“Even as a flattering dream or worthless fancy. Then take him up and manage well the jest: Carry him gently to my fairest chamber And hang it round with all my wanton pictures: Balm his foul head in warm distilled waters And burn sweet wood to make the lodging sweet Procure me music ready when he wakes, To make a dulcet and heavenly sound; And if he chance to speak, be ready straight And with a low submissive reverence Say ‘What is it your honour will command’” Lord (2).
In this passage Lord is telling the Huntsmen what to do when Sly awakes. With the help of many, Lord is planning on playing a prank on this poor drunkard. Through the use of diction, Shakespeare displays the difference in social classes during this time period. Sly is a poor man found asleep who was kicked out of a tavern while Lord is much wealthier. When Lord uses the words “flattering,” “gently,” “fairest,” and “sweet” it is to describe the luxuries that the higher class have. These words are all adjectives that display the opposite of how Sly is described which shows that he is not from a family of wealth. The words and phrases “chamber,” “wanton pictures,” “balm,” “warm distilled waters,” and “burn sweet wood” are all used by Lord to show the upmost services and royalty that the upper class is privileged to have. Many ordinary middle and lower class people do not get to experience each of these luxuries. On the last line of this passage, Lord says, “‘What is it your honour will command?’” This question is very formal and very different than how you would ask a low or middle class person “What do you want to be done for you?” The words such as “honour” and “command” show the power that the upper class has. On the contrary, Lord describes Sly very differently. He uses the word “foul” to describe Sly’s head. This diction is unpleasant and shows how a lot of upper class felt about the lower class. The difference in diction used for the wealthy versus the poor show the wealth and power differences between the two classes.
Petruchio: Signior Hortensio, ‘twixt such friends as we Few words suffice; and therefore, if thou know One rich enough to be Petruchio’s wife, As wealth is burden of my wooing dance, Be she as foul as was Florentius’ love, As old as Sibyl, and as curst and shrewd As Socrates’ Xanthippe, or a worse, She moves me not, or not removes, at least, Affection’s edge in me, were she as rough As are the swelling Adriatic seas: I come to wive it wealthily in Padua; If wealthily, then happily in Padua. (I.ii.62)
In this passage, allusion is the most widely used literary device, as references are made to other supposedly horrible women in literature – Florentius married a hideous hag for the answer to a riddle, Sibyl who was an ancient prophetess, or Socrates’ wife Xanthippe who was harsh and shrewd, as according to the footnotes. This leads to the beginning of the characterization of Petruchio, developing the idea that wealth is his greatest concern: in the last two lines of the passage, he says that he came to Padua to marry someone wealthy, and the wealth would bring him happiness, no matter the character of the woman he marries. The lines “She moves me not, or not removes, at least,/Affection’s edge in me, were she as rough/As are the swelling Adriatic seas” further indicate his indifference towards Katharine’s shrewdness, compared with a simile to the roughness of swelling seas, and that his affection, supposedly for wealth, would not be moved or removed.
I characterized Petruchio very similarly to how you did. Petruchio does not seem to care about anything but money. He will marry any women if she has enough money to satisfy him. I think that Petruchio’s greed was a very common characteristic for men to possess in this time period because it reflects how men felt like they were above women and could take advantage of them if they so desired. This theme of male dominance is also shown by the all the pursuers of Bianca falling in love immediately and thinking that they are each “the one” when really Bianca needs to feel the love too.
Lord. ...Sirs, I will practice on this drunken man. What think you, if he were convey’d to bed, Wrapp’d in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers, A most delicious banquet by his bed, And brave attendants near him when he wakes, First hun. Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose Sec. Hun. It would seem strange unto him when he wak’d Lord. Even as a flatt’ring dream or worthless fancy. Then take him up, and manage well the jest. Carry him gently to my fairest chambers… Persuade him that he hath been lunatic, And when he says he is, say that he dreams, For he is nothing, but a mighty lord…
This scene opens with a sly and a host talking, the sly is drunk, so he falls asleep. The host leaves, and a Lord enters with his two servants. The lord is on his way back from hunting, and is bored, wanting to have some excitement. He sees the drunken sly and immediately starts to make fun of him. His servants even enjoy to make fun of the drunken man. The Lord wants to dress him up as a wealthy man, putting fancy clothes and jewelry on the beggar, and put him in his fanciest room with servants waiting for him to wake up. Shakespeare uses foreshadowing when the lord says “I will practice on this drunken man”. He wants to tame this man and make him believe that he is a wealthy person. Does this mean that he is going to tame someone else later in the story? Is he the rich man that is going to tame the shrew? Shakespeare does not add any more foreshadowing in the passage, so we do not know if he is the wealthy man who tames the shrew. The Lord is also performing some sort of human nature experiment with the drunken man as his test subject. When the drunken man wakes up in his fancy room, dressed in fancy clothes will he be the same old weak drunk beggar that he used to be? Or will he become a strong assertive person entirely based on a lie? Does one's surroundings create their personality? Or are we all born the way we are? Resistant to change. Read Taming of the Shrew to find out.
I interpreted this similarly. In the past societies were very male dominant (some still are today). Shakespeare characterizes Petruchio as a greedy and rich man to demonstrate how much power men were given in comparison to women. The reference to the horrible women in history is important because it shows how a few woman's actions changed men's views on women as a whole leading them to believe they were superior to them.
In the “Taming of the Shrew”, Shakespeare uses archaic and informal diction to introduce the theme of sexism and gender inequality in the 1500s. Shakespeare uses the induction to set the scene for the “Taming of the Shrew” while also introducing the character of Christopher Sly. The induction begins with Christopher Sly speaking to the hostess outside of an alehouse. Sly states, “Y’are a baggage: the Slys are no rogues; look into the chronicles; we came in with Richard Conqueror. Therefore puacas pallabris; let the world slide: sessal” (Shakespeare IND. ii.6-8). In this scene, Sly is arguing with the hostess about paying for glasses that he had broken. Throughout the induction, Sly treats the hostess with little respect and views himself superior to women as he feels he should be entitled to anything he wants. The fact that the hostess, a woman, is being mistreated and is serving the man portrayed how women were low women were looked upon in society. While speaking to her Sly uses the phrases “puacas pallabris” or few words and “sessel” meaning be quiet. The demanding and discourteous tone in Sly’s voice implies that he didn’t care much for the women other than the fact that she would be waiting on him for his drinks. As the induction continues, Christopher Sly, although very drunk, is told by the Lord that he was a Lord married to a wife named Page. Sly then remarks, “’T is much. Servants, leave me and her alone Madam, undress you and come now to bed” (IND. ii. 112-113). The same situation had occurred earlier in the induction with the hostess as he had demanded her into bed prior to finding out he was “married”. Instead of simply asking “Page” to come to bed Sly demands her to follow his orders. Sly uses these command terms to sound more dominant and powerful throughout his conversations with the women. This exhibits Sly’s hostile views towards woman as he believes they should follow any order he has. Through the use of archaic diction and informal diction Shakespeare demonstrates how societal norms to portray how men’s misogynist views shaped society.
Your analysis made a lot of sense to me. The drunk, sexist nature of Christopher Sly and the harsh verbal abuse he directs at the hostess is quite substantial evidence of gender-based mistreatment. Because of the prominence of the idea of male superiority in the 1500’s, it is likely not too farfetched to assume that, if the roles were reversed and it was the hostess treating Sly this way, the societal response would be much more grim and hostile. That being said, I feel like this inequality helps add to the story, as it creates a sense of a much different time and demonstrates why the enlightenment of society is a necessity for progression.
“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 this excerpt of Taming of the Shrew, many clear-cut examples of local color can be seen through the diction used by Shakespeare. Local color is the customs, manner of speech, dress, or other typical features of a place or period that contribute to its particular character. The first word that may seem unnatural to a modern-day reader is “pheeze”. Based on the context, it can be inferred that this word is being used with the meaning of giving back what is deserved or paying back. The term “stocks” is also used in this passage. Stocks were utilized as a means of punishment, immobilizing victims while also bringing them great shame. When Sly mentions “Richard Conqueror”, it is intended to show Sly’s foolishness, as he has unintentionally mixed the names of two seperate people together while trying to act important. The last two dated terms Sly uses in this excerpt are “paucas pallabris” and “sessa”. Both terms essentially mean “be quiet” or “shut up”. After practically translating the text into present-day terminology, it becomes much easier to grasp and reading it becomes much more natural.
I also examined this scene but I had not thought of the effect local color had on it. I thought the purpose of the diction was to portray how unequal men and women were in society and the social classes during the 1500s time period. Your interpretation really helped me understand the setting and time period better
Lord. O monstrous beast! how like a swine he lies! Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image! Sirs, I will practise upon this drunken man. What think you, if he were convey’d to bed, Wrapp’d in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers, A most delicious banquet by his bed, And brave attendants near he when he wakes, Would not the beggar then forget himself? First Huntsman. Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose. (Shakespeare Ind. 34-43) 80
In the prologue “Induction” of Shakespeare’s The Taming of The Shrew, Sly, the bum who the Induction follows, is drunk and is found by the Lord. The passage happens when the lord first sees Sly passed out, and asleep on the table. Shakespeare describes what he sees with very intense visual imagery. The Lord tells his friends his plan and foreshadows a lot in the story of The Taming of the Shrew. He sets a great example of how quickly minds can change and plans can be hatched during the rest of the play. He shows how fast he changed his mind and decided to play a prank after vituperating him with his contrasting language. He begins with describing Sly as a “monstrous beast” and says he is “like a swine”, “grim”, “foul”, and “loathsome”, and then switches to describe what it will be like when Sly awakes, as he writes, “a most delicious banquet by his bed.” This is very different from the imagery he used before. In the second half of the quote, Shakespeare uses bright and tranquil imagery to describe the Lord’s plan. He does this in order for it to sound very marvelous and a pernicious plan to emphasize the Lord’s character. The words to support this are “delicious”, “brave”, “sweet clothes”, and “choose”, and they emphasize the change in mood and tone Shakespeare writes.
I agree with your analysis on the contrasting visual imagery in the passage used to emphasize the difference between Sly and the environment they plan to have him wake up in, and how it characterizes him as a filthy person. One thing I would like to add is that the Lord says that "I will practise upon this drunken man" and, being a huntsman, it seems as if he were "hunting" Sly in a way, by trying to fool him into believing the lies around him, and fall into an elaborate trap set by the Lord. This theme can also be seen throughout the rest of the play in using deception to lure people in.
Shakespeare uses metaphor and simile when Petruchio remarks, “Signior Hortensio, ‘twixt such friends as we Few words suffice; and therefore, if thou know One rich enough to be Petruchio’s wife. As wealth is burden of my wooing dance, Be she as foul as was Florentius love, As old as Sibyl, and as curst and shrewd As socrates’ Xanthippe, or a worse, She moves me not, or not removes, at least, Affection’s edge in me, were she as rough As are the swelling Adriatic seas: I come to wive it wealthily in Padua; If wealthily, then happily in Padua”. (Shakespeare I.ii.62-73)
In “The Taming of the Shrew” William Shakespeare uses simile and metaphor to convey the themes of materialism and sexism. Petruchio speaks these words to Hortensio in an attempt to express his desire and determination to find a wealthy wife. In the dialogue he compares Katherine, the daughter of Baptista, to different scolding, ill tempered women such as the wives of Socrates and Florentius. The theme of materialism can also be seen as men wanted to attain great amounts of money and goods to show their wealth and domination in society. Petruchio says, “As wealth is burden of my wooing dance” (I.ii.65). In this metaphor, burden is defined as a musical accompaniment and necessity for Petruchio. His wealth is more valuable to him than finding a wife he truly loves.
