known to "burn" them. So it is clear then by using the term fire, the theme of destruction is being conveyed. Not only fire is being used as an allusion its also being used as a metaphor. Its a metaphor for Katharina's unpleasant behavior and her abusive attitude and words. -Hajir Hosseini, Period 5
Act II of The Taming of the Shrew portrays how Katherine truly feels about traditional female roles and marriage. The scene begins when Katherine teases Bianca by tying her hands up and asking her which suitor she likes the best. Kate says “Oh all thy suitors, here I charge thee, tell whom thou lovest best: see thou dissemble not,” (Act II, Scene I). When Bianca tells kate that she desires none of them, Kate does not believe her and then decides to hit her. This shows Katherine's hated towards Bianca in the sense that she exemplifies everything a man would want in the Elizabethan era. Bianca is obedient, beautiful, and a valuable bride. Though deep down Kate must not dislike her sister, she just dislikes the image of which her sister portrays. Kate can be characterized as unruly and loud, and therefore not attractive to many suitors. Later in the act, Petruchio begins to show interest in Katherine, but only for her money. Petruchio will not marry Kate unless she “yields” to him, which angers Katherine even more. When Katherine interacts with Hortensio, another suitor, the conversation ends with Katherine slapping him in his face. This shows that unlike many traditional women during her time, Katherine was not afraid of using physical violence against a man. Baptista, the daughter’s father, has only one motive. It is to marry Katherine off, whether she has fond feelings for the suitor or not. In the end, Katherine leaves through a different door than Petruchio. This is a mere act of defiance against him.
ACT III Quote: And to be noted for a merry man, He’ll woo a thousand , ‘point the day of marriage, make friends invite, and proclaim the banns, yet never means to wed where he hath wooed. Now must the world point at poor Katherine and say, “Lo, there is mad Petruchio’s wife, If it would please him to come and marry her.”
I chose this passage because I feel that this quote represents the first time that Kate is showing major signs of being “tamed”. In this section, Kate’s language is far different from elsewhere in the play. While normally, her diction is characterized by witty insults and a bitter, angry tone, this quote shows a more mellow, or tame, form of speech. It lacks her usual sharpness in insults. Instead, Kate seems to be moping over the fact that Petruchio shows up. Kate is most likely portrayed as moping to show two things-- that deep down, Kate really did want to marry Petruchio and is sad that he didn’t show up, and that Petruchio’s plan to tame Kate is working. This is because normally, when Kate is disrespected, she comes up with a witty or harsh insult meant to show that she is superior to those who disrespect her. Here, however, her secret desire to marry Petruchio has made her more tame. I found it very interesting that this is the first time in the entire play that Kate has played the part of a victim-- although she is often a victim of harsh insults, she counters by victimizing others instead of moping as she does here. Kate’s refusal to directly insult Petruchio also shows that she regards Petruchio as an equal, a distinction that no other character in this play earns. Because she has finally found an equal, Kate knows that she cannot lose Petruchio lest she be bored forever, and I believe that this is the reason that Kate is beginning to become “tamed”
I really like your analysis on Katherine’s changing character. I agree with you comment where you mentioned how this is the first time where the reader sees she has started to become “tamed.” Were there any other characters at this point in the play where you noticed prominent changes in their personalities or characteristics? I felt like the part where Petruchio dresses in inappropriate attire for his wedding and how he acted out was surprising. Did you feel the same or do you think this is part of his personality?
I found your analysis of this quote quite interesting. I agree with your idea regarding the use of Katherine’s language to subtly show her true feelings about not only Petruchio arriving late to their wedding, but also her hidden desire to marry Petruchio. However, what I did not initially notice when reading was how Katherine’s lack of insults represents her respect for Petruchio as an equal. And because of this, she must respect him in order to keep him. With this, I am interested to find out if Katherine is subconsciously being ‘tamed’ or if she is simply acting domesticated to earn the acceptance of Petruchio.
I found that in Act III, Shakespeare includes some clever humor in it to engage the reader and to add comic relief. The part where Bianca is being wooed and tutored by Lucentio and Hortensio, who are disguised as Cambio and Litio is where I found some of this humor. Each suitor is flirty with Bianca. Bianca becomes aware of this and hints at who she is more attracted to. She says she would rather learn Latin first from Cambio (Lucentio) while Hortensio (Litio) tunes his instrument. Cambio cleverly flirts with Bianca by reciting Latin phrases to tell her who he really is and what his plan is. Bianca replies with Latin back and says, “Hic ibat Simois, I know you not; hic est Sigeia tellus, I trust you not; Hic steterat Priami, take heed he hear us not; regia, presume not; celsa senis, despair not” (III.i.40-43). This line shows that although Bianca doesn’t trust Lucentio, she is still attracted to him.
During Hortensio’s music lesson, he cleverly includes an original music scale to show Bianca his love for her. The music scale read, “Gamut I am, the ground of all accord: A re, to plead Hortensio’s passion; B mi, Bianca, take him for thy lord, C fa ut, that loves with all affection; D sol re, one clef, two notes have I; E la mi, show pity or I die” (III.i. 71-76). Bianca however does not find it amusing and makes it clear that she would rather be with Lucentio.
I like your analysis of how the way she responds to the declarations of love by the two suitors shows which one she likes more. I did not see this at all while I was reading it, but your analysis makes sense and her actions and words do seem to indicate that she favors Lucentio. I also found it very funny in this scene that both suitor’s seemed to have already declared their love for her and revealed their true identities to her, as is revealed when Lucentio says “as I told you before.” Bianca has not reacted to their declarations of love, which makes them seem even more foolish and desperate. The rivalry between Lucentio and Hortensio is also funny, because only Lucentio knows they are competing for Bianca.
BION: “Why, Petruchio is coming in a new hat and an old jerkin, a pair of old breeches thrice turned, a pair of boots that have been candle cases, one buckled, another laced; an old rusty sword ta'en out of the town armory, with a broken hilt and chapeless; with two broken points; his horse hipped, with an old mothy saddle and stirrups of no kindred, besides possessed with the glanders and like to mose in the chine, troubled with the lampass, infected with the fashions, full of wingdalls, sped with spavins, rayed with yellows, past cure of the fives, stark spoiled with the staggers, begnawn with the bots, swayed in the back and shoulder-shotten, near-legged before and with a half-checked bit and a headstall of sheeps leather, which, being restrained to keep him from stumbling, hath been often burst, and now repaired with knots, one girth six times pieced, and a woman’s crupper of velour, which hath two letters for her name fairly set down in studs, and here and there pieced with packthread” (III.ii.46-47).
In Biondello’s monologue, Shakespeare uses visual imagery to describe the appearance of Petruchio which in turn shows his plan of action to ‘tame the shrew’. To set the scene, Petruchio is late to his own wedding, and as a result Katherine fled, distraught that Petruchio had stood her up. While subtle, this is the first step of Petruchio’s plan to domesticate Katherine. By arriving late, Petruchio shows Katherine that she is insignificant to him; that he could care less about their soon-to-be relationship. In addition, prior to this passage, Biondello, the servant to Lucentio, enters to share the news of Petruchio’s whereabouts. He tells that Petruchio is on his way, but then goes on to describe his attire which includes an old vest, an old pair of pants and mismatched boots. Not only that, but he is arriving on a horse that is, “…infected with the fashions, full of wingdalls, sped with spavins, rayed with yellows, past cure of the fives…” (III.ii.46-47). Between Petruchio’s attire and the diseased horse on which rides, he clearly sends a message that he does not care to impress Katherine, or take their relationship seriously. And since he had confessed his love for her in the act before, Petruchio ends up sending Katherine mixed messages. However, by doing this, Petruchio establishes his dominance in the relationship, which is the primary step to controlling Katherine. Through visual imagery in Biondello’s monologue describing the attire of Petruchio, Shakespeare is able to convey the beginning stages of Petruchio’s plan to ‘tame the shrew’.
I totally agree with your analysis on Petruchio’s clothing, and the way it asserts his dominance in the relationship.I found his lateness to be significant just like you did. I would add that while it is certainly a statement to show up dressed poorly to a wedding, it is clear by his lateness that he either doesn’t care enough to remember the time or simply views most other things as more important. I also think that it contributed to the family of Kate feeling more relieved when Petruchio arrived, making them more likely to accept his odd dress.
Bianca “Why, gentlemen, you do me double wrong To strive for that which resteth in my choice. I am no breeching scholar in the schools. I’ll not be tied to hours nor 'pointed times But learn my lessons as I please myself. And, to cut off all strife, here sit we down. Take you your instrument, play you the whiles. His lecture will be done ere you have tuned.” (III.i.17-24)
This section is the first time Bianca has a significant conversation with someone other than her sister or her father, and it really contradicts how Bianca has been previously characterized. Bianca has previously been characterized as quiet and easily influenced, but this section shows that when Bianca is in control of a situation, she has her own opinions and does not always do exactly as she is told. She tells Lucentio and Hortensio that she will do things on her own time and will learn these things when she feels like it, not when they command her too. This is completely different from earlier, where she was submissive to her father and her sister. This change in character is probably situational, because in this situation she is in control. In the other scenes where Bianca has been present in, she has been merely talked about or been attacked, both of which do not showcase the true personality of a person. This section is very important to Bianca’s characterization because it destroys the idea that she always does what she is told. She is characterized as someone who will get her way, but will do it with kindness instead of her sister’s harsh tongue. Additionally, later in this scene, both Hortensio and Lucentio reveal, apparently not for the first time, that they are suitors disguised and are chasing her love. She handles these declarations maturely and kindly, while still not giving either of the men what they want. This scene really expanded Bianca into a dynamic character.
Petruchio: I will be master of what is mine own. She is my goods, my chattels; she is my house, My household stuff, my field, my barn, My horse, my ox, my ass, my anything. And here she stands. Touch her whoever dare, ill bring mine action on the proudest he That stops my way in Padua. Grumio, Draw forth thy weapon - We are beset with thieves! Rescue thy mistress, if thou be a man. - Fear not, sweet wench They shall not touch thee, Kate; Ill buckler thee against a milion! exeunt petruchio, Katherina [and Grumio] (act 3 scene 2 lines 218-228)
In this passage, Petruchio is making a short speech in this passage before he is to be married to Katherina, Petruchio shows contradicting characteristics in this passage, He shows his love for her by claiming her his, and he is so passionate for her, and he’s even willing to go to war for her, as seen on line 225, and is making a statement you would see in a fantasy novel of a prince saving a princess from a castle. This shows the positive side of Petruchio, and Shakespeare's way of showing a man’s love for a woman and his passion. On the other hand of the story, Shakespeare also uses this passage to display Petruchio as being a very possessive spouse, and also displaying the role women have in marriages back in the shakespearean era, that men viewed women as their property, they were objectified so much that men just regarded their wives as equal value to their house. I believe that Shakespeare was using antithesis, making himself the first Feminist of his day, to show the negativity of Marriage during their era. This contradicts with the kind of woman Katherina is, a strong independent woman, but she’s with Petruchio, who referred to her as “my goods” meaning that she is just an object to him.
I agree with your analysis on how Petruchio only sees her as an object even though he claims that he loves her so much and would do anything for her. An example of this is how he does not show up at their wedding dressed appropriately and also comes in late. Showing how much he actually cares about her. -Hajir Hosseini, Period 5
The quote that I found on (III, ii, 51) is a clear evident of how Shakespeare conveys the theme of how ignorance can make you the dominant person in a story and how by acting childish you may get away with being incredibly ignorant. Throughout the Taming of the shrew each character will have a signature, something that indicates that they are different from all the other characters. For the character that I chose, Petruchio, its that he is a childish character. For example he always argues with Katherine, and an important evidence of how he is not a responsible adult is that he came to his own wedding LATE. Not only he was late but he also was not dressed up for the wedding and despite all these facts he is still the person who insults Katherine on their wedding day. Despite all these offensive actions instead of trying to make things right he declares that he is going to leave his own important wedding because he has some where else he has to be. This example clearly indicates how being ignorant like Petruchio can actually make you the power player in a story, till the point where people have to beg you to stay in your own wedding! -Hajir Hosseini, Period 5
In Act III, a huge transformation is seen in Kate. In this act, on her wedding her, Kate is completely embarrassed and shameful, because Petrucio is incredibly late. Kate is completely embarrassed by this, and says, " No shame but mine: I must, forsooth, be forced To give my hand, opposed against my heart, Unto a mad-brain rudesby, full of spleen" (III.ii). She expresses her feelings also by saying, " Now must the world point at poor Katherine, And say, "Lo, there is mad Petrucio's wife, If it would please him come and marry her!"(III.ii). Here, it is really interesting, because Shakespeare has Katherine speak about herself in third person. This approach tells the audience that she is beyond embarrassed, and she does, indeed, care to some extent what people think of her. Also, this method allows Katherine to put herself outside of the situation, again showing how she is so shameful about Petrucio's acts on such a day. On top of being and late and unprepared for the wedding, Petrucio is very rude during the ceremony, cursing and drinking. Moments after the wedding, he announces that must take off, not staying and enjoying time with his guests. Here, Kate reacts by standing up for herself, expressing that she will not leave if she doesn't want to, but Petrucio expresses that she must since she is now his wife, and therefore, must obey his commands. At this instance, Gremio says quietly to Baptisbo, "Ay, marry, sir,now it begins to work" (III.ii). By this he meant that this whole act that Petrucio has put on is part of the plan to tame Kate, and this causes Baptisbo to not stop the couple as they leave their own wedding celebration. Also, by saying this on the side, Shakespeare has the audience on their feet, wanting to hear how this plan fed into the "taming process".
