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 to 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? In this excerpt from the Induction, Shakespeare uses archaic diction, syntax, simile, and iambic pentameter to create a tone of disgust the Lord shows towards Sly. In this passage, the Lord walks into the bar to find Sly passed out on the counter. In the first line, Lord describes Sly as “O monstrous beast! how like a swine he lies!”. This simile is comparing how disgusting Sly is to be sleeping like this, having passed out from drinking so much ale, on a counter in a bar. Lord compares Sly sleeping like this to a pig in a gutter. Also, as in all of Shakespeare’s works, he uses iambic pentameter to have the words flow easily while the reader reads it, as in the line “A most delicious banquet by his bed,” or “Would not the beggar then forget himself?” Also, in this excerpt, Shakespeare uses syntax when saying, “...how like a swine he lies!” or “What think you…”. The purpose of doing this is to form the sentence creatively instead of just saying, “he lies like a swine” or “what do you think”. With this, Shakespeare has the reader thinking about the sentence more and the meaning to what his intention is behind this syntax. Shakespeare also uses archaic diction in all of his works, since he was writing his plays back in the days. For example, in this excerpt Shakespeare uses “swine”, “beggar”, and “thine”. Nowadays, people only use the word “swine” or hear it is when one is talking about swine flu. No one usually refers to “swine” when they are talking about a pig. Also, “beggar” is often referred to as a homeless person. And “thine” means yours. The use of archaic diction helps the reader understand how disgusting the Lord thinks Sly is.
“I’ll pheeze you, in faith. A pair of stocks, you rogue! Y’ are a baggage: the Slys are no rogues; look in the chronicles; we came in with Richard Conqueror. Therefore paucas pallabris; let the world slide: sessa! You will not pay for the glasses you have burst?” (Page 1)
In the passage above, William Shake sphere uses diction and syntax to create a harsher tone. There is a noticeable. There is a noticeable difference in class between the hostess and Sly. The hostess comes of reasonable and rational while Sly comes off offensive. The hostess shows humility as she questions Sly, “You will not pay for the glasses you have burst?” (Line 5). She’s is asking if Sly is going to pay for the glasses he broke. But as most men in that era, Sly is easily tempered and fires back, “Y’ are a baggage. Look in the chronicles and sessa” (Lines 3-4).This can be interpreted by calling the hostess a whore and, telling her to read her history and to shut up. It was more common for men to disrespect women as if they were of less value. It is demonstrated through the diction that women have empowerment or rights. The syntax of the sentences suggests a less educated class of people. The sentences appear to be simple and not that complex. They’re straight to the point and present no further meaning than what has to be said. Shakespeare focuses on the realism of depicting different class of people as he uses diction and syntax. -Ethan Nguyen
Induction, Page 2 LORD: “Then, take him up and manage well the jest: Carry him gently into my fairest chamber And hang it round with all my walton pictures: Balm his head in warm distilled waters....”
In this section of Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, the character, LORD, uses many forms of commanding diction and language. This differs him from the other characters, as he is the only character seen to use this type of diction throughout the Induction. Over the course of this quote, LORD uses a total of 18 commanding verbs over the course of 26 lines. These include words like carry, hang, balm, burn, procure, make, and so on and so forth. No other characters are seen using this many types of commanding verbs. This section, along with other sections when LORD talks, differs him from the other characters, as LORD is simply shown off as a lord over everybody else, as he is the one giving commands. This creates a commanding dominating effect for this section of the play. I believe the purpose of the induction was to spark interest in the play. Straight off the first page, Shakespeare creates a conflict, shows off humor and the personalities in the play, and introduces (possibly) many of the characters that readers will see later on. Shakespeare uses LORD’s controlling diction and his humorous tricks to show the differences between classes and to create a meaning to the induction of Taming of the Shrew. -Isaac Livingston
In the Induction of “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare, archaic diction is used to show the comparison of classes between the characters. In line nine Shakespeare says, “I know my remedy; I must go fetch the thirdborough”. Here Shakespeare uses the word ‘fetch’ instead of retrieve. He also uses the word ‘thirdborough’ instead of saying the police officer. Host explains how he knows what will solve the problem and the solution is to call a policeman to arrest the man for refusing to pay for the glasses. This shows how the Hostess is of higher class because she can simply just go ‘fetch’ a policeman with no problem as if she does it on the regular. In lines five of the Induction Scene Two, Shakespeare writes, “Will’t please your honour taste of these conserves?” It is apparent that this person is of a lower class because they are serving another person. The servant asking so politely and using ‘your honour’ shows that she is less than who she is serving. Shakespeare uses archaic diction when he states, ‘will’t’ instead of saying would you. He also uses the word ‘conserves’ instead of using fruit.
“Huntsman, I charge thee, tender well my hounds:” (Page 1) “An’t please your honour, players that offer service to your lordship” (Page 3) “So please your lordship to accept our duty.” (Page 4) “O noble lord, bethink thee of thy birth, Call home thy ancient thoughts from banishment, and banish hence these abject lowly dreams” (Page 6)
Using these quotes, William Shakespeare shows the differences between the socials standing of lords, with a high social standing, in comparison to peasants. The first quote is used to emphasize the power and authority held by the Lord over his subordinates such as the huntsmen as well as showing his large wealth and luxurious lifestyle. Hunting is a common sport among the lords during this time period as the noble class tends to be able to more freely enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle. To show the lower side of the social classes is the players who say the third quote to the Lord, which shows the deference and respect that the Players use towards the Lord. This clearly shows the higher social status of the Lord as opposed to the players. The fourth quote I used shows the clear distinctions of the lord and the peasants as the Lord, disguised as a servant, exclaims how ridiculous the thought of a lord being a tinkerer is and describing is as “abject lowly dreams” and saying that Sly should “bethink thee of thy birth.”
BIANCA. “Sister, content you in my discontent. Sir, to your pleasure humbly I subscribe: My books and instruments shall be my company, On them to look and practise by myself” Bianca (I.i.13).
In this passage, Bianca uses iambic irony and passive voice when she obeys her father after he tells her to go inside. Shakespeare uses these literary devices to characterize Bianca as someone who obeys and listens, the opposite of Katherina who voices her opinion out whenever she feels the need to. Describing Bianca like this, Shakespeare also portrays her as a girl who would not object to being a “servant” to her husband because of her agreeable personality. Bianca is someone who stays inside her shell and doesn’t stand up for herself; she isn’t independent. She depends on someone else to tell her what to do rather than expressing her feelings and taking control of herself. Her and Katherina are exact opposites of each other. Katherina shows qualities of an independent and strong woman while Bianca shows qualities of having to depend on someone to tell her what to do. Shakespeare uses irony, “My books and instruments shall be my company, // On them to look and practise by myself”. In this time period, many women were not allowed the privilege to learn, but since Baptista wants to hire tutors to help Bianca learn information, she will really be applying this information to her life as she grows up. Also because she’s agreeing to marry a suitor that her father has picked out, meaning that she listens and obeys instead of expressing her opinions on if there is someone she would like to marry or anything else. The use of passive voice in the second line of this passage, “Sir, to your pleasure humbly subscribe: //”, tells the reader that Bianca is very obedient. She does not talk back to her father and she is very well-mannered.
It’s in the first page of act 1 where William Shakesphere describes Padua as, “To see fair Padua, nursery of arts” (Page 11). Shakesphere uses point of view and personification to create a settle tone for the reader. In today’s generation, people don’t talk about a place as if it was a person. When reading this line, I could see how Padua could be a person. The point of view empowers the thought of Padua being a bigger deal than just a place. A sense of a more personal relationship between the reader and Padua was brought upon. The arts is given life when Shakesphere writes, “nursery of arts” (Page 11). It’s implying that the town has been appreciative and thankful for the arts since the beginning of time. Just like my blog before, I explained the equality in men and women. Men felt they needed to prove their dominance and earn the respect they thrive for. As for women, they stayed home taking care of the house while men choose whatever to do. It was a traditional lifestyle for women to be paired up random men as, “Because I know you well and love you well. Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure” (Page 12). Baptista isn’t considering what her daughter wants but only his personal reason. Women weren’t given the opportunity to showcase their capabilities and therefore the inequality between men and women. The only skills women could showcase were their cooking or love toward her family. The theme of inequality will remain visible as the book moves on. -Ethan Nguyen
I agree with your analysis about how the personification makes Padua sound as if it were a human being. With the point of view, I also believe that it could display a sense of life in Padua; that so many people appreciated that place because of its reputation of having very good schools. I also agree with how, back in the days, men would be the one getting an education and jobs while women would just be taking care of the house and family. This is why I thought it was very ironic that Baptista wanted to hire tutors for Bianca because, usually, women wouldn't really be able to get an education and if they did, not many places would give them a job because it just was not normal for a woman to be working in that time period.
SLY. Are you my wife and will not call me husband? My men should call me “lord”: I am your good man.
PAGE. My husband and my lord, my lord and husband; I am your wife in all obedience. (Page 8-9)
In the scene II of the Induction, Shakespeare introduces the theme of inevitable roles that individuals obtain in society. Once presented with a wife, Christopher Sly was easily deceptive towards the lie the Lord inducted. Although status based on wealth play a major role into his work, Shakespeare also endeavors to criticize gender roles through this except. Proceeding the questioning of why Page called him lord, the author uses refrain of “lord” and “husband” to emphasize how although the two are in companionship with one another through marriage, the woman prevails as less than the man. Sly states that it would be obvious for servants to call him “Lord”, but the society also places the wife equivalent to the servants. This idea shows evidence when she states “I am your wife in all obedience”, correlating to the duties of a attendant. Perhaps the introduction of the challenges of gender roles foreshadows a greater theme that will later be constructed throughout the play.
Katherine: I pray you, sir, is it your will To make a stale of me amongst these mates? Hortensio: “Mates,” maid? How mean you that? No mates for you, Unless you were of gentler, milder mold. Katherine: I’ faith, sir, you shall never need to fear. Iwis it is not halfway to her heart. But if it were, doubt not her care should be To comb your noddle with a three-legged stool And paint your face and use you like a fool.
In Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare, Katherine, or Kate, takes the leading female role in the story. Readers can easily see that Katherine is not similar to other woman during the Shakespearean time period. She is very brash, intelligent, and always cuts straight to the point in her dialogue. On lines 56-58 of act 1 scene 1, Katherine quotes “I pray you, sir, is it your will To make a stale of me amongst these mates?” She is talking to her father, and she blatantly accuses him of attempting to pretty much sell her off to men. Katherine’s father does this because as soon as Katherine marries, the younger, more beautiful daughter, Bianca, would be able to marry. However, this seemingly outrageous act is not surprising, as in Shakespeare’s day, marriage was most often for the money and title, rather than love. Katherine acts the way she does not because she is dumb and unattractive, but for the sake that both her and her sister can marry the one true love in their lives, rather than simply marry a man for riches. Katherine’s search for true love can be defined in the title of the play: “Taming of The Shrew”. With Katherine playing the role of the shrew, it will be up to characters, such as Petruchio, to “tame” the wild shrew. Shakespeare uses this character of an independent woman to further develop the interesting plot line in Taming of the Shrew.
I agree with your analysis of Baptista’s motives in determining that Katherine should marry first in order to marry off the daughter who would be harder to find a husband for. I also agree with your description of her character and I believe that it is that very character that conflicts with traditional views of women during the time that the Taming of the Shrew is taking place. This abnormal character in that time period repulses her possible suitors as they would prefer a lady who fits their standards for femininity such as Bianca who seems to be quiet, modest, and unwilling to stand against the wishes of her father. Society at that time is definitely dominated by males while females are frowned upon for trying to be independent or intelligent due to their sexist views.