Simile is used when Petruchio states, “She moves me not, or not removes, at least,/ Affection’s edge in me, were she as rough/ As are the swelling Adriatic seas” (I.ii.68-71). He compares Katherine’s body to the roughness of the Adriatic seas. His judgmental tone implies that he doesn't care for her looks and is not impressed by anything other than her money. Petruchio says, “I come to wive it wealthily in Padua” (I.ii.72). Shakespeare writes the word “it” rather than “her” or her actual name to demonstrate how careless and unimportant qualities other than wealth were viewed by men. This illustrates the lack of respect towards woman and the superiority and power he feels he has over them.
Your analysis is really interesting and I completely agree! Another example from the text that would also support your analysis is, “Thou know’st not gold’s effect” (I.ii.90). Petruchio uses this metaphor that means, “Do you know what money can buy?” Petruchio is saying that things bought are better than a person’ characteristics and his/her love. He is completely disregarding everything about Kathrina (her looks, her temper, her attitude, etc.) besides the fact that she has money because that’s what he believes is most important. This comes back to the theme of materialism and sexism because it shows how a lot of men felt superior and used women for money which could buy material items.
“I pray you sir, let him go while the humour lasts. O’ my word, an she knew him as well as I do, she would think scolding would do little good upon him: she may perhaps call him half a score knaves or so: why, that’s nothing; an he begin once, he’ll rail in his rope-tricks. I’ll tell you what sir, an she stand him but a little, he will throw a figure in her face and so disfigure her with it that she shall have no more eyes to see withal than a cat. You know him not, sir.” (I.ii.105) In this passage, Grumio is trying to convince Hortensio that Petruchio will not be deterred from marrying Katharina by stories of how shrewd she is. This is mainly characterization for Grumio and Petruchio – Grumio knows that his master has an equally sharp tongue and wit to match Katharina’s. Simile is used in “O’ my word, an she knew him as well as I do, she would think scolding would do little good upon him” to convey that if Katharina knew that she was no match for Petruchio, she too would give up. Diction in this passage also characterizes Grumio – his speech is less formal than the others, and rather than being enjambed into particular lines, it is just a block paragraph of text. The word “rope-tricks” is supposed to be “rhetoric”, according to the footnotes, further adding to the idea that, as a servant, Grumio is less educated than the suitors. Pun is used in “he will throw a figure in her face and so disfigure her with it” in that the first use of “figure” means a figure of speech, or a sharp retort, and the second use in “disfigure” means to mangle. The hyperbole in “she shall have no more eyes to see withal than a cat” indicates the degree of how unrelenting Petruchio is in how he intends to blind and break Katharine.
“O Tranio, till I found it to be true, I never thought it possible or likely. But see, while idly I stood looking on, I found the effect of love in idleness And now in plainness do confess to thee That art to me as secret and as dear As Anna to the Queen of Carthage was, Tranio, I burn, I pine, I perish, Tranio, If I achieve not this young modest girl. Counsel me, Tranio, for I know thou canst. Assist me, Tranio, for I know thou wilt.” Lucentio (I.ii.143-153)
Through simile, parallel structure and hyperbole, Shakespeare reveals the theme of the importance of a woman in a man’s life. This passage is when Lucentio sees Bianca for the first time and immediately falls in love with her. Shakespeare uses the simile, “That art to me as secret and as dear As Anna to the Queen of Carthage was” which alludes to the Queen of Carthage. Shakespeare uses “That Art” to refer to Bianca. Lucentio is using this simile to express how much he loves Bianca because Anna was very important to the Queen of Carthage. Before Lucentio saw Bianca, he wanted to become educated and was not focused on women. This immediate love displays how the importance of women to men can change a man’s goals. The parallel structure used when Shakespeare writes, “Tranio, I burn, I pine, I perish, Tranio” shows how desperate Lucentio is for this young girl. With the repeating of “I” it seems like Lucentio is out of breath, ranting and pleading for help form Tranio. This desperate sense that Lucentio has shows how much he feels like her needs this girl to be complete. Hyperbole is also used with this same quote. The words, “burn,” “pine,” and “parish” are all exaggerations of what Lucentio will do if he does not get this girl. Usually a man would not go to the extreme of committing suicide for a woman he saw once. These hyperboles that Lucentio uses show how much Lucentio feels like he needs Bianca even though he just saw her one time. This role of women is a common theme throughout the rest of the play.
I greatly agree with your comments towards the importance of the role of women in the play. Shakespeare does an outstanding job at this and was on of the first few during his time period to break the stereotypes of male only plays, which adds on to the list of why he's such a great writer. Comparable to my post, you've identified Lucentio's attraction towards Bianca and his desires for her. In my opinion, she could represent and symbolize many things such as every man's desire or perfection and is a great contrast to the main "shrew" of the play, Katherine. Overall, your analysis greatly aided me for further understanding of the play.
Baptista. “If either of you both love Katherine, Because I know you well and love you well, Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure.”
Gremio. “To cart her rather. She’s too rough for me. There, there, Hortensio, will you any wife?”
Kate. “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.” (I. i. 52-60) 83
In the first act of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” the general characterization of each character is presented and shows each individual's unique trait and attitude. This is reflected throughout the course of this act as it is the first act of the play and introduces the main roles to the audience. After Lucentio’s and Tranio’s conversation over their goals and desires in Padua in the beginning of the act, a crowd of people come on stage and displays their affections and feelings towards other certain people who show up in the play later on. Shakespeare wastes no time in establishing who the “shrew” is in the play by clearly mentioning the attributes of Katherine, the daughter of Baptista Minola. She is sharp-tongued and prone to violence, and everyone demeans her. Within the first 60 lines of the act, the characters introduces the public perception of Katherine and specifies what they dislike about her, as Gremio says, “She’s too rough for me” (55). They indicate that they prefer more “gentler” and “milder mold” mates than Katherine (60). After this, Tranio watches Katherine for only a few seconds and indicates just how far her behavior differs from the norm. This is present when he says, “That wench is stark mad or wonderful froward” (69). Throughout the play, the characters contrast their ideas of the “shrew” with their differing ideas of the “ideal wife.” In most of act 1, the suitors most value a mild disposition in a wife, and thus they greatly prefer Bianca to Katherine.
I completely agree with your analysis. Shakespeare characterizes and shows how these characters view themselves and woman in society. This passage is significant because it demonstrates the lack of respect men had towards women during the 1500s. This can be seen by Gremio relating to Katherine as "too rough"
Petruchio: “Why, that is nothing; for I tell you, father, I am as peremptory as she proud-minded; And where two raging fires meet together They do consume the thing that feeds their fury: Though little fire grows great with little wind, Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all: So I to her and so she yields to me; For I am rough and woo not like a babe.”
Baptista: “Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed! But be thou arm’d for some unhappy words.”
Petruchio: “Ay, to the proof; as mountains are for winds, That shake not, though they blow perpetually.” (II.i.pg 32 line 11)
In this passage, Petruchio is trying to convince Baptista that he will be able to win Katharina’s love. The definition of the word “peremptory” in the second line is “insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a brusquely imperious way”, which indicates that Petruchio’s unyieldingness will match Kate’s shrewdness and he will not be deterred. In the following two lines, he compares himself and his future wife to two “raging fires”, depicting the ferocity of the both of them. In the lines “Though little fire grows great with little wind,/Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all”, he is trying to convey that he, the gust, will not be a little wind that feeds Kate’s fire, but extinguishes it completely. This is confirmed in “and so she yields to me”. In the last two lines of the passage, Petruchio again brings up the metaphor with wind, mentioning that he is like a mountain that will not shake even in the strongest of winds.
I find your analysis very interesting. This passage is very rich in metaphors and I completely agree with your analysis of it. I think Petruchio is using these extreme metaphors to insure that Baptista will allow him to marry Katherine. I would like to discuss the part where Petruchio says, “And where two raging fires meet together, They do consume the thing that feeds their fury” (II.i.132-133). Petruchio is saying that both he and Katherine have similar, unpleasant personalities and that when they meet their unpleasantness will disappear. I think it’s important to point this out because it reveals Petruchio’s persistent and convincing personality and the extent he is willing to go to get this girl.
“And woo her with some spirit when she comes. Say that she rail; why then I’ll tell her plain She sings as sweetly as a nightingale. Say that she frown; I’ll say she looks as clear As morning roses newly washed with dew. Say she be mute and will not speak a word; Then I’ll commend her volubility, And say she uttereth piercing eloquence” Petruchio (II.i.169-176)
In “The Taming of The Shrew,” William Shakespeare uses similes to portray the theme of jokes and trickery. In this part of the play, Petruchio is speaking about what he will say to Katherine when he meets her for the first time. In a sense, he is preparing himself for the worst and planning on telling her lies to gain her love. Shakespeare writes, “Say that she rail; why then I’ll tell her plain She sings as sweetly as a nightingale” (II.i.170-171). By using this simile, Petruchio is saying that if Katherine rants, he will tell her that her voice is beautiful. This is clearly a lie, which ties into the theme of trickery. Petruchio also uses the simile, “Say that she frown; I’ll say she looks as clear As morning roses newly washed with dew” (II.i.172-173). This simile was used because it shows how when Katherine glares, Petruchio will lie and tell her that she looks happy. Not only does she not look mad, she looks “as clear As morning roses newly washed with dew” according to Petruchio. As seen earlier in the play, jokes and trickery a huge part of the plot and theme. All of these similes and the trickery that Petruchio uses also reflect the theme of manipulation of women and the poor, and the power that men and the wealthy held during this time period. Men and wealthy often felt like they could take advantage of women and poor people as seen by the jokes played on different characters in the play.
I really like your analysis of this passage. It is filled with similes, but i don't think that it is to portray Pretruchio as a trickster. I think that it wants to show his confidence in his ability to tame Katherine. If she yells and complains he will tell her that her voice is beautiful. If you compliment a bully everytime they do something mean, and you do not acknowledge that they are hurting you it takes away their power. This is what Petruchio is doing to Katherine. Instead of trying to fight fire with fire he decides to douse her flame with compliments
In “The Taming of the Shrew”, William Shakespeare uses animal diction to convey the the theme of gender inequality. The title “The Taming of the Shrew” acts as a symbol itself. Taming often refers to domesticating and training while a shrew is a type of mouse. This term can also be used to describe a women of violent temper and speech. The title demonstrates men's views on woman and how they should be seen and portrayed in society.
“Petruchio. Should bel should - buzz! Katherine. Well ta’en, and like a buzzard Petruchio. O slow-winged turtle! shall a buzzard take thee? Katherine. Ay, for a turtle, as he takes a full buzzard. Petruchio. Come, come, you wasp; I’ faith. you are too angry. Katherine. if i be waspish, best beware my sting. Petruchio. My remedy is then, to pluck you out. Katherine. Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies. Petruchio. Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail Katherine. In his tongue Petruchio. Whose tongue? Katherine. Yours, if you talk of tails: and so farewell” (Shakespeare II.ii.34-35)
This passage characterizes Katherine by Petruchio using animal diction to convey her shrew like qualities. This diction gives off a rude yet flirtatious tone as Katherine and Petruchio take part in their first “word battle”. He continuously compares her to an angry wasp throughout this passage. Petruchio remarks, “come home, you wasp; O’ faith you are too angry” (Shakespeare II.i.34). Petruchio is literally willing to “tame the shrew”. He is very persistent with wifing her as he is focused on the wealth he will attain by marrying her. Petruchio states, “My remedy is then, to pluck you out” (Shakespeare II.ii.34). Petruchio both flirts and insults Katherine at the same time by comparing her to an animal again, showing the lack of respect and views he has towards woman. Rather than marrying her for love, Petruchio views his future “marriage” more as a game or challenge. Katherine’s willingness to talk back and take part in this persiflage demonstrates how she does not want to be controlled by men and live in a men dominated society. While Petruchio establishes his dominance as a male figure to Katherine she reacts by resisting and doing everything in her power to prevent it.