“This is a way to kill a wife with kindness, And thus I’ll curb her mad and headstrong humor. He that knows better how to tame a shrew, Now let him speak; ’tis charity to show.” (IV.i.144-147)
This is from a soliloquy that Petruchio gives that expands on how he is going to tame Katherina. In his earlier soliloquy he explained his plan to tame Kate by doing the opposite of what she says and contradicting everything she says. In this soliloquy he gives more detail on the exact way he is going to “tame the shrew”. He explains how he has not fed her and is not planning on feeding her. He continuously makes up excuses to stop Kate from eating, claiming that the meat is charred and dry, and then claiming that Kate is too upset to eat, even though she is only upset because she has not eaten. Petruchio then says how he will keep Kate from sleeping. He will complain about how the bed is made and yell and throw around pillows and blankets to keep her awake. And if she falls asleep he will yell until she is awake again. All the while he will claim that he is doing all of these things out of love for her. He will disguise all of his terrible actions as kindness towards her. The most disturbing part of this section is that Petruchio actually believes that he is doing this all for Kate’s own good. He believes that in being cruel to tame her, he is actually doing Kate a favor. In the end he claims that this is an amazing plan, and challenges the audience to come up with a better plan to tame a shrew. He would actually appreciate another idea, and this could be because he does not actually enjoy being mean to Kate. It is up for debate whether Petruchio actually loves Kate, or just loves her money and the challenge she poses.
I really like how you compared both of Petruchio’ soliloquies. I did not think about the previous one while I read the one in Act IV. At the end of your analysis, you state that it is debatable whether or not Petruchio truly loves Katherine or not. I do not know which side I am on. What do you think?
I found your analysis of Petruchio’s soliloquy quite interesting. I think the combination of both soliloquies shows the devious nature of Petruchio; that he is willing to do anything, even starve Katherine, in order to tame her. I thought your closing statement was quite intriguing; that Petruchio sees his cruelty as a favor to Katherine. And in addition, the question whether or not Petruchio truly loves Katherine. In my opinion, Petruchio first began to ‘tame the shrew’ for the fame and fortune, but I think in the end we will find that Petruchio and Katherine ultimately fall for each other.
PET: “Come on, i' God’s name, once more toward our father’s. Good Lord, how bright and goodly shines the moon! KATH: The moon? The sun! It is not moonlight now. PET: I say it is the moon that shines so bright. KATH: I know it is the sun that shines so bright. PET: Now, by my mother’s son, and that’s myself, It shall be moon, or star, or what I list, Or ere I journey to your father’s house. Go on, and fetch our horses back again.— Evermore crossed and crossed, nothing but crossed! HOR: Say as he says, or we shall never go. KATH: Forward, I pray, since we have come so far, And be it moon, or sun, or what you please. An if you please to call it a rush candle, Henceforth I vow it shall be so for me. PET: I say it is the moon. KATH: I know it is the moon. PET: Nay, then you lie. It is the blessed sun” (IV.v.72-73).
Shakespeare uses this altercation between Petruchio and Katherine to represent Petruchio’s continued strategy to ‘tame the shrew’. When making the journey back to Baptista’s house in the afternoon, Petruchio comments on the beauty of the moon. However, obvious that it is midday, Katherine responds, saying, “The moon? The sun! It is not moonlight now” (IV.v.72-73). The persiflage continues with Petruchio claiming it is the moon and Katherine claiming it is the sun. Finally, Katherine ends the battle and gives in, confirming that, “I know it is the moon” (IV.v.72-73). Yet after all that, Petruchio retorts, “Nay, then you lie. It is the blessed sun” (IV.v.72-73). This controversy between Petruchio and Katherine is another step in his plan to tame her. Petruchio didn’t just convince Katherine that the sun was indeed the moon; he then reversed his claim, saying it was the sun and calling Katherine a liar. On the same trip, Petruchio continues his scheme and convinces Katherine that an old man is a young maid. These two small disputes have big meaning in their relationship. While Katherine was known for her insults, in this scene it is Petruchio that humiliates Katherine for thinking that the sun was actually moon. In addition, Katherine was always quite headstrong, however her compliance to Petruchio’s odd claims gives him complete control in the sense that what he says goes. The squabble between Petruchio and Katherine represents her increasing submission and obedience as well as Petruchio’s success in his quest to ‘tame the shrew’.
I really like your analysis of this section and I totally agree with it. I feel like this section is a continuation or an application of Petruchio’s plan to contradict everything Katharina says. He convinces her everything is the opposite of what is seems, and when she gives in, he contradicts her again. This verbal abuse would be enough to drive anyone crazy, and I think this is a very important interaction between Petruchio and Katherina, because it shows how cruel Petruchio is being, but I also think that Katherine realizes what he is doing, and will pretend to go along with his “taming” scheme to stop his abuse.
“PETRUCHIO ’Tis burnt, and so is all the meat. What dogs are these? Where is the rascal cook? How durst you, villains, bring it from the dresser And serve it thus to me that love it not? There, take it to you, trenchers, cups, and all! [He throws the food and dishes at them.] You heedless joltheads and unmannered slaves! What, do you grumble? I’ll be with you straight. [The Servants exit.] KATHERINE I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet. The meat was well, if you were so contented” (IV.i.160-167).
In Act IV, the reader is exposed to new changes in Katherine’s personality. Petruchio continues with his plan to “tame the shrew” by giving his new wife a taste of her own medicine. He replies snottily and rude to his servants and criticizes everything that is given to him. The passage above describes when the newlyweds are served dinner, but Petruchio complains it is not what he wanted, so he throws it off the table. Katherine replies to this with shock and tries to calm her husband down. This is different from the previous reactions that Katherine has given. Usually Katherine reacts the same way Petruchio has with disgust and unsatisfaction. This marks yet another emotional turning point for Katherine where Petruchio’s plan in “taming the shrew” is working. Katherine is beginning to show more emotions, such as sympathy. She is also becoming nicer to her peers and is beginning to fall into the typical wife role of being inferior to the husband. However, the original witty and clever Kate is still present. In scene three, a tailor arrives at Petruchio’s house with new clothing for the couple. Petruchio disagrees with everything that Kate seems to like in accordance to his plan. Yet Katherine responds with a little sass to show her husband that she is still not to be messed with. She says, “Love me, or love me not, I like the cap, And it I will have, or I will have none” (IV.iii.89-90). Although Petruchio has begun to change Katherine, she will still display certain attributes that will always be a part of her.
I liked your analysis of how Kate is developing sympathy for the first time in the play. I agree that she is also still the same Kate deep down. I also noticed from your quote that it shows that Petruchio uses a lot of insults in this part of the play. I think that these insults- “dog” “rascal” “villain” etc.- are used in conjunction with the visual slapstick comedy of Petruchio throwing things around to create a comic effect. Because taming of the shrew is, overall, a comedy, I think that part of the reason Petruchio is acting so ridiculous is because Shakespeare wanted to entertain the audience as well as tell a deep story
This is one of the few times so far in the play that Kate is asking for something from someone else. Throughout the entire play, Kate has been too sassy and headstrong to ask for something. It seems that Kate felt at the beginning of the play that asking for anything would cause her to lose a little of her independence, which is one of her primary traits. However, she is now married to Petruchio, which in this time period means that whether she likes it or not, she is dependent on him for everything: money, food, clothing, bedding, travel, etc. For Kate, this is a devastating blow. Now that she has lost independence, she is most vulnerable to being tamed, and Petruchio is taking advantage. In this quote, Kate is characterized once again through her diction. Rather than her previous short retorts, Kate speaks in a long- winded paragraph. She uses tired and desperate phrases like “entreat”, “I care not what” and “Am starved/giddy”. Shakespeare is using this type of diction to show that Petruchio is in fact taming Kate- by exhausting her and making her desperate for sleep and food, she is being driven to beg to a servant. In this world, there is a huge gulf in class between nobility and servants, so there is no doubt that if Kate is resorting to this, her ego has taken a huge hit. By attacking her sense of importance, Petruchio is planting the seed for Kate to be tamed into a more obedient wife- more selfless and much less headstrong. By including this paragraph, Shakespeare wants the audience to see that even Kate, the most fiendish of all characters, can be reduced to a shell of their former selves when they become as dependent on another as a wife was to her husband.
At this point in the play, Petruchio and Katherine arrive home and Petruchio is very unsatisfied with his services. He is yelling at his servants while using a soft sweet tone with Katherine. In the “Taming of The Shrew,” Shakespeare uses conflicting tones and diction to portray the difference in social classes during this time period. When Petruchio says, “good sweet Kate, be merry,” his tone is very soft and sincere. Also, the words “good,” “sweet,” and “merry” are all positive diction. Petruchio uses both the sincere tone and the positive diction when he is talking to Katherine, his wife and a lady of very high-class. This positive attitude the Petruchio is displaying reflects the views of the upper class: most valuable and important to society. On the other hand, Petruchio says, “Off with my boots, you rogues! You villains,” when talking to his servants. Petruchio’s tone changes immediately from sincere to demanding and harsh. The words, “rogues” and “villains” present a very negative connotation and show Petruchio’s negative attitude for his servants: men of lower class. This demanding/harsh tone and negative diction show how people of lower class are not valued nearly as much as those of a higher class. Also notice the irony of the situation: Petruchio is treating the men much more horrible than a woman. This is ironic because in this time period men were seen as more dominant and respectable than women. This displays how social class triumphs gender in “The Taming of The Shrew”.
Thus have I politicly begun my reign, And ‘tis my hope to end successfully. My falcon now is sharp and passing empty, And, till she stoop, she must not be full-gorged, For then she never looks upon her lure. Another way I have to man my haggard, To make her come and know her keeper's call. (124-130)
When i read this passage as i was skimming through the book, i was already had feelings that Petruchio was full of himself, but now i was sure of it. i find that this passage shows that Petruchio is a proud, and self righteous character, who really only cares about Katherina for the fact that he wants a wife. He doesn't value his wife. This also characterizes women in the story, and it shows that men viewed their wifes as objects, and how objectified they really were. Another point to prove that Shakesphere was against the gender roles of his time was that in most of his plays, he played the women as strong and independent characters, which was unusual at the time.
I really like your analysis of how this passage helped you make sure that Petruchio was self-centered and proud. I too, found that Petruchio acts in a kind-of condescending manner towards the other suitors and his servants. I also like how you noticed how Shakespeare deviated from the normal social norm at the time, in which women were treated as lesser than the men. Shakespeare was definitely a revolutionary play writer and there's no wonder why his work is so timeless.
“PETRUCHIO Let’s each one send unto his wife, And he whose wife is most obedient To come at first when he doth send for her Shall win the wager which we will propose” (V.ii.67-71).
In the final act of Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare revisits the stereotypes about the roles in a marriage that have been supported throughout the play. The passage above describes the part of the scene where all the new husbands argue about whose wife is the most obedient. They set up a contest to see which wife will obey the husband’s wishes. The men bet money on who they think will win. This contest shows how the men view and respect their wives. They treat their wives like they are dogs who will do anything their master tells them to do. It shows how during this time period, it was expected that women obey their husbands in everything they do. It supports the stereotype that men are superior to women, especially in a marriage. The women are not expected to be treated equally in their relationship and are treated as more of an object, rather than the other half of a loving, genuine relationship. This is supported again in the second scene during Katherine’s speech. Katherine scorns the other women for not obeying their husbands because she says, “Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, Thy head, thy sovereign” (V.ii.154) and one’s husband is “thy lord, thy king, thy governor” (V.ii.162-163). These quotes from Katherine’s speech not only show a wife’s inferiority in a marriage, but also shows that Petruchio has successfully tamed Katherine as she now accepts her role in her new marriage.