Gremio: To cart her rather: she’s too rough for me. There, there, Hortensio, will you any wife? Katherine: I pray you, sir, is it your will to make a stale of me amongst these mates? Hortensio: Mates, maid! How mean you that? No mates for you, Unless you were of gentler, milder mould. This passage in Act one of Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare gives insight into traditional ideas of femininity and gender roles during the time that the play takes place. In the passage, Gremio and Hortensio would insult Katherine saying that she would not be able to find a suitable marriage partner due to her being too rough and not “of gentler, milder mould.” Gremio and Hortensio’s dialogue shows how women are expected to act in their patriarchal society where women are expected to be subservient to the men. Even Baptista would treat his daughters with a domineering attitude, while he may still care for them, and utilizes his position as their father to determine who they could marry even without their consent. Simply because Katherine doesn’t fit their definition of how a lady should act then they do not hesitate to defame her and ridicule her. Due to their sexist views, that seem to be normal when taking the time that the play takes place into account, it is easy to tell that an ideal woman in their view is one who would be meek and modest and would be subservient to her husband.
“PETRUCHIO. Why came I hither but to that intent? Think you a little din can daunt mine ears? Have I not in my time heard lions roar? Have I not heard the sea, puffed up with winds, Rage like an angry boar chafèd with sweat? Have I not heard great ordnance in the field, And heaven’s artillery thunder in the skies? Have I not in a pitchèd battle heard Loud 'larums, neighing steeds, and trumpets' clang? And do you tell me of a woman’s tongue That gives not half so great a blow to hear As will a chestnut in a farmer’s fire? Tush, tush! Fear boys with bugs.” (24-25)
As Hortensio endeavors to forewarn Petruchio about Katherine’s stubbornness and unwillingness to be married in the second scene of Act I, Shakespeare’s use of visual imagery during Petruchio’s response illustrates the character’s confidence. Despite how Katherine at the opening of Act I manifests as an opposition of society’s standards of inferiority of women, Petruchio counters this through his fearlessness. In the passage above, he gives numerous examples of traitorous events such as “Have I not in my time heard lions roar?” that subordinate Katherine, making her lesser than him, a male. In addition, Petruchio does not anguish her hostility because he seeks not for love, but the riches of Baptista. In the future, I as a reader predict that Petruchio will succeed in gaining superiority over Katherina and she will submit to him completely. Even if Lucentio is able to attain true love with Bianca, this proves the theme of how true love comes with a severe consequence. In this case, Katherine’s unableness to achieve defiance over society.
I agree and think you make a very good point about how Petruchio is fearless and does not let what Hortensio and Gremio say about Katharina intimidate him. I also agree that the reason that he is not taken back by what they are saying is because he is not looking for love, more as he is looking for a woman who has money. I predict that he will meet Katharina and her strong and stern personality will not be lessened by Petruchio. If anything, I think that he will be surprised that things don't go quite as he planned.
In Act one from “The Taming of the Shrew” William Shakespeare uses analogies, exaggeration and foreshadowing to represent the dramatic irony of the situation between the three suitors of Bianca and Petruchio(the suitor of Katharina). In lines 125 through 127 Shakespeare writes, “As Anna to the Queen of Carthage was, Tranio, I burn, I pine, I perish, Tranio, If I achieve not this young modest girl”(I.I.125-127). Here Shakespeare uses a comparison between Anna and Dido and Lucentio and Tranio. He uses the comparison to show the friendship and tight bond between them two because Anna and the Queen of Carthage had a good relationship. He also uses hyperbole when Lucentio is explaining how he would burn or pine if he did not have this girl as his wife one day. This shows how Lucentio is a very dedicated and loyal individual who gets set on something and doesn’t stop until he achieves his goal. In this case, his goal is to marry Bianca. In lines 112 through 115 Shakespeare writes, “Yet for the love I bear my sweet Bianca, if I can by any means light on a fit man to teach her that wherein she delights, I will wish him to her father”(I.I.112-115). Here Shakespeare is using foreshadowing to show how the audience knew that Gremio and Hortensio were not the only suitors of Bianca. In this scene, they are both working together to find Kathrina a suitor and find a tutor for Bianca so that they both get the chance to have Bianca’s hand in marriage. Little did they know that Lucentio was also conjuring up a plan to tutor her and get to know her. Later in the scene, all three of them find out that they’re in love with Bianca.
In the beginning of Act 2 Scene 1, Bianca and Katherina have an argument about Katherina’s jealousy and envy of all the suitors Bianca is able to obtain while Katherina can not get a man to fall in love with her. In this first section of Act 2, Shakespeare uses indirect characterization to characterize Bianca. During the argument, Bianca says, “... Or what you will command me will I do, // So well I know my duty to my elders. //”. In this, Shakespeare helps portray Bianca as an obedient girl. She does not talk back and seems to be agreeable with anything. Also, “If you affect him, sister, here I swear / I’ll plead for you myself, but you shall have him. //”. When Bianca says this, it is showing a kind of dark side to Bianca. She is saying that she would seduce one of her suitors just for his money for Katherina, because she believes that Katherina is jealous because of Gremio’s wealth that Bianca could obtain. The reason why Katherina is so upset with Bianca is not because of jealousy, but because of her lifestyle she’s living. Katherina does not really care for the lifestyle she’s living right now because she does not really care about marriage or wealth. In a way, Shakespeare doesn’t just indirectly characterize Bianca, but also Katherina. In this argument, Katherina says, “O then, belike, you fancy riches more: // You will have Gremio to keep you fair. //”. In this passage, it would seem as if Katherina is envious of the men that have fallen for Bianca, but instead Katherina is just not happy with the lifestyle she’s living herself so she tries to put down Bianca’s life by saying that all Bianca really wants in life is wealth.
“Good sister, wrong me not, nor wrong yourself, To make a bondmaid and a slave of me; That I disdain: but for these other gawds, Unbind my hands, I’ll pull them off myself, Yea, all my raiment, to my petticoat; Or what you will command me will I do, So well I know my duty to my elders” (Bianca 28)
The passage is the opening lines of act 2 which brings an innocent tone for the reader. Act 2 begins with the questioning of which suitor Bianca likes best and Katherine is willing to do whatever to attain the information. Katherine even hurts her sister during the integration. The whole passage represents Bianca being a kind hearted person as she tells Katherine to not blame herself in the first line. She also tells Katherine she will give all her things if she unties her hands at the start of the fourth line. The final line gets interpreted into Bianca believing she needs to be loyal to her elders. As for literary devices seen in the passage, I noticed the use of repetition for the effect of rhythm. Examples would be seen in the first, fifth, and sixth line as the words: “wrong, my, and will” are being repeated twice. The repetition of words created an effect of a beat while Bianca was pleading for a solution. -Ethan Nguyen
I agree with your analysis of the characterization of Bianca shown in this passsage through the use of repetition. I also think that, not only does this passage show that Bianca believes in being loyal to her elders, but it also displays the kind of pushover characterization of Bianca. She is saying that she would do anything to get her sister's forgiveness and for Katherine to untie her hands. So not only does this passage show the kindness of Bianca but also the agreeingness of her personality.
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? Nay, come again, good Kate. I am a gentleman— KATHERINE That I’ll try. -She strikes him PETRUCHIO I swear I’ll cuff you if you strike again. KATHERINE So may you lose your arms. If you strike me, you are no gentleman, And if no gentleman, why then no arms.
This passage is taken from Act 2, scene one, and is one of the many instances of persiflage that take place between Petruchio and Katherine throughout this act. Katherine is once again on her toes about who and who shouldn’t marry her sister, Bianca. In this passage, Shakespeare writes of how both characters use a variety of anatomical diction to insult and hurt each other’s feelings. Later on right after this instance, Katherine and Petruchio use a variety of animal diction. These passages’ use of animal and anatomical diction creates a sort of comical tone for the passage. The constant bantering reminds readers of two children, and no one really takes them seriously. This passage also once again shows how different Katherine is from everybody else. Usually during the Shakespearean time period, it was unheard of that women would dare talk back to the far superior men. However, this doesn’t stop Katherine from stepping up for herself and her sister, showing how different she is from the rest of the characters in The Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare -Isaac Livingston
PETRUCHIO: Good Kate; I am a gentleman. KATHERINA: That I’ll try (she strikes him) PETRUCHIO: I swear I’ll cuff you, if you strike again. KATHERINA: So may you lose your arms: If you strike me, you are no gentleman; And if no gentleman, why then no arms.
Shakespeare uses situational irony to display Katherina’s stubbornness into maintaining authority. As Petruchio and Katherina quarrel over who can create the best comeback, Katherina challenges his fake kindness towards her by smacking him. Despite his efforts to stay calm, it is evident that Petruchio can no longer hold his anger toward the “devilish spirit” and burst into anger. He threatens to return the favor, challenging her opposition toward society’s gender roles. The situation is ironic because males tend to be the individual that women submit too especially in societies such as the one Petruchio and Katherina live in. Both characters display stubbornness, unable to compromise. Shakespeare shows how marriage won't workout without compromise in this passage. Issabell Melz
In Act Two of “The Taming of the Shrew” William Shakespeare uses harsh tones, vulgarity and metaphors to describe Petruchio as an arrogant man who is very rough towards women. In act two Petruchio is presented as a very confident man who is used to getting what he wants. In lines 123 through 130, Petruchio is discussing marrying Katharina with Baptista. Shakespeare writes, “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). He explains that he is as commanding as Katharina is proud which shows that he feels he can overpower her. He also states how fires can only be completely blown out by a great gust of wind. He uses a metaphor to explain how he is a fire and he is going to blow out the ‘fire’ or in this case diminish Katharina’s stern personality. Shakespeare writes, “Thus in plain terms: your father hath consented That you shall be my wife, your dowry 'greed on, And, will you, nill you, I will marry you”(II.I.259-261). Here Petruchio is telling Katharina that their marriage has already been agreed upon between him and her father and they will be married whether she likes it or not. Shakespeare uses harsh tones to show Petruchio’s demanding and arrogant personality.
Petruchio: “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.” This quote is a foreshadowing to the method that Petruchio will use in order to make Katherine yield to her as he “tames the shrew.” Shakespeare uses metaphors to emphasize Katherine’s fiery attitude and how Petruchio will use “extreme gusts” or extreme measures to overpower that independent attitude to make her more subservient and obedient towards Petruchio. The method that Petruchio uses to “tame” her involves many outbursts of what could easily be considered insanity and short-temperedness in order to bewilder Katherine and make her fear him. Petruchio uses the simile “for I am rough and woo not like a babe” to foreshadow that he will not be gentle in courting Katherine and will use extreme and rough tactics to further his own aims. Eventually he will wear down Katherine’s will until she is unable to resist anymore and succumbs to his unorthodox and strange behavior, exasperated at having to put up with it.
PETRUCHIO. “The shall go forward, Kate, at thy command. Obey the bride, you that attend on her; Go to the feast, revel and domineer, Carouse full measure to her maidenhead, Be mad and merry, or go hang yourselves: But for my bonny Kate, she must with me. Nay, look not big, nor stamp, nor stare, nor fret; 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 any thing; And here she stands, touch her whoever dare; I’ll 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: I’ll buckler thee against a million” Petruchio (III. ii. 52).
In this passage near the ending of Act III, Scene ii, Petruchio is forbidding anyone to stop him from taking Katherine with him wherever he is going. He plans to leave their wedding early, with Katherine, and go off somewhere. In these lines, Petruchio is treating Katherine as if she were property and not a human being; his wife. Shakespeare uses repetition to emphasize how much Petruchio claims Katherine as his “property”. In lines 9-11, the use of repetition is of, “She is my… my… she is my… // my… my… my… // my… my… my… //”. Petruchio is comparing Katherine to anything that he owns; his house, land, animals, etc., describing her as an object or prize that he had just won. He doesn’t think of her as a human being who can make decisions for herself, but as an object that has been added to his collection of things he owns and he would do anything to protect his “property”. Shakespeare also uses repetition in line 7 when using, “Nay… nor… nor… nor...//”. The repetition of this word helps tell the reader that Petruchio is not going to argue with anyone or get into any fights on taking Katherine with him since she is his “property” afterall. This passage helps portray the man Petruchio really is. In the previous act, he seemed all happy and interested to be getting married to Katherine but, previously in Act III, Scene ii, Petruchio comes up riding on a horse in raggedy old clothes and was not dressed for the part. He didn’t care how he looked on his wedding day, and now he wants to leave in the middle of the reception and not tell anyone where he is going.