I somewhat agree and disagree with your claims, but mostly agree. I find your analysis very interesting as you mention Petruchio's aggressive attitude and dominance towards Katherine, however, I view this conversation between the two characters somewhat a character development moment. Shakespeare lets the reader know that even though Petruchio is forcing Katherine to marry him in a dominant fashion, the chemistry between the two and how Katherine fights back builds that true love and romantic side of the two. You claimed that Petruchio establishes his dominance of a male figure but I feel like that is contrasting to what Shakespeare is trying to convey. He allows Katherine to have a voice and fight back, giving her more of a character and even shows it in the play as she and Bianca are two of the main characters in the play.
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. 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. (Shakespeare II.i.206-216)
In the second act of “Taming of The Shrew,” Shakespeare further dives into the complex characterization and relationships the characters have with each other. In this short segment within the scene, Petruchio finally sneaks his way into finding his future lover, Katherine. Throughout the whole dialogue between Petruchio and Katherine, each of them showed their unique personalities, and this allowed the reader to realize how similar these two characters are in terms of tone and attitude. They both seem immature at times and are very passionate of their side of the argument. This long disputation was also very humorous. Shakespeare very so succeeded in writing a heavily non-serious and joyful play. Here, the dialogue is filled with puns being thrown back and forth between the two, and what makes it very enjoying to read is Petruchio’s take on this. He turns and twists everything Katherine says into a sexual innuendo, just as in this quote, and further shows his immatureness. This brings out the inner anger in Katherine as she attempts to strike at Petruchio and shows kind of her immaturity and attitude of going to violence in times of struggle when she can not control things. This can be viewed romantically or humorously because it makes the reader remember the stereotypes when people were little kids, such as if someone “liked” another person or had a “crush”, then that person would typically act mean or violent towards the person they like. Shakespeare explores things like this regularly in his writing and allows his plays to be very relatable and is a main reason why it is always an enjoyable read.
I agree with your interpretation of the Petruchio and Kate's conversation. I viewed this more as romantic rather than humorous and child like. The puns played a tremendous role during the series of playful and flirtatious remarks that they exchanged between each other as it helped to further develop both their liking and love that continues to grow.
“I will be master of what is mine own. She is my goods, my chattles; she is my house, My household stuff, my field, my barn, My horse, my ox, my ass, my anything” Petruchio (III.ii.224-227)
In “The Taming of The Shrew,” Shakespeare utilizes possessive diction and repetition to portray the theme of male dominance. This passage is after Petruchio and Katherine get married and Petruchio suddenly needs to leave but wants Katherine to come with him. He orders everyone to feast and go on with the wedding party while he runs off with his new wife. When Petruchio says, “I will be master of what is mine own,” the words “master” and “mine” are both very possessive. Petruchio is saying that he believes that now that him and Katherine are married, he owns her and gets to tell her to do whatever he wants and she must listen. Also, Petruchio uses the words, “goods,” “chattles,” “house,” “household stuff,” “field,” “barn,” “horse,” “ox,” “ass,” and “anything.” All of these words are possessions that one may have. He uses them to show how he views Katherine as something that belongs to him. By comparing her to animals and other things that many people own, he is belittling her. This reflects how many men felt in this time period: dominant and superior to women. In addition, Petruchio uses the repetition of “my” when he says, “My household stuff, my field, my barn, My horse, my ox, my ass, my anything.” This repetition of the word “my” shows how strongly he believes that Katherine belongs solely to him. It also reflects his persistent attitude throughout the play. Petruchio is very dominant over Katherine and through his repetition, he strongly believes that is how it is supposed to be.
You have a very interesting interpretation. I also looked into this passage however, I believe these possessive terms are necessary because it shows the importance of male dominance (as you noted). In addition, It also shows petruchio's commitment to "taming" his "shrew"
ACT 3 In William Shakespeare’s, “The Taming of the Shrew”, anaphora is used to portray how inconsiderate men treated and viewed woman during the 1500s. In Act 3, Petruchio not only shows up to Katherine and his wedding late but also wears ragged, old clothing. This visual presentation of him shows how much he truly cares about his future marriage as it is treated like a joke. Shakespeare writes, KATH. “Gentlemen, forward to the bridal dinner: I see a woman may be made a fool, If she had not a spirit to resist.” (Shakespeare III.ii.192-194)
PET. “… 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; …” (Shakespeare III.ii.202-206)
Since the wedding going to take place and Katherine has agreed to marry Petruchio he makes a scene in order to embarrass her while proving his superiority. Katherine responds to this by stating “I see a woman many be made a fool” (III.ii.193). Petruchio responds saying “…I will be a master of what is mine own;” (III.ii.202). Petruchio has created a plan of his own. All made to embarrass Kate and make her realize her role by “taming the shrew”. Brantley stating that Kate is property shows how she must obey and listen to Petruchio since she will soon belong to him. However, Kate plays her own games by acting improperly as well, due to her secret affection for Petruchio. This was unusual during the time period because women were known to be submissive, rather than rowdy. This passage helps to prove the point that the title “Taming of the Shrew,” is very relevant because of the way that Katherine behaves around her husband.
My analysis is very similar to yours, however there are some differences. I believe that this type of situation was quite ordinary during that time period in the sense that Petruchio thinks he can be possessive of Katherine. Your analysis made me think of an idea I had not had before: Petruchio being possessive is necessary to “tame” Katherine. Before reading your analysis I thought that of course Petruchio taking ownership of Katherine is a negative thing, but that might be the only way to turn Katherine into a fine young lady. I also did not think that Petruchio’s goal was to embarrass Katherine, but that might be the case in this situation.
“Bion. why, Petruchio is coming in a new hat and an old jerkin; a pair of old breeches thrice turned; a pair of boots that have been candle-cases, one buckled, another laced; an old rusty sword ta’en out of the town armoury with a broken hilt, and chapless; with two broken points; his horse hipped---with an old mothy saddle and stirrups of no kindred...” Biondello gives news to Baptista that Petruchio is coming to marry Katherine, but it seems that the news is bittersweet to both Biondello and Baptista. Biondello describes Petruchio's cloths as “old” and that they are tattered and turned over because they are so dirty. Normally when you get married you dress in the fanciest clothes you have, but he shows up in old dirty cloths. This shows how much Petruchio does not care about how Katherine perceives her, because he will marry her anyway. No matter what he looks like or what he smells like Katherine is still forced to marry her. Baptista is obviously upset when he sees Petruchio. He says: “First we were sad, fearing that you would not come, Now sadder that you come so unprovided. Fie, doff this habit, shame to your estate, An eyesore to our solemn festival!” He gives shame to Petruchio and his entire estate, yet he is still letting him marry his daughter. This shows the father's view of his own daughter. At this point he wants to just get rid of her, and maybe make a little money along with it. I feel bad for Katherine. She is being given away to a rowdy, obnoxious, dirty man by her father who does not even seem to care. This is all because she is not a typical woman who does what she is told. I think this is sad. Women, as well as everyone else, should be praised for speaking their mind and having a unique voice. It is typical of this time period for people to be put into a caste system where their entire lives are planned and organized in whichever way by whomever. Whether that person is your wealthy father giving you away to a dirty jerk or the social classes of the time forcing you to be poor.
I greatly agree with your comments towards the importance of the role of women in the play. Shakespeare does an outstanding job at this and was on of the first few during his time period to break the stereotypes of male only plays, which adds on to the list of why he's such a great writer. This is off topic sorry. Comparable to my post, you've identified Lucentio's attraction towards Bianca and his desires for her. In my opinion, she could represent and symbolize many things such as every man's desire or perfection and is a great contrast to the main "shrew" of the play, Katherine. Overall, your analysis greatly aided me for further understanding of the play.
Good points regarding the predicament of Petruchio's wardrobe. Personally, I was curious to as if the whole attire mishap on Petruchio's end was yet another piece to his scheme of breaking Kate. Perhaps he was trying to undermine her confidence by acting nonchalant over the wedding and as though it was a day of little significance. Also, I agree with your sympathy towards Kate. I believe one of the main reasons she is going through with the wedding in the first place is to finally get approval by her father and loved ones, yet, in some ways, they're just as bad as Petruchio when it comes to caring for her!
Lucentio. Are you so formal, sir? Well, I must wait And watch withal, for but I be deceived, Our fine musician groweth amorous. Hortensio. Madam, before you touch the instrument, To learn the order of my fingering, I must begin with rudiments of art To teach you gamut in a briefer sort, More pleasant, pithy, and effectual, Than hath been taught by any of my trade; And there it is in writing, fairly drawn. (Shakespeare III.i.58-68)
In Act III, Shakespeare demonstrates to the audience how using a disguise to reach one’s goals can backfire and create negative consequences. In the previous two acts of the play, Tranio disguised as Lucentio and Lucentio disguised as Cambio in an elaborate plan to for Lucentio to win over Bianca’s love. Up until Act III, their plan had been going smoothly, despite the fact that Lucentio had to compete against several of Bianca’s other suitors. But in Act III, Lucentio observes that Bianca’s other teacher, Licio, seems to be wooing her. Lucentio isn’t aware of the fact that the teacher is actually a disguised Hortensio, also trying to win Bianca’s love. Lucentio, after becoming suspicious of Hortensio’s behavior, says to himself, “well, I must wait, / And watch withal; for, but I be deceived, / Our fine musician groweth amorous” (58-61). Shakespeare uses Lucentio’s frustrated soliloquy as a tool to suddenly change the pace of the play, representing the unforeseen difficulty he has now encountered in his master plan. The frustration Lucentio expresses provides comic relief for the audience, because it was an outrageous plan from the start, and Lucentio is only now beginning to realize his troubles. On the other side of the conflict, Hortensio expresses similar, even greater irritation with his counterpart. After Lucentio attempts to stall Hortensio’s lesson to buy time for him to reveal himself to Bianca, Hortensio thinks out loud, saying, “How fiery and forward our pedant is! / Now, for my life, the knave doth court my love: / Pedascule, I’ll watch you better yet” (46-48). The dramatic irony behind the fact the that neither of the characters realize who the other is serves two purposes. For one, it provides an overarching comedic effect to the scene. But more importantly, it highlights the failure of their disguises, showing that an elaborate plan can sometimes be too complex to be effective. In Lucentio and Hortensio’s case, their complex webs of plans became tangled together, and so they fell apart.
In his play “The Taming of the Shrew”, William Shakespeare continues to stress the importance of the plays overriding theme of disguise. Throughout the entire play disguise remains a key role as it is symbolic of the social hierarchy during the time period. The role of disguise can be seen through the actions between Hortensio, Bianca, and Lucentio. Hortensio or “Licio” had dressed up and pretended to be a musician in order to win Bianca over. However, once Bianca appears to be falling for “Cambio” (Lucentio in disguise) Hortensio becomes angered leaving. As a result he confesses the truth and states, “Mistake no more: I am not Licio, / Nor a musician, as I seem to be; / But one that scorn to live in this disguise, / ...Know, sir, that I am call’d Hortensio” (Shakespeare IV.ii.60). Through this incident he is able to come to his senses and realize that dressing up and acting as something he wasn't would not win him the girl he hoped to have. As he continues to converse with Tranio he exclaims,“Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, / Shall win my love: and so I take my leave / In resolution” (IV.ii.60). He makes it clear that looks and beauty will not be the only characteristics he looks for in a women. Even though Hortensio is seen as a foolish character he was one of the first of the suitors to discover the inner beauty of Bianca instead of only admiring her looks. He uncovers Bianca’s true colors and states that she is a “proud disdainful haggard” (IV.ii.60).