I completely agree with and understand your analysis, and I had this idea. I was wondering if the sexist roles are so blatantly obvious and so ridiculous that maybe this play could be a social commentary of the inherent sexism of this time period. Could it be that Shakespeare was making these gender roles so ridiculously extravagant in order to make them apparent and to alert the audience of this great inequality? Or was this just the prevailing idea at the time, and Shakespeare simply used it to make his play relatable and popular? Personally I think it is a social commentary, because it is (hopefully) far too ridiculous to be truth.
“A woman moved is like a fountain troubled, Muddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty; And while it is so, none so dry or thirsty Will deign to sip or touch one drop of it.” (V.ii.151-154)
This is part of Kate’s speech to the other girls explaining the importance of obedience to one’s husband. This speech is easily the most controversial aspect of this play, because it is a very sexist speech and it also completely contradicts Kate’s previous characterization. Kate has previously been characterized by her harsh tongue and has even been described as “curst”, and from this previous characterization we know Kate to be rather smart. An intelligent woman doesn’t just drop her entire personality because she married a douchebag. Therefore, it is my belief that Kate was smart enough to catch on to Petruchio’s “plan” to tame her, and she went along with it. She realized pretty quickly that contradicting Petruchio ended badly for her every time, because no matter what she did, Petruchio would always have the power in the relationship. Once she realized this, she decided to just go along with his idiotic plan and be as happy as she could be with him. It is still possible that she had some romantic feelings towards Petruchio, and she surely appreciates all the praise and attention she is getting, but I don’t think that Petruchio “tamed” her. I honestly think that she “tamed” herself in order to have the best life she could in her situation. This part of her speech describes a woman with her own opinions as a fountain that no man, however desperate, would ever drink out of. This is shown by her previous experience with men. When she had opinions and was harsh, nobody wanted her until Petruchio, and he had a plan to “tame” her.
I completely agree with your analysis of Kate’s speech, especially the part about Katherine actually ‘taming’ herself in order to improve her relationship with Petruchio. I too believe that she was not truly being ‘tamed’ by Petruchio, but caught on to his scheme and, being the intelligent woman that she is, went along with it. With this, she realized that no matter what she did she would be put down by him, so contradicting his ignorance wasn’t worth her effort. I personally think that Katherine and Petruchio come to enjoy the company of one another since they are able to match each other’s temperament and persiflage.
I like your analysis on how Katherine was not really tamed by Petruchio, but by herself. I found that your analysis can again be supported from a scene in Act IV. Petruchio and Katherine were arguing about the moon and the sun but eventually Katherine went along with it even though she thought otherwise. I believe she went along with it because she has real feelings for him and she has accepted the fact that he will be the dominating role in their relationship.
KATH: “Come, come, you froward and unable worms! My mind hath been as big as one of yours, My heart as great, my reason haply more, To bandy word for word and frown for frown” (V.ii.86).
In this excerpt from Kate’s speech, Shakespeare uses irony to emphasize the changed disposition of Katherine. In the beginning of the play, Bianca and Katherine were the foil of one another. In other words, they were polar opposites; Bianca was quiet and obedient and Katherine was outspoken and opinionated. However, once Petruchio and Katherine got married, Katherine’s personality began to change. She no longer stated her mind or threw insults left and right. In addition, she conformed to Petruchio’s strange statements and put up with his insults. Katherine’s ‘taming’ comes to a conclusion as she stands before Bianca and the widow and calls them, “…froward and unable worms”(V.ii.86). A profound change from when the sisters were first introduced in the play and Katherine was ignored while men threw themselves at Bianca. This differs from the end of the play as Katherine is the only one out of the three women that obeys her husband’s command. Ironically, she tells the group that, “My mind hath been as big as one of yours”( V.ii.86). In other words, Katherine tells Bianca and the widow that previously she was as arrogant as they are now. So surprisingly, the tables had turned, and the woman who was once called a shrew had become the most obedient spouse; and was now lecturing her sister on the duty of a wife. And interestingly enough, the sisters still remain the foil of one another, as Katherine has become compliant and Bianca is now ill-behaved. The irony used in this excerpt of Kate’s speech was Shakespeare’s way of highlighting Katherine’s personality change from the beginning to the end of the play.
I am ashamed that women are so simple To offer war where they should kneel for peace, Or seek for rule, supremacy, and sway When they are bound to serve, love, and obey. (177-180)
As i have been tracking Katherina’s development throughout the story, to me describes the climax of her character's development. When i think of Katherina’s character development, it has to be by far the most dynamic and drastic. Katherina was the kind of woman who would spit at your feet if you asked her to lift a finger, and she would attack anyone who even came close to her. But after spending her time with Petruchio, she began to become submissive, and only wish to gain his approval little by little. And i believe that this quote here shows how Katherina has not only become like every other woman, but has become more submissive than all the other women, that she insults the others for not obeying their husbands. This also shows an underlying message of the story, that through the common suppression of women and gender roles, proud, strong women are spoiled and turned into submissive spouses, which i believe was what Shakespeare was trying to display throughout the whole play, of how women shouldn’t have to always answer to men, making Shakespeare the very first Feminist, a pioneer for equality.
I like your perspective on the fact that the character Kate actually was tamed, and Shakespeare used her as a prime example of how a sexist culture can destroy an independent personality. I also thought it was interesting that, following your idea, Kate now thinks of herself as like a subject to a lord. I think that Shakespeare wanted to show that the class division of the era, which held up lords and pushed down peasants, was very closely related to the gender division that existed. I think Shakespeare hoped more people would identify with Kate’s struggle if they realized that the struggle of the poor was similar to that of women.
Quote: KATE: “But love, fair looks, and true obedience: Too little payment for so great a debt. Such duty as the subject owes the prince, Even such a woman oweth to her husband, And when she is froward peevish, sullen, sour, and not obedient to his honest will what is she but a foul contending rebel And graceless traitor to her loving lord?” (V.ii.153-160) In this excerpt from Kate’s speech, we can see the gist of Kate’s speech, and get some clues as to why she gives it. Here, Kate claims that women owe such a great debt to their husbands for protecting them and caring for them that they can never do enough-- in fact, misbehaving and being disobedient to a husband is essentially the same as committing treason and inciting rebellion against a lord. I personally found this quote to be the most interesting of the speech for a number of reasons. First, Kate gives a series of metaphors and similes relating a man to a lord and women to his subjects. This is an example of the cleverness that Kate has maintained throughout the entire play, even when she is being tamed. Prior to this, the metaphors (and her cleverness) would have been directed against the men rather than in favor of them. Secondly, Kate, in her speech, uses positive diction (honest, lord, loving) when talking about the men, while she uses negative diction (rebel, foul, froward) for the women. Shakespeare used these contrasting moods not to show that Kate now disdains women, but to show that Kate understands the division in class between men and women. I believe that this is the reason that Kate makes this speech-- through his actions, and through showing Kate that she is in fact dependent on him to survive, Petruchio has tamed Kate. However, Kate is not bowing down out of weakness-- instead Kate is showing that she realizes that to get ahead in the society of the time as a woman, the only path she can take is to be loyal and obedient to her husband. In fact, her obedience pays off immediately in the form of money won in a bet over whether Kate would make the speech. This speech shows that Kate is still a strong woman, but she has realized that independence in a sexist era is not what will lead her to more success.
PETRUCHIO Nay, I will win my wager better yet, And show more sign of her obedience, Her new-built virtue and obedience.
Enter Katherine, Bianca, and Widow.
See where she comes and brings your froward wives As prisoners to her womanly persuasion.— (V.ii.129-134) This quote is yet again another evidence of how Petruchio treats Kate with disrespect and commands her around, and he is taking advantage of her even though she is a strong independent women, but because she is a women in a sexist era there is not much that she can do. As Petruchio calls upon her and summons her like a servant, he takes more joy and pride in his actions and how he has turned Kate into an obedient women even though she was very persistent and very independent. Every time she shows more obedience, Petruchio gets more honored and confident and treats her even worse. In this quote it can be seen that Petruchio takes real pride from her obedience as he brags to all his friends how he can summon her with a simple verbal command. The reason why Petruchio is taking enjoyment in this is that not only he has "tamed" the wild, stubborn and independent Kate, he also in some ways has gained control over the other men's wives too since Kate is in a higher social echelon between the ladies, which basically gives Petruchio an indirect control over them too. -Hajir Hosseini, Period 5
Kate: “Even such a woman oweth to her husband. And when she is froward, peevish, sullen, sour, And not obedient to his honest will, What is she but a foul contending rebel And graceless traitor to her loving lord? I am ashamed that women are so simple To offer war where they should kneel for peace; Or seek for rule, supremacy and sway When they are bound to serve, love, and obey.” (V.ii.165-173)
Towards the end of the play “The Taming of the Shrew” by Shakespeare, all of Petruchio's taming comes to fruition. This is displayed when the men decide to bet on which one of their wives is most obedient. Bianca and the Widow fail to obey their husbands’ orders, while Katherine succeeds at complying to Petruchio’s wishes. This helps show how Petruchio was, indeed, successful at taming the shrew. Katherine winning the competition further supports the fact that she is the epitome of a dynamic character, as she has developed into a polar opposite of what she had once been in the beginning of the play. In this excerpt from Katherine’s speech, we can see that Katherine has become submissive and accommodating from her description of how a woman owes the husband everything. Shakespeare writes this to show how a woman such as Katherine has been able to adjust to the sexist ideas at the time to be able to fit in with society’s views of a woman. Another idea that flew through my mind is that Kate might just be humoring the idea of submission and plays along. She might have become so used to the idea of “role-playing” just so that she is able to get the basic necessities such as food and shelter. If Katherine did not really believe in what she said during her speech, has she really been tamed? In my opinion I think that she has definitely been tamed. Katherine is able to keep the rebellious and independent attitude repressed in front of her husband, which shows that she has been tamed enough to do what pleases Petruchio. Katherine knew that in order for a woman to have a future at the time, she must display obedience and love for her husband.
The induction of Taming of the Shrew centers around a rich lord’s trickery on a poor drunkard named Sly. Shakespeare, through the lord, describes the plan: “I will practise on this drunken man. What think you, if he were conveyed to bed, wrapped in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers, a most delicious banquet by his bed, and brave attendants by his bed when he wakes would not the beggar forget himself?”(36-41). This plan shows both the division between the classes in the play and the humorous deception that will take place throughout the entire book. The entire induction revolves around this plan, in which a lord intends to dress himself and his servants as the servants of a lower- class drunkard. They will then convince this drunkard that he is, in fact, a lord in a coma. The reason that Shakespeare includes this is to show that the wealthy are differentiated by both their excess and the things they wear. He does this by listing all of the things that they will give Sly to trick him into thinking he is rich, like “a most delicious banquet”, “Sweet clothes” and rings. These things are some of the things that separate the wealthy from those who simply get by. Shakespeare also shows the trickery and humor he will use throughout the rest of the book. The lord posing as a servant serves to foreshadow the various switching of roles throughout the entire play; this switching is most often humorous and meant to deceive. Overall, the induction serves simply to set the scene with the difference between the rich and the poor, and to foreshadowing the humorous character switching that will occur throughout the play.
ReplyDeleteLORD: “O monstrous beast! How like a swine he lies!
ReplyDeleteGrim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!
Sirs, I will practise on this drunken man.
What think you, if he were convey’d to bed,
Wrapp’d in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers,
A most delicious banquet by his bed,
And brave attendants near him when he wakes,
Would not the beggar then forget himself?” (Induction. Scene 1. Lines 30-37).
In this quote, Shakespeare uses the characterization of the Lord in order to convey the reality of human nature and ethical behavior present in the entirety of The Taming of the Shrew. When the Lord, returning from a hunting trip, stumbles upon the passed-out Christopher Sly, he doesn’t think twice about a ruthless prank to bring Sly to the palace, dress him in fine garments and convince him he is a Lord when he wakes. Once Sly gains consciousness in the palace, he is confused and declares that he is the tinker Christopher Sly, a claim that the servants innocently deny. But the hoax doesn’t stop there; the Page enters, dressed as a woman, playing the part of Sly’s wife, who finally convinces him of his new identity. The Lord knows that Sly is a poor and incapacitated man, yet he still decides to execute his cruel and extensive trick. While most people would have left Sly to sleep, the actions of the Lord only enhance the ideas of Thomas Hobbes; a philosopher who claimed that people are evil by nature. By taking advantage of Sly, the Lord’s true character shines through and he is seen as a naturally wicked man with nothing better to do than exploit others for enjoyment. Shakespeare uses this idea as a prominent theme in the induction that is hinted at throughout the rest of the play, where human nature, as conveyed by the characterization of the Lord, prepares the reader for the ethical conflict in The Taming of the Shrew.