Your analysis was clear and very descriptive with great points. Before reading the act 2, I didn’t notice the repetition of “my” or “nor” and your analysis really put the passage in a different perspective. The effect of repetition caused me to gain the knowledge knowing that Petruchio feels the need for all possession to be his. That all possessions belong and are controlled by himself which are exemplified between the comparison of Katherine and objects like house, field, and barn. At the end of the passage, a hyperbole is used, “I’ll buckler thee against a million” (Line 18). Petruchio is saying that he will protect Katherine from harmful men, even a million. -Ethan Nguyen
TRA: Let us entreat you stay till after dinner. PERT: It may not be. GRE: Let me entreat you. PET: It cannot be. KAT: Let me entreat you. PER: I’m content. KAT: Are you content to stay? PER: I am content you shall entreat me stay, But yet not stay, entreat me how you can.” (III, ii, 51)
At this point in the play, it’s not hard to tell that Shakespeare has created Petruchio as a sort of ironic character. He is always arguing with Katherine, like a child would with a friend or a sibling. This part of the story is when Petruchio arrives late at the wedding that was set for him and Katherine, but still insults Katherine, even though he arrived late and was wearing clothing that was highly inappropriate for the occasion. Even though him and Kate are totally humiliated, they continue on with the wedding, with Petruchio completely oblivious to the situation. Then, even after the awful situation, Petruchio declares that he has more important matters to attend to, and that he can’t stay for the family celebration. This results in everyone at the wedding begging for him to stay, at his own wedding. This creates a tone of comedy and satire for the scene, showing Petruchio’s pure ignorance for the situation. This enforces the undermining theme of domination throughout the Taming of the Shrew, by WIlliam Shakespeare.
I agree with all of the points that you made. It is clear that Petruchio is taking advantage of Katherina and her family. I believe that because she had never had a man give her any attention that is positive rather than negative, she accepts Petruchio's ignorance. I predict that she will continue to be dominated by his overpowering personality.
Petruchio “Gentlemen, it seems to me you’re both out of line to be laying down the law about things that are really up to me. I am no schoolboy, and I won’t be dictated to with hours and schedules. I’ll have my lessons in the order and manner I prefer. So to cut short this argument, let’s figure this out” At the beginning of act 3, scene 1, Bianca is in a feud between two teachers. Lucentio and Hortensio are fighting for her time and proving why the other does not deserve Bianca’s valued time. But it is Bianca who has the final say and feels like she has the ultimate decision to make. She claims that they have no right to be laying down rules already when it’s really up to her. Bianca lays down the hammer and says she is no school boy and cannot be controlled. It’s at the start of line 4 is where Bianca she gains empowerment by telling them she won’t be ran by hours or schedules. Instead, classes will be set in order by which she prefers or fits best in her time. This passage was important because it represents empowerment for the female character to withstand two men and eventually finding herself a solution that fits best for her desires. -Ethan Nguyen
LUC. Hic ibat, as I told you before, Simois, I am Lucentio, hic est, son unto Vincentio of Pisa, Sigeia tellus, disguised thus to get your love, Hic steterat, and that “Lucentio” that comes a-wooing, Priami is my man Tranio, regia, bearing my port, celsa senis, that we might beguile the old pantaloon.
HOR. Madam, my instrument's in tune.
BIAN. Let’s hear. O fiel the treble jars.
LUC. Spit in a hole, man, and tune it again.
BIAN. Now let me see if I can construe it: 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.
One of the first encounters of Bianca and the two suitors Lucentio and Hortensio alone, Shakespeare uses this passage to depict Bianca’s true loyalties and to challenge the concept of love at first sight. Seeming to talk in a secret language, as both Bianca and Lucentio ignore Hortensio's effort to woo the woman through music, both characters show effort into communicating to each other. Blind to the ironically obvious conversation, Hortensio struggles to gain time with Bianca as Lucentio begins to gain success. Although she states that she does not trust Lucentio, at the end of her statement she says “ despair not”, meaning don’t give up to show her interest in him. On the contrast, Bianca is humored by Hortensio’s inability to tune and almost immediately removed from their conversation without any direct affirmation that he has an advantage over marrying her. When Lucentio harshly states to Hortensio, “spit in a hole”, there is no opposition from Bianca, showing her subtle agreement against the music teacher. Although at this point in the play, Lucentio is on track to marrying the desired daughter, she still does not trust him, foreshadowing that he must prove he is trustworthy before the actual ceremony.
In “The Taming of the Shrew” William Shakespeare shows how Petruchio is untrustworthy. Shakespeare writes, “That Katherine and Petruchio should be married, And yet we hear not of our son-in-law”(III. I. 3-4). Here Baptista is explaining how Petruchio had not shown up on time after the fact that he basically forced the marriage upon not only Katharina, but also tricked Baptista into letting him marry her. He knew that if he continued to ask her father, he would not hesitate to say no to the marriage because every other man though so little of Katharina. Next in lines 16 through 19 Shakespeare writes, “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”. This is when Biondello informed Baptista that Petruchio was indeed coming, but he was coming in ragged clothing. As if it weren’t disrespectful enough that he had been late, but now is not properly dressed or even in condition to be having a wedding. Shakespeare uses visual imagery to create a dramatic tone. Everything is based on Petruchio and his next actions. Shakespeare shows how he is unprepared and not a reliable person.
Bianca: Take you your instrument, play you the whiles; His lecture will be done ere you have tuned. Hortensio: You’ll leave his lecture when I am in tune? Lucentio: That will be never: tune your instrument. These lines help illustrate the rivalry between the potential suitors of Bianca as well as emphasizing the contrast between their adoration of Bianca and their disdain towards Katherine. While they would insult Katherine and would try to avoid her, they would argue with each other when it comes to Bianca. In the scene, Hortensio and Lucentio are both vying for Bianca’s attention while trying to impede the efforts of the other. The two men would much prefer the milder and more timid Bianca over the outspoken and blunt Katherine. This scene also occurs when both men are disguised as tutors towards Baptista’s daughters in order to get closer to Bianca as pretending to be someone other than oneself is a motif that is repeated throughout the play. Petruchio also changes how he would normally act in order to bewilder Katherine by acting more short-tempered and in a way that would make the other characters question his sanity.
KATH. “The more my wrong, the more his spite appears: What, did he marry me to famish me? Beggars, that come unto my father’s door, If not, elsewhere they meet with charity: But I, who never knew how to entreat, Nor never needed that I should entreat, Am starved for meat, giddy for lack of sleep; With oaths kept walking, and with brawling fed: And that which spites me more than all these wants, He does it under name of perfect love; As who should say, if I should sleep or eat, “T were deadly sickness or else present death. I prithee go and get me some repast; I care not what, so it be wholesome food” Katherina (IV. iii. 63).
In this passage at the beginning of Act 4 Scene 3, Katherine is complaining to Grumio about her living conditions in Petruchio’s home. Petruchio is depriving her of food and sleep. Shakespeare uses repetition and creates a gloomy mood. In this entire passage, the way that Katherine is explaining her condition right now is a little depressing. It makes the reader feel kind of bad for her because of what she has to deal with right now. And Katherine doesn’t know that Petruchio is only doing this to “tame” her, but she thinks he is doing this because he “loves”her. If Petruchio really loved Katherine, he wouldn’t be trying to kill her; starving her and depriving her of sleep. Petruchio is treating Katherine more like a prisoner than a wife, and the worst part is is that he doesn’t feel the least bad for having to treat her like this. The way the situation is being portrayed to the reader creates a depressing mood because of the way that Katherine is being treated. The use of repetition helps bring out this mood. In line 1, the use of repetition is with the word “more”, “The more my wrong, the more his spite appears //”. With the repetition of “more”, it’s saying that whatever Katherine does, Petruchio is still being cruel to her and it his tone towards her gets worse whenever she does something that Petruchio doesn’t like. With knowing this, it helps the reader feel sympathetic towards Katherine. Also in lines 5-6, there is a use of repetition with the word “entreat”, “But I, who never knew how to entreat, // Nor never needed that I should entreat, //”. The use of the repetition of this word informs the reader of what Petruchio is doing to Katherine. Katherine is saying that never before has she ever had to beg and now that she has to to save herself, she doesn’t know how. She says that only beggars would have to beg at people’s doors and feet because they couldn’t afford a thing. Shakespeare compares the beggars to Katherine because, now, she has to act like a beggar. She went from getting whatever she wanted to having to beg for food. This helps bring out the dismal mood in Katherine’s situation.
KATH. “Fie, fie! unknit that threatening unkind brow; And dart not scornful glances from those eyes, To wound thy lord, thy king, thy governor: It blots thy beauty as frosts do bite the meads, Confounds thy fame as whirlwinds shake fair buds, And in no sense is meet or amiable. 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. Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, Thy head, thy sovereign; one that cares for thee, And for thy maintenance commits his body To painful labour both by sea and land, To watch the night in storms, the day in cold, Whilst thou liest warm at home, secure and safe; And craves no other tribute at thy hands 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? 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. Why are our bodies soft and weak and smooth, Unapt to toil and trouble in the world, But that our soft conditions? and our hearts Should well agree with our external parts? 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; But now I see our lances are but straws, Our strength as weak, our weakness past compare, That seeming to be most which we indeed least are. Then vail your stomachs, for it is no boot, And place your hands below your husband’s foot: In token of which duty, if he please, My hand is ready, may it do him ease.
In this passage, Katherina is making a speech to Bianca and Hortensio’s wife, talking about why they should obey their husbands. Shakespeare uses irony and repetition. In this entire passage, Katherina is discussing how unflattering and un-lady like it is to not obey their husbands. She says that every women should obey and listen to whatever their husbands tell them because their husbands do everything for them; mostly just work and make money to provide for his family. This whole passage is ironic because earlier on in the play, Katherina would break out in fits and arguments, disobeying her father, and talking back to other men. But now, she is telling Bianca, who always obeyed and listened to her father and elders, and Hortensio’s wife that they should be doing whatever their husbands tell/request them to do because it is the right thing to do. It is almost hypocritical for her to be making this speech. Shakespeare also uses repetition throughout this passage. In lines 3 and 9-10, the use of repetition is used with the word “thy”, “To wound thy lord, thy…, thy… //, “Thy husband is thy lord, thy…, thy…, // thy…, thy…; //”. With the recurrence of “thy”, Katherina is implying that the husband is the supreme. That nothing and no one can contain a higher status than their husband. The only reason why I think she is making this speech is because she knows that the men have made a bet on their wives, for some reason, and Katherina intended to win that bet for Petruchio’s self esteem.
Katherine “Then God be blessed, it is the blessed sun, But sun it is not when you say it is not, And the moon changes even as your mind. What you will have it named, even that it is, And so it shall be still for Katherine” (Act 4, Scene 5)
At this point, Katherine is nearly tamed by the harsh Petruchio. Katherine says this after Petruchio tells her the sun is really the moon. She has lost the courage and power of her freedom of speech. At the beginning of the play, Katherine was this sassy girl with no filter. But Petruchio has tamed her in order for her to act in such a slave like way. Katherine can care less for what she sees in life as she is tired and hungry. Petruchio is in such a dominant state over Katherine that he can define reality for her from this point going forward. Petruchio is in control of her celestial events and objects and therefore makes his victory become inevitable. After this, Katherine will be spiritless when she resists authority from her man. By now, the taming of Katherine is nearly complete.
I agree with your analysis of this part of the play. I also believe that by this point, Petruchio has been able to tame Katherina without her realizing it. I thought it was interesting when you stated, "Petruchio is in control of her celestial events and objects and therefore makes his victory become inevitable". I do think that Petruchio is taming her to do these things but also to make Katherina into a more fitting wife; one that is obedient and listens to their husband. At the beginning of the play, the audience can see Katheirna's personality; stubborn, dis-obedient, and rude. I think that Petruchio wanted to prove to everyone that Katherina's personality could change and he wanted to be the one that got the recognition of being able to change Katheirna, for his own self esteem. So not only did Petruchio do this for Katherina's own good, but I also believe that he wanted to get something out of taming her too.