Your analysis is very interesting. I agree with you in the way that Hortensio was the first to notice Bianca’s “true colors” and that he left because he was angered by Cambio (Lucentio) and her falling in love. I also believe that this brings out the characteristic in Hortensio that he is very jealous and doesn’t take jealousy well. If Hortensio would have truly loved Bianca, he would have stayed and fought for her. I think this moment is very pivotal for Hortensio due to how he wants to find more than beauty in a woman. This is also very ironic because he later mentions that he will “be married to a wealthy widow, Ere three days pass” (IV.ii.38-39). He says that he wants to be married in three days but also argues that he is looking for more than beauty and it is very hard to get to know someone in only three days.
“Why, when, I say?¬–Nay, good sweet Kate, be merry.– Off with my boots, you rogues! You villains, when?” Petruchio (IV.iv.119-120)
At this point in the play, Petruchio and Katherine arrive home and Petruchio is very unsatisfied with his services. He is yelling at his servants while using a soft sweet tone with Katherine. In the “Taming of The Shrew,” Shakespeare uses conflicting tones and diction to portray the difference in social classes during this time period. When Petruchio says, “good sweet Kate, be merry,” his tone is very soft and sincere. Also, the words “good,” “sweet,” and “merry” are all positive diction. Petruchio uses both the sincere tone and the positive diction when he is talking to Katherine, his wife and a lady of very high-class. This positive attitude the Petruchio is displaying reflects the views of the upper class: most valuable and important to society. On the other hand, Petruchio says, “Off with my boots, you rogues! You villains,” when talking to his servants. Petruchio’s tone changes immediately from sincere to demanding and harsh. The words, “rogues” and “villains” present a very negative connotation and show Petruchio’s negative attitude for his servants: men of lower class. This demanding/harsh tone and negative diction show how people of lower class are not valued nearly as much as those of a higher class. Also notice the irony of the situation: Petruchio is treating the men much more horrible than a woman. This is ironic because in this time period men were seen as more dominant and respectable than women. This displays how social class triumphs gender in “The Taming of The Shrew”.
I really enjoyed your analysis and totally agree with most of the points you claimed. However, nearing the end of your post, you concluded that the situation of Petruchio treating his men like trash was ironic due to the time period of men normally being treated much more superior than to women, but I find this not the case. I don't think this is ironic because the way you stated it made me a little confused. I do agree that back then men were viewed as more superior than women, but if a servant disobeyed their master then this situation wouldn't be any different, in my opinion. I don't find much irony in this, but I still found your post great.
It's ironic in the way that men are usually treated better than women, but because the men are of a lower class, he does not respect them. I guess maybe it wouldn't be ironic for him to treat a servant like that because it was very common during this time, but what I am trying to convey is that it is ironic that he treats a man worse than a women when men are usually seen as more superior (when not paying attention to social status). Gender roles and social class are two dominant themes in this play and I think that social class is seen as more valuable than gender due to Petruchio's language. Hope it's clearer what I mean.
In Act IV of Shakespeare’s play, The Taming of the Shrew, Petruchio devises a plan for the purpose of “taming” his soon to be wife, Katherine. In describing Petruchio’s plan to tame Katharine, Shakespeare uses various literary devices in order to dramatize and emphasize the importance of such plan. First noticeable literary element is the metaphor, in which Katharine is compared to a falcon, while Petruchio is illustrated as the keeper of the falcon. The expected result of an animal training is that the animal demonstrates obedience and submission to the trainer, who holds the absolute authority in the course. Therefore, the relationship of an animal and a keeper is used to emphasize where the husbands and wives stand in the process of taming: husband (Petruchio) in a far more superior position than the wife (Katharine). Also, another literary element used in the passage are hyperboles. Petruchio claims “This is a way to kill a wife with kindness,” yet he doesn’t literally mean to kill Katharine. When Petruchio says ‘to kill a wife’, it is not an actual murder, but rather a metaphorical expression of taming a wife and killing her aggressive personalities. Such exaggerated expression leaves a much clearer emphasis on Petruchio’s ultimate plan than to simply say, ‘to tame a wife’. In laying out Petruchio’s plan to tame her aggressive wife Katharine, Shakespeare uses metaphor and hyperbole to dramatize and emphasize the importance of the thorough plan.
Shakespeare's usage of figurative language in this act was what really stood out in my eyes. The way Kate is described as a falcon helps characterize her greatly. When you think of a bird, you also think of flying through the skies with freedom. However, when a bird has a keeper, it is no longer free to do as it pleases. This is an accurate depiction of Petruchio and Kate's marriage. Also, it may be worth noting that the comparison of Kate to a falcon (or, in other words, an animal) may somewhat be putting her in a state of being sub-human, furthering her progression into a role of inferiority.
KATH. “Girls, girls! Wipe those frowns off your faces and stop rolling your eyes. This disrespectful stance toward the man who is your lord, your king, your governor tarnishes your beauty the way the frosts of winter blights the land. It mars your reputations as whirlwinds shake fair buds. And in no sense is it fitting or attractive. An angry woman is like an agitated fountain—muddy, unpleasant, lacking in beauty. And in this condition, no one—however dry or thirsty he may be—will stoop to sip or touch one drop of it. Your husband is your lord, your life, your keeper, your head, your sovereign, one who cares for you and who, for your ease and comfort, commits his body to harsh labor both on land and sea.” (Shakespeare V.ii.85)
Through his use of Anaphora and simile, William Shakespeare describes gender roles and social standing of men and women during the late 1500s. Katherina, characterized as a shrew in the first few acts recites a speech that goes completely against the views she previously had on society. Through her powerful concluding speech she criticises woman and brings up how they are stereotyped as weak and powerless compared to men. Rather than going against this statement as she would have fought about in the past, she explains it to the other two woman in terms of women being inferior to men. She states, “this disrespectful stance toward the man who is your lord, your king, your governor tarnishes your beauty the way frosts of winter” (Shakespeare V.ii.85). the repetition of the word “your” signifies a possession. Disrespect towards husbands destroys the reputation of a woman. Katherina compares this to frosts of winter as frost kills and destroys plants giving the earth a “dead” look. The repetition of the word “your” is repeated when Katherina states, “Your husband is your lord. your life, your keeper, your head, your sovereign” (V.ii.85). Men should be in control as they are more powerful and smarter than woman. All the words following “your” are what Katherina is stating men are over woman. Lord, king, life, keeper, head, sovereign. These words are used to help explain the social standings of woman in relation to men and the roles they were to take on.
Nathan Maisonville (P7) Character development/characterization of Kate in Act IV
In act IV, Kate, fresh out of her very recent wedding, and her new, unchivalrous husband arrive at their country home. In this act, Petruchio reveals his true intentions and begins to “tame” Kate, aiming to remove all of her infamous personality traits and turn her into a more docile and ideal wife. It is through the breaking of Kate by Petruchio that we begin to see Kate’s previously fiery disposition dwindle and fade to a more submissive nature. The root of Kate’s eventual acceptance of her new, less self-commanding role is likely at her inner desperation to be sought after. Throughout the play, Shakespeare portrays Kate as envious towards her sister, fed up with living in her shadow. Now that Kate finally has an opportunity to be desired, she is willing to do anything to seize it, even if it means being broken and made inferior. To me, Kate’s story is one of sorrow and grief, as she lives an utterly spiteful life and is often cast aside by even her own family. I found her marriage to be a quite tragic side to the story and also a contrast to the more fairytale-like ending that Lucentio and Bianca shared.
You bring up interesting points in your argument and I understand your view but I disagree with the marriage being tragic. Yes Kate is seen as undesirable in the beginning and "shrew" like to all who know her but being with Petruchio gave her the chance to experience love. This being something she didn't have before since nobody was willing to wife her. Do you think his plan of "taming" her is for the better or the worse? And do you believe she is actually getting tamed by him since she's listening to him and his commands or simply following societal norms?
Bap. ...I think thou hast the veriest shrew of all. Pet. Well, i say no. And therefore for assurance Let’s each one send unto his wife, And he whose wide is most obedient To come at first when he doth send for her Shall win the wager which we will propose.
In this passage shakespeare uses negative diction to show two things. By using negative diction when Baptista is talking it shows how little he thinks of katherine at all. He calls her a shrew and not even just the shrew. He calls her the “veriest shrew of all”. That is his own daughter he is talking about. This passage also shows how much control men had over women in the time period. Today would a group of guys have a contest to see who has the most obedient wife for their own amusement, and then have their wives be ok with it? I don't think so. Shakespeare shows Petruchio's growth as a character through the lack of negative diction. Throughout the play Petruchio is always using negative diction. Especially when he is talking about katherine or women in general. Katherine's dad called her the “veriest shrew of them all” and Petruchio actually stands up for her.
My analysis is similar to yours. I used the same passage as you did because I posted it without refreshing, but what I analyzed in the passage is different. I also noticed that this passage shows the gender role of how women must obey men which shows how possessive and controlling men were during this time period. I agree that Petruchio stands up for her when no one else ever did which probably makes it easier for her to obey him. I would also like to add that this passage is significant because it characterizes Petruchio as very clever and confident due to his plan succeeding (making Katherine come to him) to make him look good in front of his new family. Petruchio has also been very clever with his words and actions, which always seems to help him. In the end, Katherine is tamed due to Petruchio’s harsh yet attitude towards her.
“Well, I say no. And therefore, for assurance, Let’s each one send unto his wife; And he whose wife is most obedient To come at first when he doth send for her, Shall win the wager which we will propose.” Petruchio (V.ii.66-70)
In this part of the play, Baptista, Lucentio, Hortensio, Tranio, Vincentio, and Petruchio are sitting at a table for the wedding of Bianca and Lucentio without the women. Baptista argues that Petruchio is the most shrewish of them all and Petruchio disagrees. The above passage is what Petruchio’s plan is to show the rest of the men that he is not the biggest shrew and has a very obedient wife. Petruchio’s wife, Katherine, is the only one who comes when asked. It is very ironic that this is the test to see if he is the biggest shrew or not because Petruchio used aggression and harsh words to make Katherine obedient. He was the most shrewish and that is why Katherine came: because he taught her to be obedient through harsh methods and threats that she would not like. This plan to show that he is not a shrew characterizes how Petruchio is very clever. All of the men are surprised when Katherine came and agree that Petruchio is in fact not a shrew after all. Petruchio is willing to bet that Katherine will come when making this deal because he knows that Katherine will obey him because he has taught through shrewish means. This shows that Petruchio is very confident that his plan will succeed. Also, this passage shows how women obeying their husbands is a very desirable and important characteristic in a relationship. The gender role that women have is to obey the man in the relationship because that’s what he deserves. Katherine obeying Petruchio is the ultimate indicator that she has been tamed.