As we are introduced to The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, we are introduced to two major characters, Sly and The Lord. When Sly passes out from being drunk after being kicked out of a tavern, lord decides to play a trick on him, as he is gains consciousness, everyone around him will pretend his is a honorable man. This sets up the play adding characterization, showing the role that The Lord will play throughout the Play, as being a very powerful man, but also being somewhat immature and cruel. Suggesting that he may be a static character, and remains somewhat immature. Also having Sly drunk and passed out on the street says a lot about his character at the moment. He doesn’t have his life together, and is possibly an alcoholic if he goes as far as to drink until he can no longer stay awake, which also gives him lots of room to grow from, adding the opposite effect from the Lord, suggesting that Sly will grow and blossom throughout the story, and will possibly rise up and be better than he is in the introduction. I believe this also sets up that story as Sly will be portrayed as the heroine of the story, and Lord will be the antagonist of the play.
ReplyDelete“O monstrous beast, how like a swine he lies!
ReplyDeleteGrim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!
Sirs, I will practice on this drunken man.
What think you: if he were conveyed to bed,
Wrapped in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers,
A most delicious banquet by his bed,
And brave attendants near him when he wakes,
Would not the beggar then forget himself?” (2, Induction)
This quote is used to characterize both Sly and the Lord, as well as comment on inequality in this society and the idea that one’s identity is not stagnant. This is when the Lord sees Sly lying drunk on the ground. It is immediately obvious because of the diction that Shakespeare uses in dialogue that the Lord is more educated and much more prestigious. He sees this drunk and immediately thinks himself above him and develops an elaborate scheme to teach him a lesson. His language is much more elaborate and polished than Sly’s. It is obvious that he is very educated and very wealthy, and the fact that he has servants trailing him only further proves this fact.
The Lord then decides to take revenge on this “monstrous beast” by playing an elaborate prank on him. The diction describing Sly helps to show how repugnant and disgusting he really is in the eyes of the Lord, and helps the reader forget that he is, in fact, a person. He is characterized as a “beast” and a “swine”, which really dehumanizes his character and makes the actions that the Lord takes seem much less atrocious.
The purpose of the entire induction is to create and interesting start to the play and to engage the audience. The induction is also a comment on power inequalities and the class structure in the society this play is taking place in. The diction and dialogue Shakespeare uses helps to characterize Sly and the Lord, and to highlight the differences in their demeanor and their lives. This comments on the tremendous inequality in the society they are in. Sly is seen as no better than swine, while the Lord sees himself as being all powerful, powerful enough to mess with someone's life as a prank.
The induction may also may demonstrate how much other’s opinions can affect our behavior and how our sense of identity is completely reliant on how others treat us. When Sly is treated like a rich man, he believes he is a rich man and begins acting like a rich man. This shows how fluid one’s perception of self is, and how it can be fundamentally altered by others’ behavior towards them.
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ReplyDeleteInduction
The Induction of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare helps to set up the scene and tone for the rest of the play. It contains a short story that follows Sly, a poor man, and a trick that is played on him by a rich lord. While Sly is passed out, the lord devises a plan to deceive Sly and make him think he is a rich lord when he wakes up. Shakespeare uses visual imagery to help describe the lord’s plan. He states, “Carry him gently to my fairest chamber And hang it round with all my wanton pictures: Balm his foul head in warm distilled waters And burn sweet wood to make the lodging sweet:” (46-49). These luxurious descriptions that describe what the lord has ready for Sly shows his wealth and how extreme it will seem to the drunkard, for he is much poorer. By the end of the Induction, the lord succeeds in his plan and successfully tricks Sly into thinking he was asleep for 15 years and completely forgot he was a wealthy lord.
This short story was included in the Induction to set the tone and foreshadow what is to come in the rest of the play. The rest of the play includes other characters who also play tricks on others and deceive others. Future characters will pretend to be someone else, almost how Sly believed he was someone else when he woke up. These switch ups and trickery help to give Shakespeare’s play an overall humorous effect on the reader.
In the Induction of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, he writes about Christopher Sly, a drunken beggar, and a wealthy and mischievous Lord who pulls a prank on Sly. The Lord and his servants devised a plan and pretends that Sly is actually a lord instead of a beggar. Shakespeare uses dirty diction and visual imagery to compare Sly to a beast and full of filth and grime. When Sly falls asleep in front of the alehouse, the Lord and his followers notices him and the Lord says “O monstrous beast, how like a swine he lies! / Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!” (34-35). Shakespeare describes Sly as beast-like, monstrous, and have a foul image. This detailed visual imagery allow readers to interpret Sly’s appearance, which might I add sounds unpleasant and gruesome. Then later on the Lord thinks up a scenario where Sly wakes up and finds himself dressed in fine clothes and jewelries and well dressed attendants that surrounds him, “What think you if he were conveyed to bed, / Wrapped in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers, / A most delicious banquet by his bed, / And brace attendants near him when he wakes” (37-40). In lines 34-40, there is a huge difference between social classes. At one point Shakespeare is talking about filth and a monstrous beast to describe a lower class person, and then he is talking about this lavish and extravagant lifestyle of the upper class.
ReplyDelete“Tra: Saw you no more? mark’d you not how her sister
ReplyDeleteBegan to scold and raise up such a storm
That mortal ears might hardly endure the din?
Luc. Tranio, I saw her coral lips to move
And with her breath she did perfume the air:
Sacred and sweet was all I saw in her.” (I.i.464-469)
In Act I Shakespeare contrasts the two female characters that are introduced, specifically in this quote. This quote is from after Lucentio sees Bianca and Kate in the square and decides he is irrevocably in love with Bianca. Bianca’s personality and Kate’s personality are polar opposites, and it is fitting that Lucentio immediately falls in love with Bianca.
Bianca is everything a man is looking for in a wife; she is quite, beautiful, and seemingly does what she is told. This is in direct comparison with her sister, who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and is every man’s worst nightmare. Tranio, Lucentio’s servant, describes Kate’s words as a “storm” that “mortal ears” cannot endure. It is hard to decide if Kate is actually as loud as described, or if she only seems loud in contrast to her sister or the stereotypical woman. I think Kate’s characterization is evidence of the normal sexism in this society, and how women are only seen by their most prominent characteristic.
Kate is described by her most notable feature, her “scolding tongue”, which characterizes her as a rather one dimensional character. She is probably more than just a harsh voice, but Shakespeare does not expand on her character because her attitude makes her of less interest to men, the center of this play. Bianca is described in relation to her most notable feature, mainly her beauty and her silence. She is later described by one of the men as “the jewel of my life”, which makes her seem valuable, but also characterizes her as a prize to be won, not as a person to be taken seriously.
I found your analysis of this passage very intriguing. What stood out to me the most was your idea behind the characterization of Katherine and Bianca; that they are only recognized by the traits found different or intimidating by men. I think this greatly reflects the stereotypical gender roles in society today, where women are only considered desirable if they conform to men’s standards. With this, I found what you said about Katherine being every man’s worst nightmare quite interesting. It reminded me of the song “A Girl Worth Fighting For” where Mulan sings “…how 'bout a girl who's got a brain, who always speaks her mind?” to which the men respond “Nah!” This shows how an outgoing and independent woman being considered intolerable was a common idea in many different societies.
DeleteQuote:
ReplyDelete“And for I know she taketh most delight
In music, instruments, and poetry,
Schoolmasters will I keep within my house
Fit to instruct her youth.” (act 1, Scene 1, Lines 92-95)
The characters of this play live in a very misogynist society, where the education of women was considered to be taboo, making this quote rather odd, also it was on common for any person living in the middle class to have an education. Which adds to the unusuality of the situation, as Baptista is so keen on his daughter's education. This also characterizes Baptista, depicting him as a very pretentious and high-sounding character, as he is somewhat bragging and letting everyone around him know that he is by far better than anyone one else and he “will only have the best” (millions of pretentious dads across the world) for his daughter. This also adds somewhat of an antithesis with the idea of feminism and that women are equal to me, which in all of Shakespeare's writing is quite out of the ordinary. In most Shakespearian plays, the roles are very sexist and quite prominent with gender roles, so it’s nice to see something pull away from that idea.
As much as I would like to see this part as you described it, with the father actually interested in his daughter's education, I saw this as the father is paying to prepare his daughter to be a wife. She is not taught in the typical school subjects like math, but instead she is instructed in stereotypical "female" subjects. I think that it is great that her father is giving her any education at all, but I think that even this act that seems like it is promoting Bianca's independence may actually to be to make her more desirable to men. But for his time, Baptista is doing a lot and I'm sure learning only music and poetry would be immensely enjoyable.
DeleteHOR: “Tarry, Pertuchio, I must go with thee;
ReplyDeleteFor in Baptista’s keep my treasure is:
He hath the jewel of my life in hold,
His youngest daughter, beautiful Bianca;
And her withholds from me and other more,
Suitors to her and rivals in my love;
Supposing it a thing impossible,
For those defects I have before rehearsed,
That ever Katharina will be woo’d;
Therefore this order hath Baptista ta’en,
That none shall have access unto Bianca
Till Katherine the curst have got a husband” (I.ii.22-23)
In this quote, Shakespeare uses the extravagant diction of Hortensio to represent female gender roles in society. First, by referring to Bianca as his ‘treasure’ and ‘jewel’, Hortensio speaks as though Bianca is simply a prize to be won; not a woman with thoughts and feelings of her own. This notion of objectifying women was common in the Elizabethan Era; however it is also present in today’s culture. In addition, Hortensio declares that, “…none shall have access unto Bianca” (I.ii.22). For a second time, Hortensio categorizes Bianca as a secret or special reward that no one may have, once again objectifying her as a trophy and not a person. Next, Hortensio had only laid eyes on Bianca one time, yet he knew that he was in love with her. While the concept of ‘love at first sight’ is a widely accepted claim, the fact that Hortensio is basing his affection for Bianca entirely on the fact that she is the opposite of her sister is representative of his belief that a woman’s role in marriage is to be an ideal wife: quiet, indifferent and discreet. With this, Hortensio is only aware of Bianca’s physical appearance and calls her ‘beautiful Bianca’. By this, Hortensio sees Bianca’s looks as another standard for an ideal wife; and by doing so, he is objectifying her solely as an image of beauty, when she is much more than a pretty face. The extravagant diction Hortensio uses when referring to Bianca is symbolic of gender roles that objectify women as nothing more than a prize to be won.
DeleteYour analysis on female gender roles in society is similar to the ideas I talked about in my analysis. You wrote about how Hortensio only sees Bianca’s beauty as the only important and special aspect of herself. You also mentioned that women are seen as prizes to be won rather than to be in a valued relationship and marriage. This is similar to my idea when I talked about how Petruchio does not care who his wife is or what she is like as long as she has money. Hortensio and Petruchio dehumanize women with what they look for in a wife and this may be offending to some readers.
ReplyDeletePetruchio
"Signior Hortensio, ’twixt such friends as we
Few words suffice. And therefore, if thou know
One rich enough to be Petruchio’s wife
(As wealth is burden of my wooing dance),
Be she as foul as was Florentius’ love,
As old as Sibyl, and as curst and shrewd
As Socrates’ Xanthippe, or a worse,
She moves me not, or not removes at least
Affection’s edge in me, were she as rough
As are the swelling Adriatic seas.
I come to wive it wealthily in Padua;
If wealthily, then happily in Padua" (I.ii.64-75).
In Act I scene 2, Shakespeare begins to characterize the main characters of the play. The readers are introduced to two main characters, Petruchio and his servant Grumio. Petruchio has left his home in Verona and has come to Padua in search of a wife. He greatly values money and views marriage as a more of dominating act, rather than an important relationship. Shakespeare uses allusions to portray how Petruchio really does not care who he marries as long as she has money. He writes, “Be she as foul as was Florentius’ love, / As old as Sibyl, and as curst and shrewd / As Socrates’ Xanthippe, or a worse” (I.ii.68-70). “Florentius” is a reference to a knight in an old tale who married an ugly hag and she then turned into a beautiful girl. “Sibyl” is an indirect reference to an old Greek and Roman prophetess and “Socrates’ Xanthippe” was a woman who is very well known for her shrewdness. All of these allusions are not necessarily pleasant or complementary ones. They go to show how Petruchio does not care if he marries a woman like them, or an even worse woman. He only cares about the money. This characterizes Petruchio as very materialistic and selfish, which are not attractive traits most women desire in a husband.
I agree with your analysis and it helped clear up exactly what Shakespeare was alluding to. When I read this, the other thing that jumped out besides allusion was the fact that Petruchio kept claiming that he would be happy and would enjoy a marriage with any rich woman. He claims “I come to wive it wealthily in Padua;/If wealthily, then happily in Padua" (I.ii.64-75). I found it interesting that Petruchio thinks that money will make him happy in his marriage, although today most people would agree that is not the case. I think that maybe this shows how important social status and connections are to people in this particular play.