I agree with your analysis as well and I also think that Katharina is blind to the fact that she is being taken advantage of. At this point, she is just doing whatever Petruchio wants or needs to keep him happy. Petruchio tends to draw things out as well as take things away from Katharina in the hope of 'taming' her and I think Katharina has now realized that things would be so much more simple if she just allowed Petruchio to have his way. I think she is still aware of her authority deep down, but doesn't want to have the struggle of contradicting Petruchio, at least not at this time.
'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! Throws the meat, & c. about the stage You heedless joltheads and unmannered slaves! What, do you grumble? I’ll be with you straight. I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet. The meat was well, if you were so contented. I tell thee, Kate, ’twas burnt and dried away. And I expressly am forbid to touch it, For it engenders choler, planteth anger; And better ’twere that both of us did fast, Since of ourselves, ourselves are choleric, Than feed it with such over-roasted flesh. Be patient, tomorrow ’t shall be mended, And, for this night, we’ll fast for company. (IV.I. 96-113)
the way trainers do with young hawks that flutter and flap and will not obey. She had no food today and will have none. Last night she got no sleep, and she won’t get any tonight. Just as I did with the meat, I’ll make up some problem with the way the bed is made, and throw the pillow one way and the cushion the other, and the blanket over here and the sheets over there. And through all the shouting and fuss, I’ll swear that it’s all out of love for her. The end result will be that she’ll sit up all night. And if she starts to drop off, I’ll rant and yell until I wake her up. This is how to kill a wife with kindness. And this way I’ll cure her wild and willful nature. If anyone here knows a better way to tame a shrew, speak up, please. It would be much appreciated. (IV.I.131-147)
In “The Taming of the Shrew” William Shakespeare shows how Petruchio is demanding and dramatic due to his doubt and insecurities that are constantly running through his mind because he is attempting to ‘tame’ his wife Katherina. In the first passage it shows how Petruchio is clearly very dramatic and also in a panic to tame his shrew of a wife. His impatient attitude and constant certainty in what the meat could do to him if he had eaten it clearly shows that he is just making excuses to have the food taken away. Shakespeare uses humor in the way that Petruchio is trying to tame his wife because the simple idea of attempting to ‘tame’ one's wife is silly itself. His demanding tone with his servant over such a little gesture shows that he is in panic and scared that he won’t be able to control his wife. In the second passage, Shakespeare shows how dramatic Petruchio is because of his insecurities that he won’t be able to tame his wife. Petruchio goes through so much plotting and scheming to ‘kill her with kindness’. He is trying to ‘cure’ Katharina as if she is sick with an illness, when in reality he is the one who needs to be cured because he married a woman with the idea that he needed to change her.
“HOR. Mistake no more: I am not Licio, Nor a musician, as I seem to be; But one that scorn to live in disguise, For such one as leaves a gentleman, And makes a god of such a cullion: Know, sir, that I am call’d Hortensio.
TRA. Signior Hortensio, I have often heard of your entire affection to Bianca; And since mine eyes are witness of her lightness, I will wit you, if you be so contented, Forswear Bianca and her love for ever.
…
HOR. Would all the world but he had quite forsworn! For me, that I may surely keep mine oath, I will be married to a wealthy widow, Ere three days pass, which hath as long loved me As I have loved this proud disdainful haggard. And so farewell, Signior Lucentio. Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, Shall win my love: and so I take my leave, In resolution as I swore before.” (Act IV. ii)
As Hortensio (dressed as a musician) and Tranio (disguised as Lucentio) observe Bianca and Lucentio (dressed as a tutor) from afar, Shakespeare uses situational irony to structure Hortensio’s reaffirmed emotions towards Bianca. Seeing that the two were flirting, the suitor immediately loses interest in the woman he spent ages lingering over. One would predict that men would become possessive and attempt to fight off potential threats to his chances at love, yet, Shakespeare unexpectedly does the opposite. Hortensio seems to give up in the game of disguises and now plans to marry a wealthy widow. Some individuals may view Hortensio as a cowardly character for his inability to pursue battling for Bianca, yet in this scene, Shakespeare subtly portrays the character’s maturity in finding true love. When Hortensio says “ Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, Shall win my love”, he gains maturity and strength to leave his childish self. I believe that through this scene, Shakespeare exhibits his underlying theme of how love based on lust is bound for disaster. The characters attracted to Bianca simply see perfection through beauty, thus expecting happiness and perfection in marriage as well. On the contrary, Hortensio shows contentment over marrying a widow, understanding the flaws that come with marriage, making his relationships predictably more successful than any with Bianca.
“KATE. Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, Thy head, thy sovereign, one that cares for thee, And for thy maintenance commits his body To painful labour both by sea and land, To watch the night in storms, the day in cold, Whilst thou liest warm at home, secure and safe, And craves no other tribute at thy hands But love, fair looks, and true obedience, Too little payment for so great a debt.
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; But now I see our lances are but straws, Our strength as weak, our weakness past compare, That seeming to be most which we indeed least are. Then vail your stomachs, for it is no boot, And place your hands below your husband’s foot, In token of which duty, if he please, My hand is ready, may it do him ease.” (V.ii.140–183)
At the end of the play, Katherine pours out her true thoughts. Her speech stuns all readers because it was a shocking transformation of Katherine’s opinions on marriage and men. The once hot-tempered Katherine now notices that Bianca and Hortensio’s widow are ungrateful beings for looking angrily at their husbands whom Katherine describes them as their kings, lords, and governors. In her speech, Katherine is saying that the husband must protect his wife and support her while the woman is “warm at home, secure and safe.” In return, the husband asks for kindness and obedience which represents the payment for, “so great a debt.” If the woman proves disrespectful, then she is unworthy to her husband. -Ethan Nguyen
I agree with your analysis of Act 5. It is interesting to see how much Kate acts in Act 5 compared to all of her previous actions in all of the previous acts. I think it is good that they were both finally able to move past their differences and opinions. Shakespeare shows that love can be found even in the most contrasting opinions.
Agreeing with Isaac on how love can be found in two opposing personalities, I believe in this scene Shakespeare displays a clever compromise between a couple that endlessly argues at the beginning of the play. I disagree that Kate feels unworthy. Her speech seems to have a tone of sarcasm, detailed to an extent where it was overplayed. She seems to exaggerate her views not only to endeavor convincing the ladies, but to Petruchio her insight in his plan to impress the other men. She is simply playing along instead of showing her true emotions
“Let’s follow them to see how this turns out. First kiss me, Kate, and then we will. What, here in the middle of the street? Why not? Are you ashamed of me? Certainly not! But I’m ashamed to kiss, sir. All right then, back home we go. (to GRUMIO) Come, fellow, let’s be off. No, wait. I will kiss you. (kisses him) Now please, love, stay. Isn’t this good? Come, my sweet Kate. Better late than never—and it’s never too late to change” (V.l. 121-131).
In “The Taming of the Shrew” William Shakespeare portrays Petruchio as a demanding and harsh husband. He depicts Kate as naive and gullible. In the beginning of the play, she was known as the shrew and a very stubborn woman. It is evident that she has changed because she is now willing to do whatever is necessary to make Petruchio happy. Petruchio is very manipulative and knows just what things will in a sense tame the shrew. He has fully tamed Katharina without her being aware of it which was his goal since he married her. Now that she is fully tamed, Petruchio isn’t going to know how to treat her and he may ending up not liking her because she has changed so much. He originally enjoyed the challenge of trying to change or tame her and now that she is fully changed to what he wants her to be, he will soon reach boredom in the relationship. The marriage was strictly based on money and he did not originally care what kind of person she was, but he has grown and has become attached to Kate and many things will begin to change. I predict that he will try to change her back or push her to go back to her old ways.
Your comment on that Petruchio will change Katherine back to her original ways is interesting. I too could see that happening since Petruchio was never requiring any true feelings toward Katherine. He was only in it for the reward of money. He finds the fun in the process of the taming and it’s really selfish and shows pour behavior from Petruchio. It could also be possible for Petruchio to not even care in the end result because with the satisfaction he had for taming such a hot-tempered person. Throughout the play, it was his goal to tame Katherine and when he finally does, he could feel the need to enjoy the relationship he has from that point and on. -Ethan Nguyen
“PETRUCHIO The fouler fortune mine, and there an end. Enter KATHERINE BAPTISTA Now, by my holidam, here comes Katherina! KATHERINE What is your will, sir, that you send for me? PETRUCHIO Where is your sister, and Hortensio’s wife? KATHERINE They sit conferring by the parlor fire. PETRUCHIO Go fetch them hither. If they deny to come, Swinge me them soundly forth unto their husbands. Away, I say, and bring them hither straight. Exit KATHERINE” (Act 5.ii.107-114)
This scene in Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare shows how much Katherine has changed throughout the scenes of the play. Just a while ago in a previous scene, there was a bet created between the married men of the story take a bet on whose wife will become more obedient. While both Hortensio’s and Lucentio’s wives refuse to take part in the game, surprisingly, Katherine agrees to cooperate willingly with Petruchio. Throughout the rest of the acts, Kate was often portrayed as rebellious and aggressive. In this passage, Kate willingly obeyed the commands and wishes of Petruchio, which is high in contrast compared to all of the previous quarrels the couple had. It appears to readers that Petruchio has finally “tamed the shrew”, that is Kate. All of Kate’s previous intentions have seemingly disappeared, getting rid of any traits that she had before, and pretty much creating a whole new character. This “taming” of Kate ends the Taming of the Shrew, which completes the play showing the possible love that can come between people, even through trial and struggle.
LUC. I’ll have no halves; I’ll bear it all myself … LUC. Here is a wonder, if you talk of a wonder.
HOR. And so it is. I wonder what is bodes.
PET. Marry, peace it bodes, and love, and quiet life, An awful rule, and right supremacy; And, to be short, what not, that’s sweet and happy?
BAP. Now, fair befal thee, good Petruchio! The wager thou hast won; and I will add Unto their losses twenty thousand crowns; Another dowry to another daughter, For she is changed, as she had never been.
PET. Nay, I will win my wager better yet, And show more sign of her obedience, Her new built virtue and obedience. See where she comes and brings your froward wives As prisoners to her womanly persuasion. (Act V, ii)
Shakespeare uses Act 5 to depict the development of multiple characters. Lucentio, being a man derived from a wealthy family, denies Baptista's offer into contributing to the wager. He stands as a flat character who shows independence throughout the play. Although has been dependent on others to maneuver his deceiving plans of disguise, he has always maintained control, a trait stagnant even at the end of the play. Opposing Lucentio, Petruchio's character was acquired through his greed toward money. At the beginning of the play, the man’s incentive into marrying Katherine came from the potential dowry he would earn. Yet, this scene displays how although he accepts the new wager from Baptista, Petruchio has other interests besides wealth: gratification through recognition. By proving to the others that he has tamed Kate, Petruchio now gains his father in laws further approval and riches. The last character developed is Baptista. Shakespeare reveals the father’s new loyalty toward the elder sister instead of Bianca. This may be the reason why Kate was so submissive to Petruchio; to finally gain her father's approval by surpassing Bianca. Changes in one individual’s personality clearly demonstrates altering in anothers’.
LORD. 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 to 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?