Katherine “Even such a woman oweth to her husband, And when she is froward, peevish, sullen, sour, And not obedient to his honest will, What is she but a foul contending rebel And graceless traitor to her loving lord? I am ashamed that women are so simple To offer war where they should kneel for peace, Or seek for rule, supremacy, and sway When they are bound to serve, love, and obey” (V. ii. 156-164)
At the end of the play, “The Taming of The Shrew” by Shakespeare, all disguises and trickery has ended and has came to a conclusion. Everyone succeeds in gaining a wife; especially Petruchio, as he victoriously tames the shrew. This is clearly shown when all the husband’s enjoy an entertaining test of seeing who’s wife is the most obedient. Both Lucentio’s and Hortensio’s brides refuse to obey, whilst Katherine does. This portrays her growth as a character, and displays her new attitude towards her new lover Petruchio by allowing him to be now fully influenced by his person. This quote above was said during her lengthy monologue after the test, and shows her new perspective towards other women. Her character has developed in such a way where, in the beginning of the play, she talked with much colloquialism and slang diction that always concluded with her being the subject matter. Now, with lines such as, “not obedient to his honest will, What is she but a foul contending rebel and graceless traitor to her loving lord?” (158-160), and “Or seek for rule, supremacy, and sway When they are bound to serve, love, and obey” (163-164), Katherine has grown a greater knowledge and opinion in these specific and interesting manners that allowed her as a character to gain confidence and express herself with these terms. The diction Shakespeare uses here also emphasizes her passion with uses of repetition and refrains at the ends of her sentences to back up her point. At the end of this book, Shakespeare finally allowed Katherine to burst out of her self-centered nature and become more wise and independent with her opinions and rounded character.
"Pet: Worse and worse; she will not come! O vile, / Intolerable not to be endured!/ Sirrah Grumio, go to your mistress;/ Say, I command her come to me./ Hor: I know her answer/ Pet:What?/ Hor: She will not./ Pet:The fouler fortune mine, and there the end./ Bap: Now, by holidame, here come Katharina!/ Kath: What is your will, sir, that you send for me?
Characterization/Development of Kate
Kate, a once fierce spirit, has now been completely and utterly broken. She is a mere shell of her former self, having no desires or free will of her own. The way she addresses Petruchio as a superior, with words such as "sir", truly demonstrates who and what she has become. Her character at the end of the story almost plays a foil to the person she once was. As I said in my previous blog, her downward spiral into submissiveness is quite depressing to me. In my eyes, Kate and Petruchio are somewhat reminiscent at this point in the story to Lord Vader and the Emperor of the Star Wars films. The Emperor in Star Wars rules over all of Vader's actions, and Vader merely gives in, despite being somewhat spiteful towards his "master"
Induction/Act I
ReplyDelete“Even as a flattering dream or worthless fancy.
Then take him up and manage well the jest:
Carry him gently to my fairest chamber
And hang it round with all my wanton pictures:
Balm his foul head in warm distilled waters
And burn sweet wood to make the lodging sweet
Procure me music ready when he wakes,
To make a dulcet and heavenly sound;
And if he chance to speak, be ready straight
And with a low submissive reverence
Say ‘What is it your honour will command’” Lord (2).
In this passage Lord is telling the Huntsmen what to do when Sly awakes. With the help of many, Lord is planning on playing a prank on this poor drunkard. Through the use of diction, Shakespeare displays the difference in social classes during this time period. Sly is a poor man found asleep who was kicked out of a tavern while Lord is much wealthier. When Lord uses the words “flattering,” “gently,” “fairest,” and “sweet” it is to describe the luxuries that the higher class have. These words are all adjectives that display the opposite of how Sly is described which shows that he is not from a family of wealth. The words and phrases “chamber,” “wanton pictures,” “balm,” “warm distilled waters,” and “burn sweet wood” are all used by Lord to show the upmost services and royalty that the upper class is privileged to have. Many ordinary middle and lower class people do not get to experience each of these luxuries. On the last line of this passage, Lord says, “‘What is it your honour will command?’” This question is very formal and very different than how you would ask a low or middle class person “What do you want to be done for you?” The words such as “honour” and “command” show the power that the upper class has. On the contrary, Lord describes Sly very differently. He uses the word “foul” to describe Sly’s head. This diction is unpleasant and shows how a lot of upper class felt about the lower class. The difference in diction used for the wealthy versus the poor show the wealth and power differences between the two classes.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAmber Mao
ReplyDeletePetruchio:
Signior Hortensio, ‘twixt such friends as we
Few words suffice; and therefore, if thou know
One rich enough to be Petruchio’s wife,
As wealth is burden of my wooing dance,
Be she as foul as was Florentius’ love,
As old as Sibyl, and as curst and shrewd
As Socrates’ Xanthippe, or a worse,
She moves me not, or not removes, at least,
Affection’s edge in me, were she as rough
As are the swelling Adriatic seas:
I come to wive it wealthily in Padua;
If wealthily, then happily in Padua.
(I.ii.62)
In this passage, allusion is the most widely used literary device, as references are made to other supposedly horrible women in literature – Florentius married a hideous hag for the answer to a riddle, Sibyl who was an ancient prophetess, or Socrates’ wife Xanthippe who was harsh and shrewd, as according to the footnotes. This leads to the beginning of the characterization of Petruchio, developing the idea that wealth is his greatest concern: in the last two lines of the passage, he says that he came to Padua to marry someone wealthy, and the wealth would bring him happiness, no matter the character of the woman he marries. The lines “She moves me not, or not removes, at least,/Affection’s edge in me, were she as rough/As are the swelling Adriatic seas” further indicate his indifference towards Katharine’s shrewdness, compared with a simile to the roughness of swelling seas, and that his affection, supposedly for wealth, would not be moved or removed.
I characterized Petruchio very similarly to how you did. Petruchio does not seem to care about anything but money. He will marry any women if she has enough money to satisfy him. I think that Petruchio’s greed was a very common characteristic for men to possess in this time period because it reflects how men felt like they were above women and could take advantage of them if they so desired. This theme of male dominance is also shown by the all the pursuers of Bianca falling in love immediately and thinking that they are each “the one” when really Bianca needs to feel the love too.
DeleteLord. ...Sirs, I will practice on this drunken man.
ReplyDeleteWhat think you, if he were convey’d to bed,
Wrapp’d in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers,
A most delicious banquet by his bed,
And brave attendants near him when he wakes,
First hun. Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose
Sec. Hun. It would seem strange unto him when he wak’d
Lord. Even as a flatt’ring dream or worthless fancy.
Then take him up, and manage well the jest.
Carry him gently to my fairest chambers…
Persuade him that he hath been lunatic,
And when he says he is, say that he dreams,
For he is nothing, but a mighty lord…
This scene opens with a sly and a host talking, the sly is drunk, so he falls asleep. The host leaves, and a Lord enters with his two servants. The lord is on his way back from hunting, and is bored, wanting to have some excitement. He sees the drunken sly and immediately starts to make fun of him. His servants even enjoy to make fun of the drunken man. The Lord wants to dress him up as a wealthy man, putting fancy clothes and jewelry on the beggar, and put him in his fanciest room with servants waiting for him to wake up. Shakespeare uses foreshadowing when the lord says “I will practice on this drunken man”. He wants to tame this man and make him believe that he is a wealthy person. Does this mean that he is going to tame someone else later in the story? Is he the rich man that is going to tame the shrew? Shakespeare does not add any more foreshadowing in the passage, so we do not know if he is the wealthy man who tames the shrew. The Lord is also performing some sort of human nature experiment with the drunken man as his test subject. When the drunken man wakes up in his fancy room, dressed in fancy clothes will he be the same old weak drunk beggar that he used to be? Or will he become a strong assertive person entirely based on a lie? Does one's surroundings create their personality? Or are we all born the way we are? Resistant to change. Read Taming of the Shrew to find out.
I interpreted this similarly. In the past societies were very male dominant (some still are today). Shakespeare characterizes Petruchio as a greedy and rich man to demonstrate how much power men were given in comparison to women. The reference to the horrible women in history is important because it shows how a few woman's actions changed men's views on women as a whole leading them to believe they were superior to them.
ReplyDelete(that was supposed to be a comment under Amber's post)
Delete
ReplyDeleteIn the “Taming of the Shrew”, Shakespeare uses archaic and informal diction to introduce the theme of sexism and gender inequality in the 1500s. Shakespeare uses the induction to set the scene for the “Taming of the Shrew” while also introducing the character of Christopher Sly. The induction begins with Christopher Sly speaking to the hostess outside of an alehouse. Sly states, “Y’are a baggage: the Slys are no rogues; look into the chronicles; we came in with Richard Conqueror. Therefore puacas pallabris; let the world slide: sessal” (Shakespeare IND. ii.6-8). In this scene, Sly is arguing with the hostess about paying for glasses that he had broken. Throughout the induction, Sly treats the hostess with little respect and views himself superior to women as he feels he should be entitled to anything he wants. The fact that the hostess, a woman, is being mistreated and is serving the man portrayed how women were low women were looked upon in society. While speaking to her Sly uses the phrases “puacas pallabris” or few words and “sessel” meaning be quiet. The demanding and discourteous tone in Sly’s voice implies that he didn’t care much for the women other than the fact that she would be waiting on him for his drinks. As the induction continues, Christopher Sly, although very drunk, is told by the Lord that he was a Lord married to a wife named Page. Sly then remarks, “’T is much. Servants, leave me and her alone Madam, undress you and come now to bed” (IND. ii. 112-113). The same situation had occurred earlier in the induction with the hostess as he had demanded her into bed prior to finding out he was “married”. Instead of simply asking “Page” to come to bed Sly demands her to follow his orders. Sly uses these command terms to sound more dominant and powerful throughout his conversations with the women. This exhibits Sly’s hostile views towards woman as he believes they should follow any order he has. Through the use of archaic diction and informal diction Shakespeare demonstrates how societal norms to portray how men’s misogynist views shaped society.
Your analysis made a lot of sense to me. The drunk, sexist nature of Christopher Sly and the harsh verbal abuse he directs at the hostess is quite substantial evidence of gender-based mistreatment. Because of the prominence of the idea of male superiority in the 1500’s, it is likely not too farfetched to assume that, if the roles were reversed and it was the hostess treating Sly this way, the societal response would be much more grim and hostile. That being said, I feel like this inequality helps add to the story, as it creates a sense of a much different time and demonstrates why the enlightenment of society is a necessity for progression.
DeleteNathan Maisonville (P7)
ReplyDeleteLocal Color
“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 this excerpt of Taming of the Shrew, many clear-cut examples of local color can be seen through the diction used by Shakespeare. Local color is the customs, manner of speech, dress, or other typical features of a place or period that contribute to its particular character. The first word that may seem unnatural to a modern-day reader is “pheeze”. Based on the context, it can be inferred that this word is being used with the meaning of giving back what is deserved or paying back. The term “stocks” is also used in this passage. Stocks were utilized as a means of punishment, immobilizing victims while also bringing them great shame. When Sly mentions “Richard Conqueror”, it is intended to show Sly’s foolishness, as he has unintentionally mixed the names of two seperate people together while trying to act important. The last two dated terms Sly uses in this excerpt are “paucas pallabris” and “sessa”. Both terms essentially mean “be quiet” or “shut up”. After practically translating the text into present-day terminology, it becomes much easier to grasp and reading it becomes much more natural.
I also examined this scene but I had not thought of the effect local color had on it. I thought the purpose of the diction was to portray how unequal men and women were in society and the social classes during the 1500s time period. Your interpretation really helped me understand the setting and time period better
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLord. O monstrous beast! how like a swine he lies!
ReplyDeleteGrim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!
Sirs, I will practise upon this drunken man.