DeleteACT I
ReplyDeleteQuote:
Petruchio: Here, sirrah Grumio, knock, I say.
Grumio: Knock, sir? Whom should I knock? Is there/ any man has rebused your worship?
Petruchio:Villain I say, knock me here soundly
Grumio: Knock you here sir?
(I.ii.5-9)
This selection from Act I is the beginning of a very long sequence of puns and misunderstandings between Petruchio and his servant Grumio. As Petruchio and Grumio approach Hortensio’s door, Petruchio tells Grumio to “knock me here”, by which he means that Grumio should knock on Hortensio’s door. Instead Grumio interprets this as Petruchio wanting Grumio to hit him on the head. Grumio disobeys because he doesn't want to hurt Petruchio, and Petruchio ends up hurting him anyways because he isn't following directions. This exchange is a prime example of both puns and slapstick comedy in Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, and it helps show the divide between servant and master. Shakespeare uses a pun on the word knock mostly for comedic effect. The rough, visual, violent nature of the comedy here is typical slapstick-- it brings to mind modern comedy like the Three Stooges or Tom and Jerry. Later in the sequence, Petruchio further threatens Grumio by saying “faith, sirrah, and you’ll not knock, I’ll ring it;” (I.ii.16). Shakespeare again uses a pun, this time on the word “wring” to further the slapstick comedy of the section. This section helps to set the humorous tone that has been developing throughout the whole play. It also helps prepare the reader for the large number of double entendres that occur throughout the play. Finally, this interesting misinterpretation serves to show the divide between servant and master. Words like “sirrah” refer to Grumio, while Grumio claims to “worship” Petruchio. This shows that masters were expected to be revered by their servants, not just served. It also shows that the two classes spoke in very different manners-- to Grumio, “knock me here” means “knock me” while to Petruchio it means “Knock here for me”. This misunderstanding helps show that the rich and poor in Taming of the Shrew are divided in nearly every way.
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ReplyDeleteIn act one, all the personality traits of different characters are presented. Petruchio is clearly very arrogant as he does not take the time to look into Katherine, he simply wants to carry on his family’s fortune. This may make the readers question if this will backfire and later cause trouble between the two when he realizes how much of a shrew Katherine is. This supports Shakespeare’s idea that marriage is an economic activity more so than a loving relationship between two people. This status of women in a relationship may be the reason Katherine acts so stubbornly. As she continues to act more shrewish, more rumors begin to spread especially as more people begin to gossip about her. This only enhances her stubbornness. However no one should be treated as poorly as Katherine has been. This therefore creates a sense of empathy from the audience towards Katherine. No one should be spoken so negatively about regardless of how unappealing their personality and actions are. As Lucentio uses Tranio to distract Hortensio and Gremio from seeing Bianca, his mischievous side is revealed. Although tranio convinced all the men to be friends while fighting for Bianca, this introduced the first of many battles over Bianca that the men endure throughout the play. It immediately intrigues the readers since they want to see who will win the battle and get the final relationship with Bianca. The audience may pick a side from early on since the true characteristics of these men are revealed during this first act.
ReplyDeletePetruchio “Why, that is nothing. For I tell you, father,
ReplyDeleteI am as peremptory as she proud-minded;
And where two raging fires meet together,
They do consume the thing that feeds their fury.
Though little fire grows great with little wind,
Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all.
So I to her and so she yields to me,
For I am rough and woo not like a babe.” (II.i.123-130)
This is where Baptista has warned Petruchio how Katherina is not a desirable wife. Petruchio asks about her “assets” or how much money he will receive for being her wife. When he is satisfied with the amount, he goes on to say this. This quote says, in theory that Petruchio finds that Katherina’s undesirable qualities are actually negligible, and that he will “fix” her. He says that he is as commanding as she is proud, and that when these two “raging fires” meet, they end up consuming the very thing that kindled them and all that happens is the fires grow. He states that a small gust of wind will only increase the size and intensity of the fire, while a strong wind will put out the fire completely. He describes himself as the strong wind, which indirectly compares other men to smaller gusts of wind. This fits with the preceding characterization of Katherina and her previous interactions with men. She seems to get more proud-minded and harsh-tongued when confronted with men, but Petruchio claims to be the one that will “fix” her. He is rough and does not scare easily, so he will be able to turn her into a desirable woman. Basically, he is going to tame the shrew.
Later in this section, in his soliloquy Petruchio reveals his plan to do this. He says that he will contradict everything Katherina says, and this he does, and they exchange masterfully crafted insults and terrible puns (by Petruchio) until she slaps him. He continues to debate her until the others return, and then claims that she was all over him and can’t wait to get married.
I agree with your analysis of this quote regarding Petruchio’s plan to ‘fix’ the qualities of Katherine deemed undesirable. However, I do not think it was his plan all along to do so. When he first heard of a rich man seeking a suitor for his eldest daughter, Petruchio was only interested in the dowry he would receive from marrying her. However, once he heard of Katherine’s disagreeable disposition, I believe he accepted a challenge to be the only man able to ‘tame the shrew’. This exhibits the egotistical nature of man; that people are willing to do anything for fame and fortune.
Delete
DeleteI like your analysis on how Petruchio is the wind to Katherine’s fire. However, while I read the section where he claims he will be the best fit for her, I thought this was almost sarcastic. It seemed to me that Petruchio was trying extremely hard to convince and win Baptista over. I would think that Baptista would catch this since Petruchio cut right to the chase and brought up the dowry right away. This again supports the idea that Petruchio see his potential marriage with Katherine only as a materialistic thing rather than a loving relationship. It also feels like he is only interested for the feeling or recognition he would get if he could be the only man to “tame the shrew.”
PET: “If she and I be pleased, what’s that to you?
ReplyDelete'Tis bargained ’twixt us twain, being alone,
That she shall still be curst in company.
I tell you, ’tis incredible to believe
How much she loves me. O, the kindest Kate!
She hung about my neck, and kiss on kiss
She vied so fast, protesting oath on oath,
That in a twink she won me to her love.
O, you are novices! 'Tis a world to see,
How tame, when men and women are alone,
A meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew.
Give me thy hand, Kate. I will unto Venice
To buy apparel 'gainst the wedding day.
Provide the feast, father, and bid the guests.
I will be sure my Katherine shall be fine” (II.i.35-36).
In this passage, Shakespeare uses the monologue of Petruchio to show how language is used as a tool of persuasion. When Baptista, Gremio and Traino enter the room, Petruchio wastes no time telling the group of his proposal to marry Katherine. To this, Katherine immediately rejects, but as usual she is ignored. It is then that Petruchio pronounces “…’tis incredible to believe / How much she loves me” (II.i.35). Since Katherine is infamous for being disagreeable when it comes to suitors, it is hard to believe she fell so quickly for Petruchio, yet he speaks in such a way that their love is believable. Petruchio then begins to elaborate on his deep affection for Katherine, saying “O, the kindest Kate! / She hung about my neck, and kiss on kiss / She vied so fast, protesting oath on oath, / That in a twink she won me to her love” (II.i.35). Here, Petruchio explicitly describes the love between himself and Katherine, calling his bride to be ‘kindest Kate’ and using repetition in the phrases ‘kiss on kiss’ and ‘oath on oath’ to emphasize and add reality to his tale. He later closes his monologue with “I will be sure my Katherine shall be fine” (II.i.35-36). In this line, Petruchio refers to Katherine as ‘my Katherine’ to stress his deep love and show his complete control of her. Baptista happily accepts the match, thoroughly convinced of Petruchio’s love for his eldest daughter. However, surprisingly, Katherine does not object. She knew that all of Petruchio’s words were false, yet his language was used in such a way to persuade even her.
In your analysis you stated that Katherine immediately rejects when Petruchio tells everyone that they plan to get married, but in the actual play she has no reaction. You mentioned this later in your analysis, and I find the fact that she does not react very important because it does not coincide at all with the characterization of Kate, The fact that she has no reaction can be interpreted in different ways, and after some research I discovered that some directors change this so that Kate reacts to this statement. Some ideas for why Kate does not react to this statement in the original Shakespeare play are that she is flattered that someone is finally taking interest in her, she is just too shocked to answer, or like you said, that she actually feels affection for Petruchio and is possible entranced by his words.
DeleteI thought your idea that Petruchio’s language may have convinced even Kate was very interesting. To me, the most interesting part of this excerpt was the fact that Petruchio rarely if ever refers to his own feelings about Kate, and yet he spends his entire speech speaking of Kate’s love for him. I feel like this has the effect of showing further that Petruchio is not marrying for love but rather money, so he doesn't have romantic feelings to speak of. I think it also shows that Petruchio may be making this speech to frustrate Kate because despite her best attempts to ward him off, he still speaks of her grandly.
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ReplyDeleteQuote:
ReplyDelete“K: If I be waspish, best beware my sting
P: My remedy is then to pluck it out
K: Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies
P: Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail.
K: in his tongue
P: Whose tongue?
K: Yours, if you talk of tales, and so farewell
P: What, with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again good Kate I am a gentleman--” (II.i.210-218)
This quote serves as an excellent example of Shakespeare’s use of puns and dialogue to characterize the relationship between characters. Petruchio and Kate especially have a very unique relationship in the play. The quick, one to two line jibes that they throw at each other are good examples of their wit. One of the most famous lines of the play, “if I be waspish, best beware my sting” is a clever retort by Kate to Petruchio’s claim that she is like a wasp rather than a woman. This characterizes Kate as a woman who is not afraid to insult men, especially if she feels that they are disrespecting her. Petruchio, however is characterized by his quick response that he will simply pluck out her sting. I believe that this shows that Petruchio actually has more respect for women than most other men in this play, despite saying he wishes only to marry for money-- this is because while other men simply refuse to accept any insults from a woman in their society, Petruchio takes it in jest and is willing to fire back. Petruchio’s willingness to accept Kate’s jests and their subsequent persiflages show that they are intellectual equals, something that will eventually allow Kate to be “tamed” because she has finally found someone she feels is on her intellectual plane. The end of the quote also shows a unique component of Taming of the Shrew-- the varied sexual puns throughout the play. Petruchio uses the pun “what, with my tongue in your tail” to use more bawdy meanings of Kate’s own words. This serves to characterize their relationship as a whole- filled with banter and fearlessness on both sides.
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ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete“ Petruchio: For thou art pleasant, gamesome, passing
courteous,
But slow in speech, yet sweet as springtime flowers.
Thou canst not frown, thou canst not look askance,
Nor bite the lip as angry wenches will,
Nor hast thou pleasure to be cross in talk.
But thou with mildness entertain’st thy wooers,
With gentle conference, soft, and affable.
Why does the world report that Kate doth limp?
O sland’rous world! Kate like the hazel twig
Is straight, and slender, and as brown in hue
As hazel nuts, and sweeter than the kernels.
O, let me see thee walk! Thou dost not halt.
Katherine: Go, fool, and whom thou keep’st command” (II.i.258-272).
In Act II, Katherine and Petruchio meet for the first time. Petruchio wants to marry Katherine, but for all the wrong reasons. He wants the large dowry that comes with her and the satisfaction of being the only man to “tame the shrew.” After quarreling for a while and even a slap from Katherine, Petruchio still proposes to her. Their back-and-forth banter appears as some sort of game and the reader can tell that Petruchio is just as witty at Katherine is. She is clearly shocked about the proposal as she has almost no response. Petruchio compliments Katherine and says she is “pleasant, gamesome, passing courteous, But slow in speech, yet sweet as springtime flowers.” This is the opposite of how most people usually describe her. Katherine is used to being degraded so it is believable that she would be shocked to hear such a polar opposite comment. The only way she knows how to respond is by retorting back. She replied with, “Go, fool, and who thou keep’st command.” Katherine does not know how to respond to such a kind compliment as it is rare for her to receive one. Although Katherine’s almost non-existent response to the sudden engagement may seem surprising to the reader, it may be normal as she is misunderstood by her peers. Katherine’s shrewdness may be because she feels the others around her are not on the same page as her in terms of quick-wit. Now that she has met Petruchio who is just as witty as her, she doesn’t respond with an insult. This serves as an emotional turning point for Katherine.
I agree with your point, but did you consider that Katherine's shrewdness may be because she is compensating because she is always laying in the shadow of Bianca, and as many suitors don't flock to her as they do to her sibling, and its humiliating to her somewhat because Bianca is younger than Katherine.
DeleteKatherine is a very strong and independent woman, a woman beyond her time really. The men of the play are depicted as horribly as they possibly could be, just voracious, lustful savages. All the suitors, but Especially a character like Petrucio.