In this excerpt from the Induction, Shakespeare uses archaic diction, syntax, simile, and iambic pentameter to create a tone of disgust the Lord shows towards Sly. In this passage, the Lord walks into the bar to find Sly passed out on the counter. In the first line, Lord describes Sly as “O monstrous beast! how like a swine he lies!”. This simile is comparing how disgusting Sly is to be sleeping like this, having passed out from drinking so much ale, on a counter in a bar. Lord compares Sly sleeping like this to a pig in a gutter. Also, as in all of Shakespeare’s works, he uses iambic pentameter to have the words flow easily while the reader reads it, as in the line “A most delicious banquet by his bed,” or “Would not the beggar then forget himself?” Also, in this excerpt, Shakespeare uses syntax when saying, “...how like a swine he lies!” or “What think you…”. The purpose of doing this is to form the sentence creatively instead of just saying, “he lies like a swine” or “what do you think”. With this, Shakespeare has the reader thinking about the sentence more and the meaning to what his intention is behind this syntax. Shakespeare also uses archaic diction in all of his works, since he was writing his plays back in the days. For example, in this excerpt Shakespeare uses “swine”, “beggar”, and “thine”. Nowadays, people only use the word “swine” or hear it is when one is talking about swine flu. No one usually refers to “swine” when they are talking about a pig. Also, “beggar” is often referred to as a homeless person. And “thine” means yours. The use of archaic diction helps the reader understand how disgusting the Lord thinks Sly is.
“I’ll pheeze you, in faith.
ReplyDeleteA pair of stocks, you rogue!
Y’ are a baggage: the Slys are no rogues; look in the chronicles; we came in with Richard Conqueror. Therefore paucas pallabris; let the world slide: sessa!
You will not pay for the glasses you have burst?” (Page 1)
In the passage above, William Shake sphere uses diction and syntax to create a harsher tone. There is a noticeable. There is a noticeable difference in class between the hostess and Sly. The hostess comes of reasonable and rational while Sly comes off offensive. The hostess shows humility as she questions Sly, “You will not pay for the glasses you have burst?” (Line 5). She’s is asking if Sly is going to pay for the glasses he broke. But as most men in that era, Sly is easily tempered and fires back, “Y’ are a baggage. Look in the chronicles and sessa” (Lines 3-4).This can be interpreted by calling the hostess a whore and, telling her to read her history and to shut up. It was more common for men to disrespect women as if they were of less value. It is demonstrated through the diction that women have empowerment or rights. The syntax of the sentences suggests a less educated class of people. The sentences appear to be simple and not that complex. They’re straight to the point and present no further meaning than what has to be said. Shakespeare focuses on the realism of depicting different class of people as he uses diction and syntax.
-Ethan Nguyen
Induction, Page 2
ReplyDeleteLORD:
“Then, take him up and manage well the jest:
Carry him gently into my fairest chamber
And hang it round with all my walton pictures:
Balm his head in warm distilled waters....”
In this section of Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, the character, LORD, uses many forms of commanding diction and language. This differs him from the other characters, as he is the only character seen to use this type of diction throughout the Induction. Over the course of this quote, LORD uses a total of 18 commanding verbs over the course of 26 lines. These include words like carry, hang, balm, burn, procure, make, and so on and so forth. No other characters are seen using this many types of commanding verbs. This section, along with other sections when LORD talks, differs him from the other characters, as LORD is simply shown off as a lord over everybody else, as he is the one giving commands. This creates a commanding dominating effect for this section of the play. I believe the purpose of the induction was to spark interest in the play. Straight off the first page, Shakespeare creates a conflict, shows off humor and the personalities in the play, and introduces (possibly) many of the characters that readers will see later on. Shakespeare uses LORD’s controlling diction and his humorous tricks to show the differences between classes and to create a meaning to the induction of Taming of the Shrew.
-Isaac Livingston
In the Induction of “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare, archaic diction is used to show the comparison of classes between the characters. In line nine Shakespeare says, “I know my remedy; I must go fetch the thirdborough”. Here Shakespeare uses the word ‘fetch’ instead of retrieve. He also uses the word ‘thirdborough’ instead of saying the police officer. Host explains how he knows what will solve the problem and the solution is to call a policeman to arrest the man for refusing to pay for the glasses. This shows how the Hostess is of higher class because she can simply just go ‘fetch’ a policeman with no problem as if she does it on the regular. In lines five of the Induction Scene Two, Shakespeare writes, “Will’t please your honour taste of these conserves?” It is apparent that this person is of a lower class because they are serving another person. The servant asking so politely and using ‘your honour’ shows that she is less than who she is serving. Shakespeare uses archaic diction when he states, ‘will’t’ instead of saying would you. He also uses the word ‘conserves’ instead of using fruit.
ReplyDelete“Huntsman, I charge thee, tender well my hounds:” (Page 1)
ReplyDelete“An’t please your honour, players that offer service to your lordship” (Page 3)
“So please your lordship to accept our duty.” (Page 4)
“O noble lord, bethink thee of thy birth, Call home thy ancient thoughts from banishment, and banish hence these abject lowly dreams” (Page 6)
Using these quotes, William Shakespeare shows the differences between the socials standing of lords, with a high social standing, in comparison to peasants. The first quote is used to emphasize the power and authority held by the Lord over his subordinates such as the huntsmen as well as showing his large wealth and luxurious lifestyle. Hunting is a common sport among the lords during this time period as the noble class tends to be able to more freely enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle. To show the lower side of the social classes is the players who say the third quote to the Lord, which shows the deference and respect that the Players use towards the Lord. This clearly shows the higher social status of the Lord as opposed to the players. The fourth quote I used shows the clear distinctions of the lord and the peasants as the Lord, disguised as a servant, exclaims how ridiculous the thought of a lord being a tinkerer is and describing is as “abject lowly dreams” and saying that Sly should “bethink thee of thy birth.”
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBIANCA. “Sister, content you in my discontent.
ReplyDeleteSir, to your pleasure humbly I subscribe:
My books and instruments shall be my company,
On them to look and practise by myself” Bianca (I.i.13).
In this passage, Bianca uses iambic irony and passive voice when she obeys her father after he tells her to go inside. Shakespeare uses these literary devices to characterize Bianca as someone who obeys and listens, the opposite of Katherina who voices her opinion out whenever she feels the need to. Describing Bianca like this, Shakespeare also portrays her as a girl who would not object to being a “servant” to her husband because of her agreeable personality. Bianca is someone who stays inside her shell and doesn’t stand up for herself; she isn’t independent. She depends on someone else to tell her what to do rather than expressing her feelings and taking control of herself. Her and Katherina are exact opposites of each other. Katherina shows qualities of an independent and strong woman while Bianca shows qualities of having to depend on someone to tell her what to do. Shakespeare uses irony, “My books and instruments shall be my company, // On them to look and practise by myself”. In this time period, many women were not allowed the privilege to learn, but since Baptista wants to hire tutors to help Bianca learn information, she will really be applying this information to her life as she grows up. Also because she’s agreeing to marry a suitor that her father has picked out, meaning that she listens and obeys instead of expressing her opinions on if there is someone she would like to marry or anything else. The use of passive voice in the second line of this passage, “Sir, to your pleasure humbly subscribe: //”, tells the reader that Bianca is very obedient. She does not talk back to her father and she is very well-mannered.
It’s in the first page of act 1 where William Shakesphere describes Padua as, “To see fair Padua, nursery of arts” (Page 11). Shakesphere uses point of view and personification to create a settle tone for the reader. In today’s generation, people don’t talk about a place as if it was a person. When reading this line, I could see how Padua could be a person. The point of view empowers the thought of Padua being a bigger deal than just a place. A sense of a more personal relationship between the reader and Padua was brought upon. The arts is given life when Shakesphere writes, “nursery of arts” (Page 11). It’s implying that the town has been appreciative and thankful for the arts since the beginning of time. Just like my blog before, I explained the equality in men and women. Men felt they needed to prove their dominance and earn the respect they thrive for. As for women, they stayed home taking care of the house while men choose whatever to do. It was a traditional lifestyle for women to be paired up random men as, “Because I know you well and love you well. Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure” (Page 12). Baptista isn’t considering what her daughter wants but only his personal reason. Women weren’t given the opportunity to showcase their capabilities and therefore the inequality between men and women. The only skills women could showcase were their cooking or love toward her family. The theme of inequality will remain visible as the book moves on.
ReplyDelete-Ethan Nguyen
I agree with your analysis about how the personification makes Padua sound as if it were a human being. With the point of view, I also believe that it could display a sense of life in Padua; that so many people appreciated that place because of its reputation of having very good schools. I also agree with how, back in the days, men would be the one getting an education and jobs while women would just be taking care of the house and family. This is why I thought it was very ironic that Baptista wanted to hire tutors for Bianca because, usually, women wouldn't really be able to get an education and if they did, not many places would give them a job because it just was not normal for a woman to be working in that time period.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteSLY. Are you my wife and will not call me husband? My men should call me “lord”: I am your good man.
PAGE. My husband and my lord, my lord and husband; I am your wife in all obedience. (Page 8-9)
In the scene II of the Induction, Shakespeare introduces the theme of inevitable roles that individuals obtain in society. Once presented with a wife, Christopher Sly was easily deceptive towards the lie the Lord inducted. Although status based on wealth play a major role into his work, Shakespeare also endeavors to criticize gender roles through this except. Proceeding the questioning of why Page called him lord, the author uses refrain of “lord” and “husband” to emphasize how although the two are in companionship with one another through marriage, the woman prevails as less than the man. Sly states that it would be obvious for servants to call him “Lord”, but the society also places the wife equivalent to the servants. This idea shows evidence when she states “I am your wife in all obedience”, correlating to the duties of a attendant. Perhaps the introduction of the challenges of gender roles foreshadows a greater theme that will later be constructed throughout the play.
Katherine:
ReplyDeleteI pray you, sir, is it your will
To make a stale of me amongst these mates?
Hortensio:
“Mates,” maid? How mean you that? No mates for you,
Unless you were of gentler, milder mold.
Katherine:
I’ faith, sir, you shall never need to fear.
Iwis it is not halfway to her heart.
But if it were, doubt not her care should be
To comb your noddle with a three-legged stool
And paint your face and use you like a fool.
In Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare, Katherine, or Kate, takes the leading female role in the story. Readers can easily see that Katherine is not similar to other woman during the Shakespearean time period. She is very brash, intelligent, and always cuts straight to the point in her dialogue. On lines 56-58 of act 1 scene 1, Katherine quotes “I pray you, sir, is it your will
To make a stale of me amongst these mates?” She is talking to her father, and she blatantly accuses him of attempting to pretty much sell her off to men. Katherine’s father does this because as soon as Katherine marries, the younger, more beautiful daughter, Bianca, would be able to marry. However, this seemingly outrageous act is not surprising, as in Shakespeare’s day, marriage was most often for the money and title, rather than love. Katherine acts the way she does not because she is dumb and unattractive, but for the sake that both her and her sister can marry the one true love in their lives, rather than simply marry a man for riches. Katherine’s search for true love can be defined in the title of the play: “Taming of The Shrew”. With Katherine playing the role of the shrew, it will be up to characters, such as Petruchio, to “tame” the wild shrew. Shakespeare uses this character of an independent woman to further develop the interesting plot line in Taming of the Shrew.
I agree with your analysis of Baptista’s motives in determining that Katherine should marry first in order to marry off the daughter who would be harder to find a husband for. I also agree with your description of her character and I believe that it is that very character that conflicts with traditional views of women during the time that the Taming of the Shrew is taking place. This abnormal character in that time period repulses her possible suitors as they would prefer a lady who fits their standards for femininity such as Bianca who seems to be quiet, modest, and unwilling to stand against the wishes of her father. Society at that time is definitely dominated by males while females are frowned upon for trying to be independent or intelligent due to their sexist views.
DeleteGremio: To cart her rather: she’s too rough for me. There, there, Hortensio, will you any wife?
ReplyDeleteKatherine: I pray you, sir, is it your will to make a stale of me amongst these mates?
Hortensio: Mates, maid! How mean you that? No mates for you, Unless you were of gentler, milder mould.
This passage in Act one of Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare gives insight into traditional ideas of femininity and gender roles during the time that the play takes place. In the passage, Gremio and Hortensio would insult Katherine saying that she would not be able to find a suitable marriage partner due to her being too rough and not “of gentler, milder mould.” Gremio and Hortensio’s dialogue shows how women are expected to act in their patriarchal society where women are expected to be subservient to the men. Even Baptista would treat his daughters with a domineering attitude, while he may still care for them, and utilizes his position as their father to determine who they could marry even without their consent. Simply because Katherine doesn’t fit their definition of how a lady should act then they do not hesitate to defame her and ridicule her. Due to their sexist views, that seem to be normal when taking the time that the play takes place into account, it is easy to tell that an ideal woman in their view is one who would be meek and modest and would be subservient to her husband.