What think you, if he were convey’d to bed,
Wrapp’d in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers,
A most delicious banquet by his bed,
And brave attendants near he when he wakes,
Would not the beggar then forget himself?
First Huntsman. Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose.
(Shakespeare Ind. 34-43) 80
In the prologue “Induction” of Shakespeare’s The Taming of The Shrew, Sly, the bum who the Induction follows, is drunk and is found by the Lord. The passage happens when the lord first sees Sly passed out, and asleep on the table. Shakespeare describes what he sees with very intense visual imagery. The Lord tells his friends his plan and foreshadows a lot in the story of The Taming of the Shrew. He sets a great example of how quickly minds can change and plans can be hatched during the rest of the play. He shows how fast he changed his mind and decided to play a prank after vituperating him with his contrasting language. He begins with describing Sly as a “monstrous beast” and says he is “like a swine”, “grim”, “foul”, and “loathsome”, and then switches to describe what it will be like when Sly awakes, as he writes, “a most delicious banquet by his bed.” This is very different from the imagery he used before. In the second half of the quote, Shakespeare uses bright and tranquil imagery to describe the Lord’s plan. He does this in order for it to sound very marvelous and a pernicious plan to emphasize the Lord’s character. The words to support this are “delicious”, “brave”, “sweet clothes”, and “choose”, and they emphasize the change in mood and tone Shakespeare writes.
I agree with your analysis on the contrasting visual imagery in the passage used to emphasize the difference between Sly and the environment they plan to have him wake up in, and how it characterizes him as a filthy person. One thing I would like to add is that the Lord says that "I will practise upon this drunken man" and, being a huntsman, it seems as if he were "hunting" Sly in a way, by trying to fool him into believing the lies around him, and fall into an elaborate trap set by the Lord. This theme can also be seen throughout the rest of the play in using deception to lure people in.
DeleteShakespeare uses metaphor and simile when Petruchio remarks,
ReplyDelete“Signior Hortensio, ‘twixt such friends as we
Few words suffice; and therefore, if thou know
One rich enough to be Petruchio’s wife.
As wealth is burden of my wooing dance,
Be she as foul as was Florentius love,
As old as Sibyl, and as curst and shrewd
As socrates’ Xanthippe, or a worse,
She moves me not, or not removes, at least,
Affection’s edge in me, were she as rough
As are the swelling Adriatic seas:
I come to wive it wealthily in Padua;
If wealthily, then happily in Padua”. (Shakespeare I.ii.62-73)
In “The Taming of the Shrew” William Shakespeare uses simile and metaphor to convey the themes of materialism and sexism. Petruchio speaks these words to Hortensio in an attempt to express his desire and determination to find a wealthy wife. In the dialogue he compares Katherine, the daughter of Baptista, to different scolding, ill tempered women such as the wives of Socrates and Florentius. The theme of materialism can also be seen as men wanted to attain great amounts of money and goods to show their wealth and domination in society. Petruchio says, “As wealth is burden of my wooing dance” (I.ii.65). In this metaphor, burden is defined as a musical accompaniment and necessity for Petruchio. His wealth is more valuable to him than finding a wife he truly loves.
Simile is used when Petruchio states, “She moves me not, or not removes, at least,/ Affection’s edge in me, were she as rough/ As are the swelling Adriatic seas” (I.ii.68-71). He compares Katherine’s body to the roughness of the Adriatic seas. His judgmental tone implies that he doesn't care for her looks and is not impressed by anything other than her money. Petruchio says, “I come to wive it wealthily in Padua” (I.ii.72). Shakespeare writes the word “it” rather than “her” or her actual name to demonstrate how careless and unimportant qualities other than wealth were viewed by men. This illustrates the lack of respect towards woman and the superiority and power he feels he has over them.
Your analysis is really interesting and I completely agree! Another example from the text that would also support your analysis is, “Thou know’st not gold’s effect” (I.ii.90). Petruchio uses this metaphor that means, “Do you know what money can buy?” Petruchio is saying that things bought are better than a person’ characteristics and his/her love. He is completely disregarding everything about Kathrina (her looks, her temper, her attitude, etc.) besides the fact that she has money because that’s what he believes is most important. This comes back to the theme of materialism and sexism because it shows how a lot of men felt superior and used women for money which could buy material items.
DeleteAmber Mao
ReplyDelete“I pray you sir, let him go while the humour lasts. O’ my word, an she knew him as well as I do, she would think scolding would do little good upon him: she may perhaps call him half a score knaves or so: why, that’s nothing; an he begin once, he’ll rail in his rope-tricks. I’ll tell you what sir, an she stand him but a little, he will throw a figure in her face and so disfigure her with it that she shall have no more eyes to see withal than a cat. You know him not, sir.” (I.ii.105)
In this passage, Grumio is trying to convince Hortensio that Petruchio will not be deterred from marrying Katharina by stories of how shrewd she is. This is mainly characterization for Grumio and Petruchio – Grumio knows that his master has an equally sharp tongue and wit to match Katharina’s. Simile is used in “O’ my word, an she knew him as well as I do, she would think scolding would do little good upon him” to convey that if Katharina knew that she was no match for Petruchio, she too would give up. Diction in this passage also characterizes Grumio – his speech is less formal than the others, and rather than being enjambed into particular lines, it is just a block paragraph of text. The word “rope-tricks” is supposed to be “rhetoric”, according to the footnotes, further adding to the idea that, as a servant, Grumio is less educated than the suitors. Pun is used in “he will throw a figure in her face and so disfigure her with it” in that the first use of “figure” means a figure of speech, or a sharp retort, and the second use in “disfigure” means to mangle. The hyperbole in “she shall have no more eyes to see withal than a cat” indicates the degree of how unrelenting Petruchio is in how he intends to blind and break Katharine.
Act I
ReplyDelete“O Tranio, till I found it to be true,
I never thought it possible or likely.
But see, while idly I stood looking on,
I found the effect of love in idleness
And now in plainness do confess to thee
That art to me as secret and as dear
As Anna to the Queen of Carthage was,
Tranio, I burn, I pine, I perish, Tranio,
If I achieve not this young modest girl.
Counsel me, Tranio, for I know thou canst.
Assist me, Tranio, for I know thou wilt.” Lucentio (I.ii.143-153)
Through simile, parallel structure and hyperbole, Shakespeare reveals the theme of the importance of a woman in a man’s life. This passage is when Lucentio sees Bianca for the first time and immediately falls in love with her. Shakespeare uses the simile, “That art to me as secret and as dear As Anna to the Queen of Carthage was” which alludes to the Queen of Carthage. Shakespeare uses “That Art” to refer to Bianca. Lucentio is using this simile to express how much he loves Bianca because Anna was very important to the Queen of Carthage. Before Lucentio saw Bianca, he wanted to become educated and was not focused on women. This immediate love displays how the importance of women to men can change a man’s goals. The parallel structure used when Shakespeare writes, “Tranio, I burn, I pine, I perish, Tranio” shows how desperate Lucentio is for this young girl. With the repeating of “I” it seems like Lucentio is out of breath, ranting and pleading for help form Tranio. This desperate sense that Lucentio has shows how much he feels like her needs this girl to be complete. Hyperbole is also used with this same quote. The words, “burn,” “pine,” and “parish” are all exaggerations of what Lucentio will do if he does not get this girl. Usually a man would not go to the extreme of committing suicide for a woman he saw once. These hyperboles that Lucentio uses show how much Lucentio feels like he needs Bianca even though he just saw her one time. This role of women is a common theme throughout the rest of the play.
I greatly agree with your comments towards the importance of the role of women in the play. Shakespeare does an outstanding job at this and was on of the first few during his time period to break the stereotypes of male only plays, which adds on to the list of why he's such a great writer. Comparable to my post, you've identified Lucentio's attraction towards Bianca and his desires for her. In my opinion, she could represent and symbolize many things such as every man's desire or perfection and is a great contrast to the main "shrew" of the play, Katherine. Overall, your analysis greatly aided me for further understanding of the play.
DeleteBaptista. “If either of you both love Katherine,
ReplyDeleteBecause I know you well and love you well,
Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure.”
Gremio. “To cart her rather. She’s too rough for me.
There, there, Hortensio, will you any wife?”
Kate. “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.” (I. i. 52-60) 83
In the first act of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” the general characterization of each character is presented and shows each individual's unique trait and attitude. This is reflected throughout the course of this act as it is the first act of the play and introduces the main roles to the audience. After Lucentio’s and Tranio’s conversation over their goals and desires in Padua in the beginning of the act, a crowd of people come on stage and displays their affections and feelings towards other certain people who show up in the play later on. Shakespeare wastes no time in establishing who the “shrew” is in the play by clearly mentioning the attributes of Katherine, the daughter of Baptista Minola. She is sharp-tongued and prone to violence, and everyone demeans her. Within the first 60 lines of the act, the characters introduces the public perception of Katherine and specifies what they dislike about her, as Gremio says, “She’s too rough for me” (55). They indicate that they prefer more “gentler” and “milder mold” mates than Katherine (60). After this, Tranio watches Katherine for only a few seconds and indicates just how far her behavior differs from the norm. This is present when he says, “That wench is stark mad or wonderful froward” (69). Throughout the play, the characters contrast their ideas of the “shrew” with their differing ideas of the “ideal wife.” In most of act 1, the suitors most value a mild disposition in a wife, and thus they greatly prefer Bianca to Katherine.
I completely agree with your analysis. Shakespeare characterizes and shows how these characters view themselves and woman in society. This passage is significant because it demonstrates the lack of respect men had towards women during the 1500s. This can be seen by Gremio relating to Katherine as "too rough"
DeleteAmber Mao
ReplyDeletePetruchio:
“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.”
Baptista:
“Well mayst thou woo, and happy be thy speed!
But be thou arm’d for some unhappy words.”
Petruchio:
“Ay, to the proof; as mountains are for winds,
That shake not, though they blow perpetually.”
(II.i.pg 32 line 11)
In this passage, Petruchio is trying to convince Baptista that he will be able to win Katharina’s love. The definition of the word “peremptory” in the second line is “insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a brusquely imperious way”, which indicates that Petruchio’s unyieldingness will match Kate’s shrewdness and he will not be deterred. In the following two lines, he compares himself and his future wife to two “raging fires”, depicting the ferocity of the both of them. In the lines “Though little fire grows great with little wind,/Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all”, he is trying to convey that he, the gust, will not be a little wind that feeds Kate’s fire, but extinguishes it completely. This is confirmed in “and so she yields to me”. In the last two lines of the passage, Petruchio again brings up the metaphor with wind, mentioning that he is like a mountain that will not shake even in the strongest of winds.
I find your analysis very interesting. This passage is very rich in metaphors and I completely agree with your analysis of it. I think Petruchio is using these extreme metaphors to insure that Baptista will allow him to marry Katherine. I would like to discuss the part where Petruchio says, “And where two raging fires meet together, They do consume the thing that feeds their fury” (II.i.132-133). Petruchio is saying that both he and Katherine have similar, unpleasant personalities and that when they meet their unpleasantness will disappear. I think it’s important to point this out because it reveals Petruchio’s persistent and convincing personality and the extent he is willing to go to get this girl.
DeleteAct II
ReplyDelete“And woo her with some spirit when she comes.
Say that she rail; why then I’ll tell her plain
She sings as sweetly as a nightingale.
Say that she frown; I’ll say she looks as clear
As morning roses newly washed with dew.