ReplyDeletePETRUCHIO: Come, come, you wasp, i’faith you are too angry.
KATHERINE: If I be waspish, best beware my sting.
PETRUCHIO: My remedy is then to pluck it out.
KATHERINE: Ay, if the fool could find where it lies.
PETRUCHIO: Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail.
KATHERINE: In his tongue.
PETRUCHIO: Whose tongue?
KATHERINE: Yours, if you talk of tales, and so farewell.
PETRUCHIO: What, with my tongue in your tail?
(II.i.207–214)
From this passage here, shakespeare displays Katherine as a strong, well witted woman, with her mind clearly set on remaining who she wants to be. This antithesis from modern belief was blasphemy in its time, gender roles were very clear, and women who were witted and smart were unattractive, but Katherine was an un-ordinary woman, as she had her wits among her and she wasn’t going to subdue to any man. This goes to characterize her as a character, setting herself apart from social norm, as well as making her a strong character. This also goes to characterize Petruchio; showing him as a simple minded imp, whose enraged with lust and entitlement, and has little to no respect for Katherine.
PET. Why, that is nothing; for I tell you, father,
ReplyDeleteI am as peremptory as she proud-minded;
And where two raging fires meet together
They do consume the thing that feeds their fury:
Though little fire grows great with little wind,
Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all:
So I to her and so she yields to me;
For I am rough and woo not like a babe.
BAP. Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed!
But be thou arm’d for some unhappy words.
PET. Ay, to the proof; as mountains are for winds,
That shake not, though they blow perpetually.
(II. i. 32)
Petruchio is trying to convince Baptista that even though Katharina is unpleasant Petruchio is willing to put up with that to show his love. The use of allusion i this poem really caught my attention, since both characters have unique personalities and work hard to get what they want and to their goals, the use of allusion and the phrase "two raging fires" which conveys how similar to fire they can also get out of control and lead to a disaster. Fire is also known to be a term that has been used to convey damage and destruction even in this time, someone who offends and attacks someone with words, is known to "burn" them. So it is clear then by using the term fire, the theme of destruction is being conveyed. Not only fire is being used as an allusion its also being used as a metaphor. Its a metaphor for Katharina's unpleasant behavior and her abusive attitude and words.
-Hajir Hosseini, Period 5
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ReplyDeleteAct II of The Taming of the Shrew portrays how Katherine truly feels about traditional female roles and marriage. The scene begins when Katherine teases Bianca by tying her hands up and asking her which suitor she likes the best. Kate says “Oh all thy suitors, here I charge thee, tell whom thou lovest best: see thou dissemble not,” (Act II, Scene I). When Bianca tells kate that she desires none of them, Kate does not believe her and then decides to hit her. This shows Katherine's hated towards Bianca in the sense that she exemplifies everything a man would want in the Elizabethan era. Bianca is obedient, beautiful, and a valuable bride. Though deep down Kate must not dislike her sister, she just dislikes the image of which her sister portrays. Kate can be characterized as unruly and loud, and therefore not attractive to many suitors. Later in the act, Petruchio begins to show interest in Katherine, but only for her money. Petruchio will not marry Kate unless she “yields” to him, which angers Katherine even more. When Katherine interacts with Hortensio, another suitor, the conversation ends with Katherine slapping him in his face. This shows that unlike many traditional women during her time, Katherine was not afraid of using physical violence against a man. Baptista, the daughter’s father, has only one motive. It is to marry Katherine off, whether she has fond feelings for the suitor or not. In the end, Katherine leaves through a different door than Petruchio. This is a mere act of defiance against him.
ReplyDeleteACT III
ReplyDeleteQuote:
And to be noted for a merry man, He’ll woo a thousand , ‘point the day of marriage, make friends invite, and proclaim the banns, yet never means to wed where he hath wooed. Now must the world point at poor Katherine and say, “Lo, there is mad Petruchio’s wife, If it would please him to come and marry her.”
I chose this passage because I feel that this quote represents the first time that Kate is showing major signs of being “tamed”. In this section, Kate’s language is far different from elsewhere in the play. While normally, her diction is characterized by witty insults and a bitter, angry tone, this quote shows a more mellow, or tame, form of speech. It lacks her usual sharpness in insults. Instead, Kate seems to be moping over the fact that Petruchio shows up. Kate is most likely portrayed as moping to show two things-- that deep down, Kate really did want to marry Petruchio and is sad that he didn’t show up, and that Petruchio’s plan to tame Kate is working. This is because normally, when Kate is disrespected, she comes up with a witty or harsh insult meant to show that she is superior to those who disrespect her. Here, however, her secret desire to marry Petruchio has made her more tame. I found it very interesting that this is the first time in the entire play that Kate has played the part of a victim-- although she is often a victim of harsh insults, she counters by victimizing others instead of moping as she does here. Kate’s refusal to directly insult Petruchio also shows that she regards Petruchio as an equal, a distinction that no other character in this play earns. Because she has finally found an equal, Kate knows that she cannot lose Petruchio lest she be bored forever, and I believe that this is the reason that Kate is beginning to become “tamed”
DeleteI really like your analysis on Katherine’s changing character. I agree with you comment where you mentioned how this is the first time where the reader sees she has started to become “tamed.” Were there any other characters at this point in the play where you noticed prominent changes in their personalities or characteristics? I felt like the part where Petruchio dresses in inappropriate attire for his wedding and how he acted out was surprising. Did you feel the same or do you think this is part of his personality?
I found your analysis of this quote quite interesting. I agree with your idea regarding the use of Katherine’s language to subtly show her true feelings about not only Petruchio arriving late to their wedding, but also her hidden desire to marry Petruchio. However, what I did not initially notice when reading was how Katherine’s lack of insults represents her respect for Petruchio as an equal. And because of this, she must respect him in order to keep him. With this, I am interested to find out if Katherine is subconsciously being ‘tamed’ or if she is simply acting domesticated to earn the acceptance of Petruchio.
Delete
ReplyDeleteI found that in Act III, Shakespeare includes some clever humor in it to engage the reader and to add comic relief. The part where Bianca is being wooed and tutored by Lucentio and Hortensio, who are disguised as Cambio and Litio is where I found some of this humor. Each suitor is flirty with Bianca. Bianca becomes aware of this and hints at who she is more attracted to. She says she would rather learn Latin first from Cambio (Lucentio) while Hortensio (Litio) tunes his instrument. Cambio cleverly flirts with Bianca by reciting Latin phrases to tell her who he really is and what his plan is. Bianca replies with Latin back and says, “Hic ibat Simois, I know you not; hic est Sigeia tellus, I trust you not; Hic steterat Priami, take heed he hear us not; regia, presume not; celsa senis, despair not” (III.i.40-43). This line shows that although Bianca doesn’t trust Lucentio, she is still attracted to him.
During Hortensio’s music lesson, he cleverly includes an original music scale to show Bianca his love for her. The music scale read, “Gamut I am, the ground of all accord: A re, to plead Hortensio’s passion; B mi, Bianca, take him for thy lord, C fa ut, that loves with all affection; D sol re, one clef, two notes have I; E la mi, show pity or I die” (III.i. 71-76). Bianca however does not find it amusing and makes it clear that she would rather be with Lucentio.
I like your analysis of how the way she responds to the declarations of love by the two suitors shows which one she likes more. I did not see this at all while I was reading it, but your analysis makes sense and her actions and words do seem to indicate that she favors Lucentio. I also found it very funny in this scene that both suitor’s seemed to have already declared their love for her and revealed their true identities to her, as is revealed when Lucentio says “as I told you before.” Bianca has not reacted to their declarations of love, which makes them seem even more foolish and desperate. The rivalry between Lucentio and Hortensio is also funny, because only Lucentio knows they are competing for Bianca.
DeleteBION: “Why, Petruchio is coming in a new hat and an old jerkin, a pair of old breeches thrice turned, a pair of boots that have been candle cases, one buckled, another laced; an old rusty sword ta'en out of the town armory, with a broken hilt and chapeless; with two broken points; his horse hipped, with an old mothy saddle and stirrups of no kindred, besides possessed with the glanders and like to mose in the chine, troubled with the lampass, infected with the fashions, full of wingdalls, sped with spavins, rayed with yellows, past cure of the fives, stark spoiled with the staggers, begnawn with the bots, swayed in the back and shoulder-shotten, near-legged before and with a half-checked bit and a headstall of sheeps leather, which, being restrained to keep him from stumbling, hath been often burst, and now repaired with knots, one girth six times pieced, and a woman’s crupper of velour, which hath two letters for her name fairly set down in studs, and here and there pieced with packthread” (III.ii.46-47).
ReplyDeleteIn Biondello’s monologue, Shakespeare uses visual imagery to describe the appearance of Petruchio which in turn shows his plan of action to ‘tame the shrew’. To set the scene, Petruchio is late to his own wedding, and as a result Katherine fled, distraught that Petruchio had stood her up. While subtle, this is the first step of Petruchio’s plan to domesticate Katherine. By arriving late, Petruchio shows Katherine that she is insignificant to him; that he could care less about their soon-to-be relationship. In addition, prior to this passage, Biondello, the servant to Lucentio, enters to share the news of Petruchio’s whereabouts. He tells that Petruchio is on his way, but then goes on to describe his attire which includes an old vest, an old pair of pants and mismatched boots. Not only that, but he is arriving on a horse that is, “…infected with the fashions, full of wingdalls, sped with spavins, rayed with yellows, past cure of the fives…” (III.ii.46-47). Between Petruchio’s attire and the diseased horse on which rides, he clearly sends a message that he does not care to impress Katherine, or take their relationship seriously. And since he had confessed his love for her in the act before, Petruchio ends up sending Katherine mixed messages. However, by doing this, Petruchio establishes his dominance in the relationship, which is the primary step to controlling Katherine. Through visual imagery in Biondello’s monologue describing the attire of Petruchio, Shakespeare is able to convey the beginning stages of Petruchio’s plan to ‘tame the shrew’.
I totally agree with your analysis on Petruchio’s clothing, and the way it asserts his dominance in the relationship.I found his lateness to be significant just like you did. I would add that while it is certainly a statement to show up dressed poorly to a wedding, it is clear by his lateness that he either doesn’t care enough to remember the time or simply views most other things as more important. I also think that it contributed to the family of Kate feeling more relieved when Petruchio arrived, making them more likely to accept his odd dress.
DeleteBianca “Why, gentlemen, you do me double wrong
ReplyDeleteTo strive for that which resteth in my choice.
I am no breeching scholar in the schools.
I’ll not be tied to hours nor 'pointed times
But learn my lessons as I please myself.
And, to cut off all strife, here sit we down.
Take you your instrument, play you the whiles.
His lecture will be done ere you have tuned.” (III.i.17-24)
This section is the first time Bianca has a significant conversation with someone other than her sister or her father, and it really contradicts how Bianca has been previously characterized. Bianca has previously been characterized as quiet and easily influenced, but this section shows that when Bianca is in control of a situation, she has her own opinions and does not always do exactly as she is told. She tells Lucentio and Hortensio that she will do things on her own time and will learn these things when she feels like it, not when they command her too. This is completely different from earlier, where she was submissive to her father and her sister. This change in character is probably situational, because in this situation she is in control. In the other scenes where Bianca has been present in, she has been merely talked about or been attacked, both of which do not showcase the true personality of a person. This section is very important to Bianca’s characterization because it destroys the idea that she always does what she is told. She is characterized as someone who will get her way, but will do it with kindness instead of her sister’s harsh tongue.
Additionally, later in this scene, both Hortensio and Lucentio reveal, apparently not for the first time, that they are suitors disguised and are chasing her love. She handles these declarations maturely and kindly, while still not giving either of the men what they want. This scene really expanded Bianca into a dynamic character.
Act 3 blog post
ReplyDeletePetruchio:
I will be master of what is mine own.
She is my goods, my chattels; she is my house,
My household stuff, my field, my barn,
My horse, my ox, my ass, my anything.
And here she stands. Touch her whoever dare,
ill bring mine action on the proudest he
That stops my way in Padua. Grumio,
Draw forth thy weapon - We are beset with thieves!
Rescue thy mistress, if thou be a man.