“PETRUCHIO. Why came I hither but to that intent? Think you a little din can daunt mine ears? Have I not in my time heard lions roar? Have I not heard the sea, puffed up with winds, Rage like an angry boar chafèd with sweat? Have I not heard great ordnance in the field, And heaven’s artillery thunder in the skies? Have I not in a pitchèd battle heard Loud 'larums, neighing steeds, and trumpets' clang? And do you tell me of a woman’s tongue That gives not half so great a blow to hear As will a chestnut in a farmer’s fire? Tush, tush! Fear boys with bugs.” (24-25)
ReplyDeleteAs Hortensio endeavors to forewarn Petruchio about Katherine’s stubbornness and unwillingness to be married in the second scene of Act I, Shakespeare’s use of visual imagery during Petruchio’s response illustrates the character’s confidence. Despite how Katherine at the opening of Act I manifests as an opposition of society’s standards of inferiority of women, Petruchio counters this through his fearlessness. In the passage above, he gives numerous examples of traitorous events such as “Have I not in my time heard lions roar?” that subordinate Katherine, making her lesser than him, a male. In addition, Petruchio does not anguish her hostility because he seeks not for love, but the riches of Baptista. In the future, I as a reader predict that Petruchio will succeed in gaining superiority over Katherina and she will submit to him completely. Even if Lucentio is able to attain true love with Bianca, this proves the theme of how true love comes with a severe consequence. In this case, Katherine’s unableness to achieve defiance over society.
I agree and think you make a very good point about how Petruchio is fearless and does not let what Hortensio and Gremio say about Katharina intimidate him. I also agree that the reason that he is not taken back by what they are saying is because he is not looking for love, more as he is looking for a woman who has money. I predict that he will meet Katharina and her strong and stern personality will not be lessened by Petruchio. If anything, I think that he will be surprised that things don't go quite as he planned.
DeleteIn Act one from “The Taming of the Shrew” William Shakespeare uses analogies, exaggeration and foreshadowing to represent the dramatic irony of the situation between the three suitors of Bianca and Petruchio(the suitor of Katharina). In lines 125 through 127 Shakespeare writes, “As Anna to the Queen of Carthage was, Tranio, I burn, I pine, I perish, Tranio, If I achieve not this young modest girl”(I.I.125-127). Here Shakespeare uses a comparison between Anna and Dido and Lucentio and Tranio. He uses the comparison to show the friendship and tight bond between them two because Anna and the Queen of Carthage had a good relationship. He also uses hyperbole when Lucentio is explaining how he would burn or pine if he did not have this girl as his wife one day. This shows how Lucentio is a very dedicated and loyal individual who gets set on something and doesn’t stop until he achieves his goal. In this case, his goal is to marry Bianca. In lines 112 through 115 Shakespeare writes, “Yet for the love I bear my sweet Bianca, if I can by any means light on a fit man to teach her that wherein she delights, I will wish him to her father”(I.I.112-115). Here Shakespeare is using foreshadowing to show how the audience knew that Gremio and Hortensio were not the only suitors of Bianca. In this scene, they are both working together to find Kathrina a suitor and find a tutor for Bianca so that they both get the chance to have Bianca’s hand in marriage. Little did they know that Lucentio was also conjuring up a plan to tutor her and get to know her. Later in the scene, all three of them find out that they’re in love with Bianca.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of Act 2 Scene 1, Bianca and Katherina have an argument about Katherina’s jealousy and envy of all the suitors Bianca is able to obtain while Katherina can not get a man to fall in love with her. In this first section of Act 2, Shakespeare uses indirect characterization to characterize Bianca. During the argument, Bianca says, “... Or what you will command me will I do, // So well I know my duty to my elders. //”. In this, Shakespeare helps portray Bianca as an obedient girl. She does not talk back and seems to be agreeable with anything. Also, “If you affect him, sister, here I swear / I’ll plead for you myself, but you shall have him. //”. When Bianca says this, it is showing a kind of dark side to Bianca. She is saying that she would seduce one of her suitors just for his money for Katherina, because she believes that Katherina is jealous because of Gremio’s wealth that Bianca could obtain. The reason why Katherina is so upset with Bianca is not because of jealousy, but because of her lifestyle she’s living. Katherina does not really care for the lifestyle she’s living right now because she does not really care about marriage or wealth. In a way, Shakespeare doesn’t just indirectly characterize Bianca, but also Katherina. In this argument, Katherina says, “O then, belike, you fancy riches more: // You will have Gremio to keep you fair. //”. In this passage, it would seem as if Katherina is envious of the men that have fallen for Bianca, but instead Katherina is just not happy with the lifestyle she’s living herself so she tries to put down Bianca’s life by saying that all Bianca really wants in life is wealth.
ReplyDelete“Good sister, wrong me not, nor wrong yourself,
ReplyDeleteTo make a bondmaid and a slave of me;
That I disdain: but for these other gawds,
Unbind my hands, I’ll pull them off myself,
Yea, all my raiment, to my petticoat;
Or what you will command me will I do,
So well I know my duty to my elders” (Bianca 28)
The passage is the opening lines of act 2 which brings an innocent tone for the reader. Act 2 begins with the questioning of which suitor Bianca likes best and Katherine is willing to do whatever to attain the information. Katherine even hurts her sister during the integration. The whole passage represents Bianca being a kind hearted person as she tells Katherine to not blame herself in the first line. She also tells Katherine she will give all her things if she unties her hands at the start of the fourth line. The final line gets interpreted into Bianca believing she needs to be loyal to her elders. As for literary devices seen in the passage, I noticed the use of repetition for the effect of rhythm. Examples would be seen in the first, fifth, and sixth line as the words: “wrong, my, and will” are being repeated twice. The repetition of words created an effect of a beat while Bianca was pleading for a solution.
-Ethan Nguyen
I agree with your analysis of the characterization of Bianca shown in this passsage through the use of repetition. I also think that, not only does this passage show that Bianca believes in being loyal to her elders, but it also displays the kind of pushover characterization of Bianca. She is saying that she would do anything to get her sister's forgiveness and for Katherine to untie her hands. So not only does this passage show the kindness of Bianca but also the agreeingness of her personality.
ReplyDeleteKATHERINE
ReplyDeleteIn his tongue.
PETRUCHIO
Whose tongue?
KATHERINE
Yours, if you talk of tales, and so farewell.
PETRUCHIO
What, with my tongue in your tail?
Nay, come again, good Kate. I am a gentleman—
KATHERINE
That I’ll try. -She strikes him
PETRUCHIO
I swear I’ll cuff you if you strike again.
KATHERINE
So may you lose your arms.
If you strike me, you are no gentleman,
And if no gentleman, why then no arms.
This passage is taken from Act 2, scene one, and is one of the many instances of persiflage that take place between Petruchio and Katherine throughout this act. Katherine is once again on her toes about who and who shouldn’t marry her sister, Bianca. In this passage, Shakespeare writes of how both characters use a variety of anatomical diction to insult and hurt each other’s feelings. Later on right after this instance, Katherine and Petruchio use a variety of animal diction. These passages’ use of animal and anatomical diction creates a sort of comical tone for the passage. The constant bantering reminds readers of two children, and no one really takes them seriously. This passage also once again shows how different Katherine is from everybody else. Usually during the Shakespearean time period, it was unheard of that women would dare talk back to the far superior men. However, this doesn’t stop Katherine from stepping up for herself and her sister, showing how different she is from the rest of the characters in The Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare
-Isaac Livingston
PETRUCHIO: Good Kate; I am a gentleman.
ReplyDeleteKATHERINA: That I’ll try (she strikes him)
PETRUCHIO: I swear I’ll cuff you, if you strike again.
KATHERINA: So may you lose your arms: If you strike me, you are no gentleman; And if no gentleman, why then no arms.
Shakespeare uses situational irony to display Katherina’s stubbornness into maintaining authority. As Petruchio and Katherina quarrel over who can create the best comeback, Katherina challenges his fake kindness towards her by smacking him. Despite his efforts to stay calm, it is evident that Petruchio can no longer hold his anger toward the “devilish spirit” and burst into anger. He threatens to return the favor, challenging her opposition toward society’s gender roles. The situation is ironic because males tend to be the individual that women submit too especially in societies such as the one Petruchio and Katherina live in. Both characters display stubbornness, unable to compromise. Shakespeare shows how marriage won't workout without compromise in this passage.
Issabell Melz
In Act Two of “The Taming of the Shrew” William Shakespeare uses harsh tones, vulgarity and metaphors to describe Petruchio as an arrogant man who is very rough towards women. In act two Petruchio is presented as a very confident man who is used to getting what he wants. In lines 123 through 130, Petruchio is discussing marrying Katharina with Baptista. Shakespeare writes, “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). He explains that he is as commanding as Katharina is proud which shows that he feels he can overpower her. He also states how fires can only be completely blown out by a great gust of wind. He uses a metaphor to explain how he is a fire and he is going to blow out the ‘fire’ or in this case diminish Katharina’s stern personality. Shakespeare writes, “Thus in plain terms: your father hath consented That you shall be my wife, your dowry 'greed on, And, will you, nill you, I will marry you”(II.I.259-261). Here Petruchio is telling Katharina that their marriage has already been agreed upon between him and her father and they will be married whether she likes it or not. Shakespeare uses harsh tones to show Petruchio’s demanding and arrogant personality.
ReplyDeletePetruchio: “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.”
ReplyDeleteThis quote is a foreshadowing to the method that Petruchio will use in order to make Katherine yield to her as he “tames the shrew.” Shakespeare uses metaphors to emphasize Katherine’s fiery attitude and how Petruchio will use “extreme gusts” or extreme measures to overpower that independent attitude to make her more subservient and obedient towards Petruchio. The method that Petruchio uses to “tame” her involves many outbursts of what could easily be considered insanity and short-temperedness in order to bewilder Katherine and make her fear him. Petruchio uses the simile “for I am rough and woo not like a babe” to foreshadow that he will not be gentle in courting Katherine and will use extreme and rough tactics to further his own aims. Eventually he will wear down Katherine’s will until she is unable to resist anymore and succumbs to his unorthodox and strange behavior, exasperated at having to put up with it.
PETRUCHIO. “The shall go forward, Kate, at thy command.
ReplyDeleteObey the bride, you that attend on her;
Go to the feast, revel and domineer,
Carouse full measure to her maidenhead,
Be mad and merry, or go hang yourselves:
But for my bonny Kate, she must with me.
Nay, look not big, nor stamp, nor stare, nor fret;
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 any thing;
And here she stands, touch her whoever dare;
I’ll 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:
I’ll buckler thee against a million” Petruchio (III. ii. 52).
In this passage near the ending of Act III, Scene ii, Petruchio is forbidding anyone to stop him from taking Katherine with him wherever he is going. He plans to leave their wedding early, with Katherine, and go off somewhere. In these lines, Petruchio is treating Katherine as if she were property and not a human being; his wife. Shakespeare uses repetition to emphasize how much Petruchio claims Katherine as his “property”. In lines 9-11, the use of repetition is of, “She is my… my… she is my… // my… my… my… // my… my… my… //”. Petruchio is comparing Katherine to anything that he owns; his house, land, animals, etc., describing her as an object or prize that he had just won. He doesn’t think of her as a human being who can make decisions for herself, but as an object that has been added to his collection of things he owns and he would do anything to protect his “property”. Shakespeare also uses repetition in line 7 when using, “Nay… nor… nor… nor...//”. The repetition of this word helps tell the reader that Petruchio is not going to argue with anyone or get into any fights on taking Katherine with him since she is his “property” afterall. This passage helps portray the man Petruchio really is. In the previous act, he seemed all happy and interested to be getting married to Katherine but, previously in Act III, Scene ii, Petruchio comes up riding on a horse in raggedy old clothes and was not dressed for the part. He didn’t care how he looked on his wedding day, and now he wants to leave in the middle of the reception and not tell anyone where he is going.