Say she be mute and will not speak a word;
Then I’ll commend her volubility,
And say she uttereth piercing eloquence” Petruchio (II.i.169-176)
In “The Taming of The Shrew,” William Shakespeare uses similes to portray the theme of jokes and trickery. In this part of the play, Petruchio is speaking about what he will say to Katherine when he meets her for the first time. In a sense, he is preparing himself for the worst and planning on telling her lies to gain her love. Shakespeare writes, “Say that she rail; why then I’ll tell her plain She sings as sweetly as a nightingale” (II.i.170-171). By using this simile, Petruchio is saying that if Katherine rants, he will tell her that her voice is beautiful. This is clearly a lie, which ties into the theme of trickery. Petruchio also uses the simile, “Say that she frown; I’ll say she looks as clear As morning roses newly washed with dew” (II.i.172-173). This simile was used because it shows how when Katherine glares, Petruchio will lie and tell her that she looks happy. Not only does she not look mad, she looks “as clear As morning roses newly washed with dew” according to Petruchio. As seen earlier in the play, jokes and trickery a huge part of the plot and theme. All of these similes and the trickery that Petruchio uses also reflect the theme of manipulation of women and the poor, and the power that men and the wealthy held during this time period. Men and wealthy often felt like they could take advantage of women and poor people as seen by the jokes played on different characters in the play.
I really like your analysis of this passage. It is filled with similes, but i don't think that it is to portray Pretruchio as a trickster. I think that it wants to show his confidence in his ability to tame Katherine. If she yells and complains he will tell her that her voice is beautiful. If you compliment a bully everytime they do something mean, and you do not acknowledge that they are hurting you it takes away their power. This is what Petruchio is doing to Katherine. Instead of trying to fight fire with fire he decides to douse her flame with compliments
DeleteIn “The Taming of the Shrew”, William Shakespeare uses animal diction to convey the the theme of gender inequality. The title “The Taming of the Shrew” acts as a symbol itself. Taming often refers to domesticating and training while a shrew is a type of mouse. This term can also be used to describe a women of violent temper and speech. The title demonstrates men's views on woman and how they should be seen and portrayed in society.
ReplyDelete“Petruchio. Should bel should - buzz!
Katherine. Well ta’en, and like a buzzard
Petruchio. O slow-winged turtle! shall a buzzard take thee?
Katherine. Ay, for a turtle, as he takes a full buzzard.
Petruchio. Come, come, you wasp; I’ faith. you are too angry.
Katherine. if i be waspish, best beware my sting.
Petruchio. My remedy is then, to pluck you out.
Katherine. Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies.
Petruchio. Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail
Katherine. In his tongue
Petruchio. Whose tongue?
Katherine. Yours, if you talk of tails: and so farewell” (Shakespeare II.ii.34-35)
This passage characterizes Katherine by Petruchio using animal diction to convey her shrew like qualities. This diction gives off a rude yet flirtatious tone as Katherine and Petruchio take part in their first “word battle”. He continuously compares her to an angry wasp throughout this passage. Petruchio remarks, “come home, you wasp; O’ faith you are too angry” (Shakespeare II.i.34). Petruchio is literally willing to “tame the shrew”. He is very persistent with wifing her as he is focused on the wealth he will attain by marrying her. Petruchio states, “My remedy is then, to pluck you out” (Shakespeare II.ii.34). Petruchio both flirts and insults Katherine at the same time by comparing her to an animal again, showing the lack of respect and views he has towards woman. Rather than marrying her for love, Petruchio views his future “marriage” more as a game or challenge. Katherine’s willingness to talk back and take part in this persiflage demonstrates how she does not want to be controlled by men and live in a men dominated society. While Petruchio establishes his dominance as a male figure to Katherine she reacts by resisting and doing everything in her power to prevent it.
I somewhat agree and disagree with your claims, but mostly agree. I find your analysis very interesting as you mention Petruchio's aggressive attitude and dominance towards Katherine, however, I view this conversation between the two characters somewhat a character development moment. Shakespeare lets the reader know that even though Petruchio is forcing Katherine to marry him in a dominant fashion, the chemistry between the two and how Katherine fights back builds that true love and romantic side of the two. You claimed that Petruchio establishes his dominance of a male figure but I feel like that is contrasting to what Shakespeare is trying to convey. He allows Katherine to have a voice and fight back, giving her more of a character and even shows it in the play as she and Bianca are two of the main characters in the play.
DeleteKatherine. In his tongue.
ReplyDeletePetruchio. 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.
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.
(Shakespeare II.i.206-216)
In the second act of “Taming of The Shrew,” Shakespeare further dives into the complex characterization and relationships the characters have with each other. In this short segment within the scene, Petruchio finally sneaks his way into finding his future lover, Katherine. Throughout the whole dialogue between Petruchio and Katherine, each of them showed their unique personalities, and this allowed the reader to realize how similar these two characters are in terms of tone and attitude. They both seem immature at times and are very passionate of their side of the argument. This long disputation was also very humorous. Shakespeare very so succeeded in writing a heavily non-serious and joyful play. Here, the dialogue is filled with puns being thrown back and forth between the two, and what makes it very enjoying to read is Petruchio’s take on this. He turns and twists everything Katherine says into a sexual innuendo, just as in this quote, and further shows his immatureness. This brings out the inner anger in Katherine as she attempts to strike at Petruchio and shows kind of her immaturity and attitude of going to violence in times of struggle when she can not control things. This can be viewed romantically or humorously because it makes the reader remember the stereotypes when people were little kids, such as if someone “liked” another person or had a “crush”, then that person would typically act mean or violent towards the person they like. Shakespeare explores things like this regularly in his writing and allows his plays to be very relatable and is a main reason why it is always an enjoyable read.
I agree with your interpretation of the Petruchio and Kate's conversation. I viewed this more as romantic rather than humorous and child like. The puns played a tremendous role during the series of playful and flirtatious remarks that they exchanged between each other as it helped to further develop both their liking and love that continues to grow.
DeleteAct III
ReplyDelete“I will be master of what is mine own.
She is my goods, my chattles; she is my house,
My household stuff, my field, my barn,
My horse, my ox, my ass, my anything” Petruchio (III.ii.224-227)
In “The Taming of The Shrew,” Shakespeare utilizes possessive diction and repetition to portray the theme of male dominance. This passage is after Petruchio and Katherine get married and Petruchio suddenly needs to leave but wants Katherine to come with him. He orders everyone to feast and go on with the wedding party while he runs off with his new wife. When Petruchio says, “I will be master of what is mine own,” the words “master” and “mine” are both very possessive. Petruchio is saying that he believes that now that him and Katherine are married, he owns her and gets to tell her to do whatever he wants and she must listen. Also, Petruchio uses the words, “goods,” “chattles,” “house,” “household stuff,” “field,” “barn,” “horse,” “ox,” “ass,” and “anything.” All of these words are possessions that one may have. He uses them to show how he views Katherine as something that belongs to him. By comparing her to animals and other things that many people own, he is belittling her. This reflects how many men felt in this time period: dominant and superior to women. In addition, Petruchio uses the repetition of “my” when he says, “My household stuff, my field, my barn, My horse, my ox, my ass, my anything.” This repetition of the word “my” shows how strongly he believes that Katherine belongs solely to him. It also reflects his persistent attitude throughout the play. Petruchio is very dominant over Katherine and through his repetition, he strongly believes that is how it is supposed to be.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYou have a very interesting interpretation. I also looked into this passage however, I believe these possessive terms are necessary because it shows the importance of male dominance (as you noted). In addition, It also shows petruchio's commitment to "taming" his "shrew"
DeleteACT 3
ReplyDeleteIn William Shakespeare’s, “The Taming of the Shrew”, anaphora is used to portray how inconsiderate men treated and viewed woman during the 1500s. In Act 3, Petruchio not only shows up to Katherine and his wedding late but also wears ragged, old clothing. This visual presentation of him shows how much he truly cares about his future marriage as it is treated like a joke.
Shakespeare writes,
KATH. “Gentlemen, forward to the bridal dinner:
I see a woman may be made a fool,
If she had not a spirit to resist.” (Shakespeare III.ii.192-194)
PET. “… 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; …” (Shakespeare III.ii.202-206)
Since the wedding going to take place and Katherine has agreed to marry Petruchio he makes a scene in order to embarrass her while proving his superiority. Katherine responds to this by stating “I see a woman many be made a fool” (III.ii.193). Petruchio responds saying “…I will be a master of what is mine own;” (III.ii.202). Petruchio has created a plan of his own. All made to embarrass Kate and make her realize her role by “taming the shrew”. Brantley stating that Kate is property shows how she must obey and listen to Petruchio since she will soon belong to him. However, Kate plays her own games by acting improperly as well, due to her secret affection for Petruchio. This was unusual during the time period because women were known to be submissive, rather than rowdy. This passage helps to prove the point that the title “Taming of the Shrew,” is very relevant because of the way that Katherine behaves around her husband.
My analysis is very similar to yours, however there are some differences. I believe that this type of situation was quite ordinary during that time period in the sense that Petruchio thinks he can be possessive of Katherine. Your analysis made me think of an idea I had not had before: Petruchio being possessive is necessary to “tame” Katherine. Before reading your analysis I thought that of course Petruchio taking ownership of Katherine is a negative thing, but that might be the only way to turn Katherine into a fine young lady. I also did not think that Petruchio’s goal was to embarrass Katherine, but that might be the case in this situation.
Delete“Bion. why, Petruchio is coming in a new hat and an old
ReplyDeletejerkin; a pair of old breeches thrice turned; a pair of
boots that have been candle-cases, one buckled,
another laced; an old rusty sword ta’en out of the
town armoury with a broken hilt, and chapless;
with two broken points; his horse hipped---with an
old mothy saddle and stirrups of no kindred...”
Biondello gives news to Baptista that Petruchio is coming to marry Katherine, but it seems that the news is bittersweet to both Biondello and Baptista. Biondello describes Petruchio's cloths as “old” and that they are tattered and turned over because they are so dirty. Normally when you get married you dress in the fanciest clothes you have, but he shows up in old dirty cloths. This shows how much Petruchio does not care about how Katherine perceives her, because he will marry her anyway. No matter what he looks like or what he smells like Katherine is still forced to marry her. Baptista is obviously upset when he sees Petruchio. He says:
“First we were sad, fearing that you would not come,
Now sadder that you come so unprovided.
Fie, doff this habit, shame to your estate,
An eyesore to our solemn festival!”
He gives shame to Petruchio and his entire estate, yet he is still letting him marry his daughter. This shows the father's view of his own daughter. At this point he wants to just get rid of her, and maybe make a little money along with it. I feel bad for Katherine. She is being given away to a rowdy, obnoxious, dirty man by her father who does not even seem to care. This is all because she is not a typical woman who does what she is told. I think this is sad. Women, as well as everyone else, should be praised for speaking their mind and having a unique voice. It is typical of this time period for people to be put into a caste system where their entire lives are planned and organized in whichever way by whomever. Whether that person is your wealthy father giving you away to a dirty jerk or the social classes of the time forcing you to be poor.
I greatly agree with your comments towards the importance of the role of women in the play. Shakespeare does an outstanding job at this and was on of the first few during his time period to break the stereotypes of male only plays, which adds on to the list of why he's such a great writer. This is off topic sorry. Comparable to my post, you've identified Lucentio's attraction towards Bianca and his desires for her. In my opinion, she could represent and symbolize many things such as every man's desire or perfection and is a great contrast to the main "shrew" of the play, Katherine. Overall, your analysis greatly aided me for further understanding of the play.