- Fear not, sweet wench They shall not touch thee, Kate;
Ill buckler thee against a milion!
exeunt petruchio, Katherina [and Grumio]
(act 3 scene 2 lines 218-228)
In this passage, Petruchio is making a short speech in this passage before he is to be married to Katherina, Petruchio shows contradicting characteristics in this passage, He shows his love for her by claiming her his, and he is so passionate for her, and he’s even willing to go to war for her, as seen on line 225, and is making a statement you would see in a fantasy novel of a prince saving a princess from a castle. This shows the positive side of Petruchio, and Shakespeare's way of showing a man’s love for a woman and his passion. On the other hand of the story, Shakespeare also uses this passage to display Petruchio as being a very possessive spouse, and also displaying the role women have in marriages back in the shakespearean era, that men viewed women as their property, they were objectified so much that men just regarded their wives as equal value to their house. I believe that Shakespeare was using antithesis, making himself the first Feminist of his day, to show the negativity of Marriage during their era. This contradicts with the kind of woman Katherina is, a strong independent woman, but she’s with Petruchio, who referred to her as “my goods” meaning that she is just an object to him.
I agree with your analysis on how Petruchio only sees her as an object even though he claims that he loves her so much and would do anything for her. An example of this is how he does not show up at their wedding dressed appropriately and also comes in late. Showing how much he actually cares about her.
Delete-Hajir Hosseini, Period 5
The quote that I found on (III, ii, 51) is a clear evident of how Shakespeare conveys the theme of how ignorance can make you the dominant person in a story and how by acting childish you may get away with being incredibly ignorant. Throughout the Taming of the shrew each character will have a signature, something that indicates that they are different from all the other characters. For the character that I chose, Petruchio, its that he is a childish character. For example he always argues with Katherine, and an important evidence of how he is not a responsible adult is that he came to his own wedding LATE. Not only he was late but he also was not dressed up for the wedding and despite all these facts he is still the person who insults Katherine on their wedding day. Despite all these offensive actions instead of trying to make things right he declares that he is going to leave his own important wedding because he has some where else he has to be. This example clearly indicates how being ignorant like Petruchio can actually make you the power player in a story, till the point where people have to beg you to stay in your own wedding!
ReplyDelete-Hajir Hosseini, Period 5
In Act III, a huge transformation is seen in Kate. In this act, on her wedding her, Kate is completely embarrassed and shameful, because Petrucio is incredibly late. Kate is completely embarrassed by this, and says, " No shame but mine: I must, forsooth, be forced To give my hand, opposed against my heart, Unto a mad-brain rudesby, full of spleen" (III.ii). She expresses her feelings also by saying, " Now must the world point at poor Katherine, And say, "Lo, there is mad Petrucio's wife, If it would please him come and marry her!"(III.ii). Here, it is really interesting, because Shakespeare has Katherine speak about herself in third person. This approach tells the audience that she is beyond embarrassed, and she does, indeed, care to some extent what people think of her. Also, this method allows Katherine to put herself outside of the situation, again showing how she is so shameful about Petrucio's acts on such a day. On top of being and late and unprepared for the wedding, Petrucio is very rude during the ceremony, cursing and drinking. Moments after the wedding, he announces that must take off, not staying and enjoying time with his guests. Here, Kate reacts by standing up for herself, expressing that she will not leave if she doesn't want to, but Petrucio expresses that she must since she is now his wife, and therefore, must obey his commands. At this instance, Gremio says quietly to Baptisbo, "Ay, marry, sir,now it begins to work" (III.ii). By this he meant that this whole act that Petrucio has put on is part of the plan to tame Kate, and this causes Baptisbo to not stop the couple as they leave their own wedding celebration. Also, by saying this on the side, Shakespeare has the audience on their feet, wanting to hear how this plan fed into the "taming process".
ReplyDelete“This is a way to kill a wife with kindness,
ReplyDeleteAnd thus I’ll curb her mad and headstrong humor.
He that knows better how to tame a shrew,
Now let him speak; ’tis charity to show.” (IV.i.144-147)
This is from a soliloquy that Petruchio gives that expands on how he is going to tame Katherina. In his earlier soliloquy he explained his plan to tame Kate by doing the opposite of what she says and contradicting everything she says. In this soliloquy he gives more detail on the exact way he is going to “tame the shrew”. He explains how he has not fed her and is not planning on feeding her. He continuously makes up excuses to stop Kate from eating, claiming that the meat is charred and dry, and then claiming that Kate is too upset to eat, even though she is only upset because she has not eaten. Petruchio then says how he will keep Kate from sleeping. He will complain about how the bed is made and yell and throw around pillows and blankets to keep her awake. And if she falls asleep he will yell until she is awake again. All the while he will claim that he is doing all of these things out of love for her. He will disguise all of his terrible actions as kindness towards her.
The most disturbing part of this section is that Petruchio actually believes that he is doing this all for Kate’s own good. He believes that in being cruel to tame her, he is actually doing Kate a favor. In the end he claims that this is an amazing plan, and challenges the audience to come up with a better plan to tame a shrew. He would actually appreciate another idea, and this could be because he does not actually enjoy being mean to Kate. It is up for debate whether Petruchio actually loves Kate, or just loves her money and the challenge she poses.
DeleteI really like how you compared both of Petruchio’ soliloquies. I did not think about the previous one while I read the one in Act IV. At the end of your analysis, you state that it is debatable whether or not Petruchio truly loves Katherine or not. I do not know which side I am on. What do you think?
I found your analysis of Petruchio’s soliloquy quite interesting. I think the combination of both soliloquies shows the devious nature of Petruchio; that he is willing to do anything, even starve Katherine, in order to tame her. I thought your closing statement was quite intriguing; that Petruchio sees his cruelty as a favor to Katherine. And in addition, the question whether or not Petruchio truly loves Katherine. In my opinion, Petruchio first began to ‘tame the shrew’ for the fame and fortune, but I think in the end we will find that Petruchio and Katherine ultimately fall for each other.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePET: “Come on, i' God’s name, once more toward our father’s.
ReplyDeleteGood Lord, how bright and goodly shines the moon!
KATH: The moon? The sun! It is not moonlight now.
PET: I say it is the moon that shines so bright.
KATH: I know it is the sun that shines so bright.
PET: Now, by my mother’s son, and that’s myself,
It shall be moon, or star, or what I list,
Or ere I journey to your father’s house.
Go on, and fetch our horses back again.—
Evermore crossed and crossed, nothing but crossed!
HOR: Say as he says, or we shall never go.
KATH: Forward, I pray, since we have come so far,
And be it moon, or sun, or what you please.
An if you please to call it a rush candle,
Henceforth I vow it shall be so for me.
PET: I say it is the moon.
KATH: I know it is the moon.
PET: Nay, then you lie. It is the blessed sun” (IV.v.72-73).
Shakespeare uses this altercation between Petruchio and Katherine to represent Petruchio’s continued strategy to ‘tame the shrew’. When making the journey back to Baptista’s house in the afternoon, Petruchio comments on the beauty of the moon. However, obvious that it is midday, Katherine responds, saying, “The moon? The sun! It is not moonlight now” (IV.v.72-73). The persiflage continues with Petruchio claiming it is the moon and Katherine claiming it is the sun. Finally, Katherine ends the battle and gives in, confirming that, “I know it is the moon” (IV.v.72-73). Yet after all that, Petruchio retorts, “Nay, then you lie. It is the blessed sun” (IV.v.72-73). This controversy between Petruchio and Katherine is another step in his plan to tame her. Petruchio didn’t just convince Katherine that the sun was indeed the moon; he then reversed his claim, saying it was the sun and calling Katherine a liar. On the same trip, Petruchio continues his scheme and convinces Katherine that an old man is a young maid. These two small disputes have big meaning in their relationship. While Katherine was known for her insults, in this scene it is Petruchio that humiliates Katherine for thinking that the sun was actually moon. In addition, Katherine was always quite headstrong, however her compliance to Petruchio’s odd claims gives him complete control in the sense that what he says goes. The squabble between Petruchio and Katherine represents her increasing submission and obedience as well as Petruchio’s success in his quest to ‘tame the shrew’.
I really like your analysis of this section and I totally agree with it. I feel like this section is a continuation or an application of Petruchio’s plan to contradict everything Katharina says. He convinces her everything is the opposite of what is seems, and when she gives in, he contradicts her again. This verbal abuse would be enough to drive anyone crazy, and I think this is a very important interaction between Petruchio and Katherina, because it shows how cruel Petruchio is being, but I also think that Katherine realizes what he is doing, and will pretend to go along with his “taming” scheme to stop his abuse.
Delete
ReplyDelete“PETRUCHIO
’Tis burnt, and so is all the meat.
What dogs are these? Where is the rascal cook?
How durst you, villains, bring it from the dresser
And serve it thus to me that love it not?
There, take it to you, trenchers, cups, and all!
[He throws the food and dishes at them.]
You heedless joltheads and unmannered slaves!
What, do you grumble? I’ll be with you straight.
[The Servants exit.]
KATHERINE
I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet.
The meat was well, if you were so contented” (IV.i.160-167).
In Act IV, the reader is exposed to new changes in Katherine’s personality. Petruchio continues with his plan to “tame the shrew” by giving his new wife a taste of her own medicine. He replies snottily and rude to his servants and criticizes everything that is given to him. The passage above describes when the newlyweds are served dinner, but Petruchio complains it is not what he wanted, so he throws it off the table. Katherine replies to this with shock and tries to calm her husband down. This is different from the previous reactions that Katherine has given. Usually Katherine reacts the same way Petruchio has with disgust and unsatisfaction. This marks yet another emotional turning point for Katherine where Petruchio’s plan in “taming the shrew” is working. Katherine is beginning to show more emotions, such as sympathy. She is also becoming nicer to her peers and is beginning to fall into the typical wife role of being inferior to the husband. However, the original witty and clever Kate is still present. In scene three, a tailor arrives at Petruchio’s house with new clothing for the couple. Petruchio disagrees with everything that Kate seems to like in accordance to his plan. Yet Katherine responds with a little sass to show her husband that she is still not to be messed with. She says, “Love me, or love me not, I like the cap, And it I will have, or I will have none” (IV.iii.89-90). Although Petruchio has begun to change Katherine, she will still display certain attributes that will always be a part of her.
I liked your analysis of how Kate is developing sympathy for the first time in the play. I agree that she is also still the same Kate deep down. I also noticed from your quote that it shows that Petruchio uses a lot of insults in this part of the play. I think that these insults- “dog” “rascal” “villain” etc.- are used in conjunction with the visual slapstick comedy of Petruchio throwing things around to create a comic effect. Because taming of the shrew is, overall, a comedy, I think that part of the reason Petruchio is acting so ridiculous is because Shakespeare wanted to entertain the audience as well as tell a deep story
DeleteThis is one of the few times so far in the play that Kate is asking for something from someone else. Throughout the entire play, Kate has been too sassy and headstrong to ask for something. It seems that Kate felt at the beginning of the play that asking for anything would cause her to lose a little of her independence, which is one of her primary traits. However, she is now married to Petruchio, which in this time period means that whether she likes it or not, she is dependent on him for everything: money, food, clothing, bedding, travel, etc. For Kate, this is a devastating blow. Now that she has lost independence, she is most vulnerable to being tamed, and Petruchio is taking advantage. In this quote, Kate is characterized once again through her diction. Rather than her previous short retorts, Kate speaks in a long- winded paragraph. She uses tired and desperate phrases like “entreat”, “I care not what” and “Am starved/giddy”. Shakespeare is using this type of diction to show that Petruchio is in fact taming Kate- by exhausting her and making her desperate for sleep and food, she is being driven to beg to a servant. In this world, there is a huge gulf in class between nobility and servants, so there is no doubt that if Kate is resorting to this, her ego has taken a huge hit. By attacking her sense of importance, Petruchio is planting the seed for Kate to be tamed into a more obedient wife- more selfless and much less headstrong. By including this paragraph, Shakespeare wants the audience to see that even Kate, the most fiendish of all characters, can be reduced to a shell of their former selves when they become as dependent on another as a wife was to her husband.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteAt this point in the play, Petruchio and Katherine arrive home and Petruchio is very unsatisfied with his services. He is yelling at his servants while using a soft sweet tone with Katherine. In the “Taming of The Shrew,” Shakespeare uses conflicting tones and diction to portray the difference in social classes during this time period. When Petruchio says, “good sweet Kate, be merry,” his tone is very soft and sincere. Also, the words “good,” “sweet,” and “merry” are all positive diction. Petruchio uses both the sincere tone and the positive diction when he is talking to Katherine, his wife and a lady of very high-class. This positive attitude the Petruchio is displaying reflects the views of the upper class: most valuable and important to society. On the other hand, Petruchio says, “Off with my boots, you rogues! You villains,” when talking to his servants. Petruchio’s tone changes immediately from sincere to demanding and harsh. The words, “rogues” and “villains” present a very negative connotation and show Petruchio’s negative attitude for his servants: men of lower class. This demanding/harsh tone and negative diction show how people of lower class are not valued nearly as much as those of a higher class. Also notice the irony of the situation: Petruchio is treating the men much more horrible than a woman. This is ironic because in this time period men were seen as more dominant and respectable than women. This displays how social class triumphs gender in “The Taming of The Shrew”.