Your analysis was clear and very descriptive with great points. Before reading the act 2, I didn’t notice the repetition of “my” or “nor” and your analysis really put the passage in a different perspective. The effect of repetition caused me to gain the knowledge knowing that Petruchio feels the need for all possession to be his. That all possessions belong and are controlled by himself which are exemplified between the comparison of Katherine and objects like house, field, and barn. At the end of the passage, a hyperbole is used, “I’ll buckler thee against a million” (Line 18). Petruchio is saying that he will protect Katherine from harmful men, even a million.
Delete-Ethan Nguyen
TRA: Let us entreat you stay till after dinner.
ReplyDeletePERT: It may not be.
GRE: Let me entreat you.
PET: It cannot be.
KAT: Let me entreat you.
PER: I’m content.
KAT: Are you content to stay?
PER: I am content you shall entreat me stay,
But yet not stay, entreat me how you can.” (III, ii, 51)
At this point in the play, it’s not hard to tell that Shakespeare has created Petruchio as a sort of ironic character. He is always arguing with Katherine, like a child would with a friend or a sibling. This part of the story is when Petruchio arrives late at the wedding that was set for him and Katherine, but still insults Katherine, even though he arrived late and was wearing clothing that was highly inappropriate for the occasion. Even though him and Kate are totally humiliated, they continue on with the wedding, with Petruchio completely oblivious to the situation. Then, even after the awful situation, Petruchio declares that he has more important matters to attend to, and that he can’t stay for the family celebration. This results in everyone at the wedding begging for him to stay, at his own wedding. This creates a tone of comedy and satire for the scene, showing Petruchio’s pure ignorance for the situation. This enforces the undermining theme of domination throughout the Taming of the Shrew, by WIlliam Shakespeare.
I agree with all of the points that you made. It is clear that Petruchio is taking advantage of Katherina and her family. I believe that because she had never had a man give her any attention that is positive rather than negative, she accepts Petruchio's ignorance. I predict that she will continue to be dominated by his overpowering personality.
DeletePetruchio
ReplyDelete“Gentlemen, it seems to me you’re both out of line to be
laying down the law about things that are really up to
me. I am no schoolboy, and I won’t be dictated to with
hours and schedules. I’ll have my lessons in the order
and manner I prefer. So to cut short this argument, let’s
figure this out”
At the beginning of act 3, scene 1, Bianca is in a feud between two teachers. Lucentio and Hortensio are fighting for her time and proving why the other does not deserve Bianca’s valued time. But it is Bianca who has the final say and feels like she has the ultimate decision to make. She claims that they have no right to be laying down rules already when it’s really up to her. Bianca lays down the hammer and says she is no school boy and cannot be controlled. It’s at the start of line 4 is where Bianca she gains empowerment by telling them she won’t be ran by hours or schedules. Instead, classes will be set in order by which she prefers or fits best in her time. This passage was important because it represents empowerment for the female character to withstand two men and eventually finding herself a solution that fits best for her desires.
-Ethan Nguyen
ReplyDeleteLUC. Hic ibat, as I told you before, Simois, I am Lucentio, hic est, son unto Vincentio of Pisa, Sigeia tellus, disguised thus to get your love, Hic steterat, and that “Lucentio” that comes a-wooing, Priami is my man Tranio, regia, bearing my port, celsa senis, that we might beguile the old pantaloon.
HOR. Madam, my instrument's in tune.
BIAN. Let’s hear. O fiel the treble jars.
LUC. Spit in a hole, man, and tune it again.
BIAN. Now let me see if I can construe it: 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.
One of the first encounters of Bianca and the two suitors Lucentio and Hortensio alone, Shakespeare uses this passage to depict Bianca’s true loyalties and to challenge the concept of love at first sight. Seeming to talk in a secret language, as both Bianca and Lucentio ignore Hortensio's effort to woo the woman through music, both characters show effort into communicating to each other. Blind to the ironically obvious conversation, Hortensio struggles to gain time with Bianca as Lucentio begins to gain success. Although she states that she does not trust Lucentio, at the end of her statement she says “ despair not”, meaning don’t give up to show her interest in him. On the contrast, Bianca is humored by Hortensio’s inability to tune and almost immediately removed from their conversation without any direct affirmation that he has an advantage over marrying her. When Lucentio harshly states to Hortensio, “spit in a hole”, there is no opposition from Bianca, showing her subtle agreement against the music teacher. Although at this point in the play, Lucentio is on track to marrying the desired daughter, she still does not trust him, foreshadowing that he must prove he is trustworthy before the actual ceremony.
In “The Taming of the Shrew” William Shakespeare shows how Petruchio is untrustworthy. Shakespeare writes, “That Katherine and Petruchio should be married, And yet we hear not of our son-in-law”(III. I. 3-4). Here Baptista is explaining how Petruchio had not shown up on time after the fact that he basically forced the marriage upon not only Katharina, but also tricked Baptista into letting him marry her. He knew that if he continued to ask her father, he would not hesitate to say no to the marriage because every other man though so little of Katharina. Next in lines 16 through 19 Shakespeare writes, “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”. This is when Biondello informed Baptista that Petruchio was indeed coming, but he was coming in ragged clothing. As if it weren’t disrespectful enough that he had been late, but now is not properly dressed or even in condition to be having a wedding. Shakespeare uses visual imagery to create a dramatic tone. Everything is based on Petruchio and his next actions. Shakespeare shows how he is unprepared and not a reliable person.
ReplyDeleteBianca: Take you your instrument, play you the whiles; His lecture will be done ere you have tuned.
ReplyDeleteHortensio: You’ll leave his lecture when I am in tune?
Lucentio: That will be never: tune your instrument.
These lines help illustrate the rivalry between the potential suitors of Bianca as well as emphasizing the contrast between their adoration of Bianca and their disdain towards Katherine. While they would insult Katherine and would try to avoid her, they would argue with each other when it comes to Bianca. In the scene, Hortensio and Lucentio are both vying for Bianca’s attention while trying to impede the efforts of the other. The two men would much prefer the milder and more timid Bianca over the outspoken and blunt Katherine. This scene also occurs when both men are disguised as tutors towards Baptista’s daughters in order to get closer to Bianca as pretending to be someone other than oneself is a motif that is repeated throughout the play. Petruchio also changes how he would normally act in order to bewilder Katherine by acting more short-tempered and in a way that would make the other characters question his sanity.
KATH. “The more my wrong, the more his spite appears:
ReplyDeleteWhat, did he marry me to famish me?
Beggars, that come unto my father’s door,
If not, elsewhere they meet with charity:
But I, who never knew how to entreat,
Nor never needed that I should entreat,
Am starved for meat, giddy for lack of sleep;
With oaths kept walking, and with brawling fed:
And that which spites me more than all these wants,
He does it under name of perfect love;
As who should say, if I should sleep or eat,
“T were deadly sickness or else present death.
I prithee go and get me some repast;
I care not what, so it be wholesome food” Katherina (IV. iii. 63).
In this passage at the beginning of Act 4 Scene 3, Katherine is complaining to Grumio about her living conditions in Petruchio’s home. Petruchio is depriving her of food and sleep. Shakespeare uses repetition and creates a gloomy mood. In this entire passage, the way that Katherine is explaining her condition right now is a little depressing. It makes the reader feel kind of bad for her because of what she has to deal with right now. And Katherine doesn’t know that Petruchio is only doing this to “tame” her, but she thinks he is doing this because he “loves”her. If Petruchio really loved Katherine, he wouldn’t be trying to kill her; starving her and depriving her of sleep. Petruchio is treating Katherine more like a prisoner than a wife, and the worst part is is that he doesn’t feel the least bad for having to treat her like this. The way the situation is being portrayed to the reader creates a depressing mood because of the way that Katherine is being treated. The use of repetition helps bring out this mood. In line 1, the use of repetition is with the word “more”, “The more my wrong, the more his spite appears //”. With the repetition of “more”, it’s saying that whatever Katherine does, Petruchio is still being cruel to her and it his tone towards her gets worse whenever she does something that Petruchio doesn’t like. With knowing this, it helps the reader feel sympathetic towards Katherine. Also in lines 5-6, there is a use of repetition with the word “entreat”, “But I, who never knew how to entreat, // Nor never needed that I should entreat, //”. The use of the repetition of this word informs the reader of what Petruchio is doing to Katherine. Katherine is saying that never before has she ever had to beg and now that she has to to save herself, she doesn’t know how. She says that only beggars would have to beg at people’s doors and feet because they couldn’t afford a thing. Shakespeare compares the beggars to Katherine because, now, she has to act like a beggar. She went from getting whatever she wanted to having to beg for food. This helps bring out the dismal mood in Katherine’s situation.
KATH. “Fie, fie! unknit that threatening unkind brow;
ReplyDeleteAnd dart not scornful glances from those eyes,
To wound thy lord, thy king, thy governor:
It blots thy beauty as frosts do bite the meads,
Confounds thy fame as whirlwinds shake fair buds,
And in no sense is meet or amiable.
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.
Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper,
Thy head, thy sovereign; one that cares for thee,
And for thy maintenance commits his body
To painful labour both by sea and land,
To watch the night in storms, the day in cold,
Whilst thou liest warm at home, secure and safe;
And craves no other tribute at thy hands
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?
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.
Why are our bodies soft and weak and smooth,
Unapt to toil and trouble in the world,
But that our soft conditions? and our hearts
Should well agree with our external parts?
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;
But now I see our lances are but straws,
Our strength as weak, our weakness past compare,
That seeming to be most which we indeed least are.
Then vail your stomachs, for it is no boot,
And place your hands below your husband’s foot:
In token of which duty, if he please,
My hand is ready, may it do him ease.
In this passage, Katherina is making a speech to Bianca and Hortensio’s wife, talking about why they should obey their husbands. Shakespeare uses irony and repetition. In this entire passage, Katherina is discussing how unflattering and un-lady like it is to not obey their husbands. She says that every women should obey and listen to whatever their husbands tell them because their husbands do everything for them; mostly just work and make money to provide for his family. This whole passage is ironic because earlier on in the play, Katherina would break out in fits and arguments, disobeying her father, and talking back to other men. But now, she is telling Bianca, who always obeyed and listened to her father and elders, and Hortensio’s wife that they should be doing whatever their husbands tell/request them to do because it is the right thing to do. It is almost hypocritical for her to be making this speech. Shakespeare also uses repetition throughout this passage. In lines 3 and 9-10, the use of repetition is used with the word “thy”, “To wound thy lord, thy…, thy… //, “Thy husband is thy lord, thy…, thy…, // thy…, thy…; //”. With the recurrence of “thy”, Katherina is implying that the husband is the supreme. That nothing and no one can contain a higher status than their husband. The only reason why I think she is making this speech is because she knows that the men have made a bet on their wives, for some reason, and Katherina intended to win that bet for Petruchio’s self esteem.
Katherine
ReplyDelete“Then God be blessed, it is the blessed sun,
But sun it is not when you say it is not,
And the moon changes even as your mind.
What you will have it named, even that it is,
And so it shall be still for Katherine” (Act 4, Scene 5)
At this point, Katherine is nearly tamed by the harsh Petruchio. Katherine says this after Petruchio tells her the sun is really the moon. She has lost the courage and power of her freedom of speech. At the beginning of the play, Katherine was this sassy girl with no filter. But Petruchio has tamed her in order for her to act in such a slave like way. Katherine can care less for what she sees in life as she is tired and hungry. Petruchio is in such a dominant state over Katherine that he can define reality for her from this point going forward. Petruchio is in control of her celestial events and objects and therefore makes his victory become inevitable. After this, Katherine will be spiritless when she resists authority from her man. By now, the taming of Katherine is nearly complete.
-Ethan Nguyen
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI agree with your analysis of this part of the play. I also believe that by this point, Petruchio has been able to tame Katherina without her realizing it. I thought it was interesting when you stated, "Petruchio is in control of her celestial events and objects and therefore makes his victory become inevitable". I do think that Petruchio is taming her to do these things but also to make Katherina into a more fitting wife; one that is obedient and listens to their husband. At the beginning of the play, the audience can see Katheirna's personality; stubborn, dis-obedient, and rude. I think that Petruchio wanted to prove to everyone that Katherina's personality could change and he wanted to be the one that got the recognition of being able to change Katheirna, for his own self esteem. So not only did Petruchio do this for Katherina's own good, but I also believe that he wanted to get something out of taming her too.
DeleteI agree with your analysis as well and I also think that Katharina is blind to the fact that she is being taken advantage of. At this point, she is just doing whatever Petruchio wants or needs to keep him happy. Petruchio tends to draw things out as well as take things away from Katharina in the hope of 'taming' her and I think Katharina has now realized that things would be so much more simple if she just allowed Petruchio to have his way. I think she is still aware of her authority deep down, but doesn't want to have the struggle of contradicting Petruchio, at least not at this time.
Delete'Tis burnt, and so is all the meat.
ReplyDeleteWhat 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!
Throws the meat, & c. about the stage
You heedless joltheads and unmannered slaves!
What, do you grumble? I’ll be with you straight.
I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet.
The meat was well, if you were so contented.
I tell thee, Kate, ’twas burnt and dried away.
And I expressly am forbid to touch it,
For it engenders choler, planteth anger;
And better ’twere that both of us did fast,
Since of ourselves, ourselves are choleric,
Than feed it with such over-roasted flesh.
Be patient, tomorrow ’t shall be mended,
And, for this night, we’ll fast for company. (IV.I. 96-113)
the way trainers do with young hawks that flutter and flap and will not obey. She had no food today and will have none. Last night she got no sleep, and she won’t get any tonight. Just as I did with the meat, I’ll make up some problem with the way the bed is made, and throw the pillow one way and the cushion the other, and the blanket over here and the sheets over there. And through all the shouting and fuss, I’ll swear that it’s all out of love for her. The end result will be that she’ll sit up all night. And if she starts to drop off, I’ll rant and yell until I wake her up. This is how to kill a wife with kindness. And this way I’ll cure her wild and willful nature. If anyone here knows a better way to tame a shrew, speak up, please. It would be much appreciated. (IV.I.131-147)
In “The Taming of the Shrew” William Shakespeare shows how Petruchio is demanding and dramatic due to his doubt and insecurities that are constantly running through his mind because he is attempting to ‘tame’ his wife Katherina. In the first passage it shows how Petruchio is clearly very dramatic and also in a panic to tame his shrew of a wife. His impatient attitude and constant certainty in what the meat could do to him if he had eaten it clearly shows that he is just making excuses to have the food taken away. Shakespeare uses humor in the way that Petruchio is trying to tame his wife because the simple idea of attempting to ‘tame’ one's wife is silly itself. His demanding tone with his servant over such a little gesture shows that he is in panic and scared that he won’t be able to control his wife. In the second passage, Shakespeare shows how dramatic Petruchio is because of his insecurities that he won’t be able to tame his wife. Petruchio goes through so much plotting and scheming to ‘kill her with kindness’. He is trying to ‘cure’ Katharina as if she is sick with an illness, when in reality he is the one who needs to be cured because he married a woman with the idea that he needed to change her.
ReplyDelete“HOR. Mistake no more: I am not Licio, Nor a musician, as I seem to be; But one that scorn to live in disguise, For such one as leaves a gentleman, And makes a god of such a cullion: Know, sir, that I am call’d Hortensio.
TRA. Signior Hortensio, I have often heard of your entire affection to Bianca; And since mine eyes are witness of her lightness, I will wit you, if you be so contented, Forswear Bianca and her love for ever.
…
HOR. Would all the world but he had quite forsworn! For me, that I may surely keep mine oath, I will be married to a wealthy widow, Ere three days pass, which hath as long loved me As I have loved this proud disdainful haggard. And so farewell, Signior Lucentio. Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, Shall win my love: and so I take my leave, In resolution as I swore before.” (Act IV. ii)
As Hortensio (dressed as a musician) and Tranio (disguised as Lucentio) observe Bianca and Lucentio (dressed as a tutor) from afar, Shakespeare uses situational irony to structure Hortensio’s reaffirmed emotions towards Bianca. Seeing that the two were flirting, the suitor immediately loses interest in the woman he spent ages lingering over. One would predict that men would become possessive and attempt to fight off potential threats to his chances at love, yet, Shakespeare unexpectedly does the opposite. Hortensio seems to give up in the game of disguises and now plans to marry a wealthy widow. Some individuals may view Hortensio as a cowardly character for his inability to pursue battling for Bianca, yet in this scene, Shakespeare subtly portrays the character’s maturity in finding true love. When Hortensio says “ Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, Shall win my love”, he gains maturity and strength to leave his childish self. I believe that through this scene, Shakespeare exhibits his underlying theme of how love based on lust is bound for disaster. The characters attracted to Bianca simply see perfection through beauty, thus expecting happiness and perfection in marriage as well. On the contrary, Hortensio shows contentment over marrying a widow, understanding the flaws that come with marriage, making his relationships predictably more successful than any with Bianca.
ReplyDelete“KATE. Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper,
Thy head, thy sovereign, one that cares for thee,
And for thy maintenance commits his body
To painful labour both by sea and land,
To watch the night in storms, the day in cold,
Whilst thou liest warm at home, secure and safe,
And craves no other tribute at thy hands
But love, fair looks, and true obedience,
Too little payment for so great a debt.
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;
But now I see our lances are but straws,
Our strength as weak, our weakness past compare,
That seeming to be most which we indeed least are.
Then vail your stomachs, for it is no boot,
And place your hands below your husband’s foot,
In token of which duty, if he please,
My hand is ready, may it do him ease.”
(V.ii.140–183)
At the end of the play, Katherine pours out her true thoughts. Her speech stuns all readers because it was a shocking transformation of Katherine’s opinions on marriage and men. The once hot-tempered Katherine now notices that Bianca and Hortensio’s widow are ungrateful beings for looking angrily at their husbands whom Katherine describes them as their kings, lords, and governors. In her speech, Katherine is saying that the husband must protect his wife and support her while the woman is “warm at home, secure and safe.” In return, the husband asks for kindness and obedience which represents the payment for, “so great a debt.” If the woman proves disrespectful, then she is unworthy to her husband.
-Ethan Nguyen
I agree with your analysis of Act 5. It is interesting to see how much Kate acts in Act 5 compared to all of her previous actions in all of the previous acts. I think it is good that they were both finally able to move past their differences and opinions. Shakespeare shows that love can be found even in the most contrasting opinions.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAgreeing with Isaac on how love can be found in two opposing personalities, I believe in this scene Shakespeare displays a clever compromise between a couple that endlessly argues at the beginning of the play. I disagree that Kate feels unworthy. Her speech seems to have a tone of sarcasm, detailed to an extent where it was overplayed. She seems to exaggerate her views not only to endeavor convincing the ladies, but to Petruchio her insight in his plan to impress the other men. She is simply playing along instead of showing her true emotions
Delete“Let’s follow them to see how this turns out.
ReplyDeleteFirst kiss me, Kate, and then we will.
What, here in the middle of the street?
Why not? Are you ashamed of me?
Certainly not! But I’m ashamed to kiss, sir.
All right then, back home we go. (to GRUMIO) Come, fellow, let’s be off.
No, wait. I will kiss you. (kisses him) Now please, love, stay.
Isn’t this good? Come, my sweet Kate. Better late than never—and it’s never too late to change” (V.l. 121-131).
In “The Taming of the Shrew” William Shakespeare portrays Petruchio as a demanding and harsh husband. He depicts Kate as naive and gullible. In the beginning of the play, she was known as the shrew and a very stubborn woman. It is evident that she has changed because she is now willing to do whatever is necessary to make Petruchio happy. Petruchio is very manipulative and knows just what things will in a sense tame the shrew. He has fully tamed Katharina without her being aware of it which was his goal since he married her. Now that she is fully tamed, Petruchio isn’t going to know how to treat her and he may ending up not liking her because she has changed so much. He originally enjoyed the challenge of trying to change or tame her and now that she is fully changed to what he wants her to be, he will soon reach boredom in the relationship. The marriage was strictly based on money and he did not originally care what kind of person she was, but he has grown and has become attached to Kate and many things will begin to change. I predict that he will try to change her back or push her to go back to her old ways.
Your comment on that Petruchio will change Katherine back to her original ways is interesting. I too could see that happening since Petruchio was never requiring any true feelings toward Katherine. He was only in it for the reward of money. He finds the fun in the process of the taming and it’s really selfish and shows pour behavior from Petruchio. It could also be possible for Petruchio to not even care in the end result because with the satisfaction he had for taming such a hot-tempered person. Throughout the play, it was his goal to tame Katherine and when he finally does, he could feel the need to enjoy the relationship he has from that point and on.
Delete-Ethan Nguyen
“PETRUCHIO
ReplyDeleteThe fouler fortune mine, and there an end.
Enter KATHERINE
BAPTISTA
Now, by my holidam, here comes Katherina!
KATHERINE
What is your will, sir, that you send for me?
PETRUCHIO
Where is your sister, and Hortensio’s wife?
KATHERINE
They sit conferring by the parlor fire.
PETRUCHIO
Go fetch them hither. If they deny to come,
Swinge me them soundly forth unto their husbands.
Away, I say, and bring them hither straight.
Exit KATHERINE” (Act 5.ii.107-114)
This scene in Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare shows how much Katherine has changed throughout the scenes of the play. Just a while ago in a previous scene, there was a bet created between the married men of the story take a bet on whose wife will become more obedient. While both Hortensio’s and Lucentio’s wives refuse to take part in the game, surprisingly, Katherine agrees to cooperate willingly with Petruchio. Throughout the rest of the acts, Kate was often portrayed as rebellious and aggressive. In this passage, Kate willingly obeyed the commands and wishes of Petruchio, which is high in contrast compared to all of the previous quarrels the couple had. It appears to readers that Petruchio has finally “tamed the shrew”, that is Kate. All of Kate’s previous intentions have seemingly disappeared, getting rid of any traits that she had before, and pretty much creating a whole new character. This “taming” of Kate ends the Taming of the Shrew, which completes the play showing the possible love that can come between people, even through trial and struggle.
ReplyDeleteBAP. Son, I’ll be your half, Bianca comes.
LUC. I’ll have no halves; I’ll bear it all myself
…
LUC. Here is a wonder, if you talk of a wonder.
HOR. And so it is. I wonder what is bodes.
PET. Marry, peace it bodes, and love, and quiet life, An awful rule, and right supremacy; And, to be short, what not, that’s sweet and happy?
BAP. Now, fair befal thee, good Petruchio! The wager thou hast won; and I will add Unto their losses twenty thousand crowns; Another dowry to another daughter, For she is changed, as she had never been.
PET. Nay, I will win my wager better yet, And show more sign of her obedience, Her new built virtue and obedience. See where she comes and brings your froward wives As prisoners to her womanly persuasion. (Act V, ii)
Shakespeare uses Act 5 to depict the development of multiple characters. Lucentio, being a man derived from a wealthy family, denies Baptista's offer into contributing to the wager. He stands as a flat character who shows independence throughout the play. Although has been dependent on others to maneuver his deceiving plans of disguise, he has always maintained control, a trait stagnant even at the end of the play. Opposing Lucentio, Petruchio's character was acquired through his greed toward money. At the beginning of the play, the man’s incentive into marrying Katherine came from the potential dowry he would earn. Yet, this scene displays how although he accepts the new wager from Baptista, Petruchio has other interests besides wealth: gratification through recognition. By proving to the others that he has tamed Kate, Petruchio now gains his father in laws further approval and riches. The last character developed is Baptista. Shakespeare reveals the father’s new loyalty toward the elder sister instead of Bianca. This may be the reason why Kate was so submissive to Petruchio; to finally gain her father's approval by surpassing Bianca. Changes in one individual’s personality clearly demonstrates altering in anothers’.