Thus have I politicly begun my reign,
ReplyDeleteAnd ‘tis my hope to end successfully.
My falcon now is sharp and passing empty,
And, till she stoop, she must not be full-gorged,
For then she never looks upon her lure.
Another way I have to man my haggard,
To make her come and know her keeper's call. (124-130)
When i read this passage as i was skimming through the book, i was already had feelings that Petruchio was full of himself, but now i was sure of it. i find that this passage shows that Petruchio is a proud, and self righteous character, who really only cares about Katherina for the fact that he wants a wife. He doesn't value his wife. This also characterizes women in the story, and it shows that men viewed their wifes as objects, and how objectified they really were. Another point to prove that Shakesphere was against the gender roles of his time was that in most of his plays, he played the women as strong and independent characters, which was unusual at the time.
I really like your analysis of how this passage helped you make sure that Petruchio was self-centered and proud. I too, found that Petruchio acts in a kind-of condescending manner towards the other suitors and his servants. I also like how you noticed how Shakespeare deviated from the normal social norm at the time, in which women were treated as lesser than the men. Shakespeare was definitely a revolutionary play writer and there's no wonder why his work is so timeless.
Delete
ReplyDelete“PETRUCHIO
Let’s each one send unto his wife,
And he whose wife is most obedient
To come at first when he doth send for her
Shall win the wager which we will propose” (V.ii.67-71).
In the final act of Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare revisits the stereotypes about the roles in a marriage that have been supported throughout the play. The passage above describes the part of the scene where all the new husbands argue about whose wife is the most obedient. They set up a contest to see which wife will obey the husband’s wishes. The men bet money on who they think will win. This contest shows how the men view and respect their wives. They treat their wives like they are dogs who will do anything their master tells them to do. It shows how during this time period, it was expected that women obey their husbands in everything they do. It supports the stereotype that men are superior to women, especially in a marriage. The women are not expected to be treated equally in their relationship and are treated as more of an object, rather than the other half of a loving, genuine relationship. This is supported again in the second scene during Katherine’s speech. Katherine scorns the other women for not obeying their husbands because she says, “Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, Thy head, thy sovereign” (V.ii.154) and one’s husband is “thy lord, thy king, thy governor” (V.ii.162-163). These quotes from Katherine’s speech not only show a wife’s inferiority in a marriage, but also shows that Petruchio has successfully tamed Katherine as she now accepts her role in her new marriage.
I completely agree with and understand your analysis, and I had this idea. I was wondering if the sexist roles are so blatantly obvious and so ridiculous that maybe this play could be a social commentary of the inherent sexism of this time period. Could it be that Shakespeare was making these gender roles so ridiculously extravagant in order to make them apparent and to alert the audience of this great inequality? Or was this just the prevailing idea at the time, and Shakespeare simply used it to make his play relatable and popular? Personally I think it is a social commentary, because it is (hopefully) far too ridiculous to be truth.
Delete“A woman moved is like a fountain troubled,
ReplyDeleteMuddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty;
And while it is so, none so dry or thirsty
Will deign to sip or touch one drop of it.” (V.ii.151-154)
This is part of Kate’s speech to the other girls explaining the importance of obedience to one’s husband. This speech is easily the most controversial aspect of this play, because it is a very sexist speech and it also completely contradicts Kate’s previous characterization. Kate has previously been characterized by her harsh tongue and has even been described as “curst”, and from this previous characterization we know Kate to be rather smart. An intelligent woman doesn’t just drop her entire personality because she married a douchebag. Therefore, it is my belief that Kate was smart enough to catch on to Petruchio’s “plan” to tame her, and she went along with it. She realized pretty quickly that contradicting Petruchio ended badly for her every time, because no matter what she did, Petruchio would always have the power in the relationship. Once she realized this, she decided to just go along with his idiotic plan and be as happy as she could be with him. It is still possible that she had some romantic feelings towards Petruchio, and she surely appreciates all the praise and attention she is getting, but I don’t think that Petruchio “tamed” her. I honestly think that she “tamed” herself in order to have the best life she could in her situation.
This part of her speech describes a woman with her own opinions as a fountain that no man, however desperate, would ever drink out of. This is shown by her previous experience with men. When she had opinions and was harsh, nobody wanted her until Petruchio, and he had a plan to “tame” her.
I completely agree with your analysis of Kate’s speech, especially the part about Katherine actually ‘taming’ herself in order to improve her relationship with Petruchio. I too believe that she was not truly being ‘tamed’ by Petruchio, but caught on to his scheme and, being the intelligent woman that she is, went along with it. With this, she realized that no matter what she did she would be put down by him, so contradicting his ignorance wasn’t worth her effort. I personally think that Katherine and Petruchio come to enjoy the company of one another since they are able to match each other’s temperament and persiflage.
DeleteI like your analysis on how Katherine was not really tamed by Petruchio, but by herself. I found that your analysis can again be supported from a scene in Act IV. Petruchio and Katherine were arguing about the moon and the sun but eventually Katherine went along with it even though she thought otherwise. I believe she went along with it because she has real feelings for him and she has accepted the fact that he will be the dominating role in their relationship.
DeleteKATH: “Come, come, you froward and unable worms!
ReplyDeleteMy mind hath been as big as one of yours,
My heart as great, my reason haply more,
To bandy word for word and frown for frown” (V.ii.86).
In this excerpt from Kate’s speech, Shakespeare uses irony to emphasize the changed disposition of Katherine. In the beginning of the play, Bianca and Katherine were the foil of one another. In other words, they were polar opposites; Bianca was quiet and obedient and Katherine was outspoken and opinionated. However, once Petruchio and Katherine got married, Katherine’s personality began to change. She no longer stated her mind or threw insults left and right. In addition, she conformed to Petruchio’s strange statements and put up with his insults. Katherine’s ‘taming’ comes to a conclusion as she stands before Bianca and the widow and calls them, “…froward and unable worms”(V.ii.86). A profound change from when the sisters were first introduced in the play and Katherine was ignored while men threw themselves at Bianca. This differs from the end of the play as Katherine is the only one out of the three women that obeys her husband’s command. Ironically, she tells the group that, “My mind hath been as big as one of yours”( V.ii.86). In other words, Katherine tells Bianca and the widow that previously she was as arrogant as they are now. So surprisingly, the tables had turned, and the woman who was once called a shrew had become the most obedient spouse; and was now lecturing her sister on the duty of a wife. And interestingly enough, the sisters still remain the foil of one another, as Katherine has become compliant and Bianca is now ill-behaved. The irony used in this excerpt of Kate’s speech was Shakespeare’s way of highlighting Katherine’s personality change from the beginning to the end of the play.
I am ashamed that women are so simple
ReplyDeleteTo offer war where they should kneel for peace,
Or seek for rule, supremacy, and sway
When they are bound to serve, love, and obey. (177-180)
As i have been tracking Katherina’s development throughout the story, to me describes the climax of her character's development. When i think of Katherina’s character development, it has to be by far the most dynamic and drastic. Katherina was the kind of woman who would spit at your feet if you asked her to lift a finger, and she would attack anyone who even came close to her. But after spending her time with Petruchio, she began to become submissive, and only wish to gain his approval little by little. And i believe that this quote here shows how Katherina has not only become like every other woman, but has become more submissive than all the other women, that she insults the others for not obeying their husbands. This also shows an underlying message of the story, that through the common suppression of women and gender roles, proud, strong women are spoiled and turned into submissive spouses, which i believe was what Shakespeare was trying to display throughout the whole play, of how women shouldn’t have to always answer to men, making Shakespeare the very first Feminist, a pioneer for equality.
I like your perspective on the fact that the character Kate actually was tamed, and Shakespeare used her as a prime example of how a sexist culture can destroy an independent personality. I also thought it was interesting that, following your idea, Kate now thinks of herself as like a subject to a lord. I think that Shakespeare wanted to show that the class division of the era, which held up lords and pushed down peasants, was very closely related to the gender division that existed. I think Shakespeare hoped more people would identify with Kate’s struggle if they realized that the struggle of the poor was similar to that of women.
DeleteQuote:
ReplyDeleteKATE: “But love, fair looks, and true obedience: Too little payment for so great a debt. Such duty as the subject owes the prince, Even such a woman oweth to her husband, And when she is froward peevish, sullen, sour, and not obedient to his honest will what is she but a foul contending rebel And graceless traitor to her loving lord?” (V.ii.153-160)
In this excerpt from Kate’s speech, we can see the gist of Kate’s speech, and get some clues as to why she gives it. Here, Kate claims that women owe such a great debt to their husbands for protecting them and caring for them that they can never do enough-- in fact, misbehaving and being disobedient to a husband is essentially the same as committing treason and inciting rebellion against a lord. I personally found this quote to be the most interesting of the speech for a number of reasons. First, Kate gives a series of metaphors and similes relating a man to a lord and women to his subjects. This is an example of the cleverness that Kate has maintained throughout the entire play, even when she is being tamed. Prior to this, the metaphors (and her cleverness) would have been directed against the men rather than in favor of them. Secondly, Kate, in her speech, uses positive diction (honest, lord, loving) when talking about the men, while she uses negative diction (rebel, foul, froward) for the women. Shakespeare used these contrasting moods not to show that Kate now disdains women, but to show that Kate understands the division in class between men and women. I believe that this is the reason that Kate makes this speech-- through his actions, and through showing Kate that she is in fact dependent on him to survive, Petruchio has tamed Kate. However, Kate is not bowing down out of weakness-- instead Kate is showing that she realizes that to get ahead in the society of the time as a woman, the only path she can take is to be loyal and obedient to her husband. In fact, her obedience pays off immediately in the form of money won in a bet over whether Kate would make the speech. This speech shows that Kate is still a strong woman, but she has realized that independence in a sexist era is not what will lead her to more success.
PETRUCHIO
ReplyDeleteNay, I will win my wager better yet,
And show more sign of her obedience,
Her new-built virtue and obedience.
Enter Katherine, Bianca, and Widow.
See where she comes and brings your froward
wives
As prisoners to her womanly persuasion.— (V.ii.129-134)
This quote is yet again another evidence of how Petruchio treats Kate with disrespect and commands her around, and he is taking advantage of her even though she is a strong independent women, but because she is a women in a sexist era there is not much that she can do. As Petruchio calls upon her and summons her like a servant, he takes more joy and pride in his actions and how he has turned Kate into an obedient women even though she was very persistent and very independent. Every time she shows more obedience, Petruchio gets more honored and confident and treats her even worse. In this quote it can be seen that Petruchio takes real pride from her obedience as he brags to all his friends how he can summon her with a simple verbal command. The reason why Petruchio is taking enjoyment in this is that not only he has "tamed" the wild, stubborn and independent Kate, he also in some ways has gained control over the other men's wives too since Kate is in a higher social echelon between the ladies, which basically gives Petruchio an indirect control over them too.
-Hajir Hosseini, Period 5
Kate: “Even such a woman oweth to her husband.
ReplyDeleteAnd when she is froward, peevish, sullen, sour,
And not obedient to his honest will,
What is she but a foul contending rebel
And graceless traitor to her loving lord?
I am ashamed that women are so simple
To offer war where they should kneel for peace;
Or seek for rule, supremacy and sway
When they are bound to serve, love, and obey.” (V.ii.165-173)
Towards the end of the play “The Taming of the Shrew” by Shakespeare, all of Petruchio's taming comes to fruition. This is displayed when the men decide to bet on which one of their wives is most obedient. Bianca and the Widow fail to obey their husbands’ orders, while Katherine succeeds at complying to Petruchio’s wishes. This helps show how Petruchio was, indeed, successful at taming the shrew. Katherine winning the competition further supports the fact that she is the epitome of a dynamic character, as she has developed into a polar opposite of what she had once been in the beginning of the play. In this excerpt from Katherine’s speech, we can see that Katherine has become submissive and accommodating from her description of how a woman owes the husband everything. Shakespeare writes this to show how a woman such as Katherine has been able to adjust to the sexist ideas at the time to be able to fit in with society’s views of a woman. Another idea that flew through my mind is that Kate might just be humoring the idea of submission and plays along. She might have become so used to the idea of “role-playing” just so that she is able to get the basic necessities such as food and shelter. If Katherine did not really believe in what she said during her speech, has she really been tamed? In my opinion I think that she has definitely been tamed. Katherine is able to keep the rebellious and independent attitude repressed in front of her husband, which shows that she has been tamed enough to do what pleases Petruchio. Katherine knew that in order for a woman to have a future at the time, she must display obedience and love for her husband.