DeleteGood points regarding the predicament of Petruchio's wardrobe. Personally, I was curious to as if the whole attire mishap on Petruchio's end was yet another piece to his scheme of breaking Kate. Perhaps he was trying to undermine her confidence by acting nonchalant over the wedding and as though it was a day of little significance. Also, I agree with your sympathy towards Kate. I believe one of the main reasons she is going through with the wedding in the first place is to finally get approval by her father and loved ones, yet, in some ways, they're just as bad as Petruchio when it comes to caring for her!
DeleteLucentio. Are you so formal, sir?
ReplyDeleteWell, I must wait
And watch withal, for but I be deceived,
Our fine musician groweth amorous.
Hortensio. Madam, before you touch the instrument,
To learn the order of my fingering,
I must begin with rudiments of art
To teach you gamut in a briefer sort,
More pleasant, pithy, and effectual,
Than hath been taught by any of my trade;
And there it is in writing, fairly drawn.
(Shakespeare III.i.58-68)
In Act III, Shakespeare demonstrates to the audience how using a disguise to reach one’s goals can backfire and create negative consequences. In the previous two acts of the play, Tranio disguised as Lucentio and Lucentio disguised as Cambio in an elaborate plan to for Lucentio to win over Bianca’s love. Up until Act III, their plan had been going smoothly, despite the fact that Lucentio had to compete against several of Bianca’s other suitors. But in Act III, Lucentio observes that Bianca’s other teacher, Licio, seems to be wooing her. Lucentio isn’t aware of the fact that the teacher is actually a disguised Hortensio, also trying to win Bianca’s love. Lucentio, after becoming suspicious of Hortensio’s behavior, says to himself, “well, I must wait, / And watch withal; for, but I be deceived, / Our fine musician groweth amorous” (58-61). Shakespeare uses Lucentio’s frustrated soliloquy as a tool to suddenly change the pace of the play, representing the unforeseen difficulty he has now encountered in his master plan. The frustration Lucentio expresses provides comic relief for the audience, because it was an outrageous plan from the start, and Lucentio is only now beginning to realize his troubles. On the other side of the conflict, Hortensio expresses similar, even greater irritation with his counterpart. After Lucentio attempts to stall Hortensio’s lesson to buy time for him to reveal himself to Bianca, Hortensio thinks out loud, saying, “How fiery and forward our pedant is! / Now, for my life, the knave doth court my love: / Pedascule, I’ll watch you better yet” (46-48). The dramatic irony behind the fact the that neither of the characters realize who the other is serves two purposes. For one, it provides an overarching comedic effect to the scene. But more importantly, it highlights the failure of their disguises, showing that an elaborate plan can sometimes be too complex to be effective. In Lucentio and Hortensio’s case, their complex webs of plans became tangled together, and so they fell apart.
In his play “The Taming of the Shrew”, William Shakespeare continues to stress the importance of the plays overriding theme of disguise. Throughout the entire play disguise remains a key role as it is symbolic of the social hierarchy during the time period.
ReplyDeleteThe role of disguise can be seen through the actions between Hortensio, Bianca, and Lucentio. Hortensio or “Licio” had dressed up and pretended to be a musician in order to win Bianca over. However, once Bianca appears to be falling for “Cambio” (Lucentio in disguise) Hortensio becomes angered leaving. As a result he confesses the truth and states, “Mistake no more: I am not Licio, / Nor a musician, as I seem to be; / But one that scorn to live in this disguise, / ...Know, sir, that I am call’d Hortensio” (Shakespeare IV.ii.60). Through this incident he is able to come to his senses and realize that dressing up and acting as something he wasn't would not win him the girl he hoped to have. As he continues to converse with Tranio he exclaims,“Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks, / Shall win my love: and so I take my leave / In resolution” (IV.ii.60). He makes it clear that looks and beauty will not be the only characteristics he looks for in a women. Even though Hortensio is seen as a foolish character he was one of the first of the suitors to discover the inner beauty of Bianca instead of only admiring her looks. He uncovers Bianca’s true colors and states that she is a “proud disdainful haggard” (IV.ii.60).
Your analysis is very interesting. I agree with you in the way that Hortensio was the first to notice Bianca’s “true colors” and that he left because he was angered by Cambio (Lucentio) and her falling in love. I also believe that this brings out the characteristic in Hortensio that he is very jealous and doesn’t take jealousy well. If Hortensio would have truly loved Bianca, he would have stayed and fought for her. I think this moment is very pivotal for Hortensio due to how he wants to find more than beauty in a woman. This is also very ironic because he later mentions that he will “be married to a wealthy widow, Ere three days pass” (IV.ii.38-39). He says that he wants to be married in three days but also argues that he is looking for more than beauty and it is very hard to get to know someone in only three days.
DeleteAct IV
ReplyDelete“Why, when, I say?¬–Nay, good sweet Kate, be merry.–
Off with my boots, you rogues! You villains, when?” Petruchio (IV.iv.119-120)
At this point in the play, Petruchio and Katherine arrive home and Petruchio is very unsatisfied with his services. He is yelling at his servants while using a soft sweet tone with Katherine. In the “Taming of The Shrew,” Shakespeare uses conflicting tones and diction to portray the difference in social classes during this time period. When Petruchio says, “good sweet Kate, be merry,” his tone is very soft and sincere. Also, the words “good,” “sweet,” and “merry” are all positive diction. Petruchio uses both the sincere tone and the positive diction when he is talking to Katherine, his wife and a lady of very high-class. This positive attitude the Petruchio is displaying reflects the views of the upper class: most valuable and important to society. On the other hand, Petruchio says, “Off with my boots, you rogues! You villains,” when talking to his servants. Petruchio’s tone changes immediately from sincere to demanding and harsh. The words, “rogues” and “villains” present a very negative connotation and show Petruchio’s negative attitude for his servants: men of lower class. This demanding/harsh tone and negative diction show how people of lower class are not valued nearly as much as those of a higher class. Also notice the irony of the situation: Petruchio is treating the men much more horrible than a woman. This is ironic because in this time period men were seen as more dominant and respectable than women. This displays how social class triumphs gender in “The Taming of The Shrew”.
I really enjoyed your analysis and totally agree with most of the points you claimed. However, nearing the end of your post, you concluded that the situation of Petruchio treating his men like trash was ironic due to the time period of men normally being treated much more superior than to women, but I find this not the case. I don't think this is ironic because the way you stated it made me a little confused. I do agree that back then men were viewed as more superior than women, but if a servant disobeyed their master then this situation wouldn't be any different, in my opinion. I don't find much irony in this, but I still found your post great.
DeleteIt's ironic in the way that men are usually treated better than women, but because the men are of a lower class, he does not respect them. I guess maybe it wouldn't be ironic for him to treat a servant like that because it was very common during this time, but what I am trying to convey is that it is ironic that he treats a man worse than a women when men are usually seen as more superior (when not paying attention to social status). Gender roles and social class are two dominant themes in this play and I think that social class is seen as more valuable than gender due to Petruchio's language. Hope it's clearer what I mean.
Delete
ReplyDeleteIn Act IV of Shakespeare’s play, The Taming of the Shrew, Petruchio devises a plan for the purpose of “taming” his soon to be wife, Katherine. In describing Petruchio’s plan to tame Katharine, Shakespeare uses various literary devices in order to dramatize and emphasize the importance of such plan. First noticeable literary element is the metaphor, in which Katharine is compared to a falcon, while Petruchio is illustrated as the keeper of the falcon. The expected result of an animal training is that the animal demonstrates obedience and submission to the trainer, who holds the absolute authority in the course. Therefore, the relationship of an animal and a keeper is used to emphasize where the husbands and wives stand in the process of taming: husband (Petruchio) in a far more superior position than the wife (Katharine). Also, another literary element used in the passage are hyperboles. Petruchio claims “This is a way to kill a wife with kindness,” yet he doesn’t literally mean to kill Katharine. When Petruchio says ‘to kill a wife’, it is not an actual murder, but rather a metaphorical expression of taming a wife and killing her aggressive personalities. Such exaggerated expression leaves a much clearer emphasis on Petruchio’s ultimate plan than to simply say, ‘to tame a wife’. In laying out Petruchio’s plan to tame her aggressive wife Katharine, Shakespeare uses metaphor and hyperbole to dramatize and emphasize the importance of the thorough plan.
Shakespeare's usage of figurative language in this act was what really stood out in my eyes. The way Kate is described as a falcon helps characterize her greatly. When you think of a bird, you also think of flying through the skies with freedom. However, when a bird has a keeper, it is no longer free to do as it pleases. This is an accurate depiction of Petruchio and Kate's marriage. Also, it may be worth noting that the comparison of Kate to a falcon (or, in other words, an animal) may somewhat be putting her in a state of being sub-human, furthering her progression into a role of inferiority.
Delete
ReplyDeleteKATH. “Girls, girls! Wipe those frowns off your faces and stop rolling your eyes. This disrespectful stance toward the man who is your lord, your king, your governor tarnishes your beauty the way the frosts of winter blights the land. It mars your reputations as whirlwinds shake fair buds. And in no sense is it fitting or attractive. An angry woman is like an agitated fountain—muddy, unpleasant, lacking in beauty. And in this condition, no one—however dry or thirsty he may be—will stoop to sip or touch one drop of it. Your husband is your lord, your life, your keeper, your head, your sovereign, one who cares for you and who, for your ease and comfort, commits his body to harsh labor both on land and sea.” (Shakespeare V.ii.85)
Through his use of Anaphora and simile, William Shakespeare describes gender roles and social standing of men and women during the late 1500s. Katherina, characterized as a shrew in the first few acts recites a speech that goes completely against the views she previously had on society. Through her powerful concluding speech she criticises woman and brings up how they are stereotyped as weak and powerless compared to men. Rather than going against this statement as she would have fought about in the past, she explains it to the other two woman in terms of women being inferior to men. She states, “this disrespectful stance toward the man who is your lord, your king, your governor tarnishes your beauty the way frosts of winter” (Shakespeare V.ii.85). the repetition of the word “your” signifies a possession. Disrespect towards husbands destroys the reputation of a woman. Katherina compares this to frosts of winter as frost kills and destroys plants giving the earth a “dead” look. The repetition of the word “your” is repeated when Katherina states, “Your husband is your lord. your life, your keeper, your head, your sovereign” (V.ii.85). Men should be in control as they are more powerful and smarter than woman. All the words following “your” are what Katherina is stating men are over woman. Lord, king, life, keeper, head, sovereign. These words are used to help explain the social standings of woman in relation to men and the roles they were to take on.
Nathan Maisonville (P7)
ReplyDeleteCharacter development/characterization of Kate in Act IV
In act IV, Kate, fresh out of her very recent wedding, and her new, unchivalrous husband arrive at their country home. In this act, Petruchio reveals his true intentions and begins to “tame” Kate, aiming to remove all of her infamous personality traits and turn her into a more docile and ideal wife. It is through the breaking of Kate by Petruchio that we begin to see Kate’s previously fiery disposition dwindle and fade to a more submissive nature. The root of Kate’s eventual acceptance of her new, less self-commanding role is likely at her inner desperation to be sought after. Throughout the play, Shakespeare portrays Kate as envious towards her sister, fed up with living in her shadow. Now that Kate finally has an opportunity to be desired, she is willing to do anything to seize it, even if it means being broken and made inferior. To me, Kate’s story is one of sorrow and grief, as she lives an utterly spiteful life and is often cast aside by even her own family. I found her marriage to be a quite tragic side to the story and also a contrast to the more fairytale-like ending that Lucentio and Bianca shared.
Never realized I didn't press "Publish" last night :////////
DeleteYou bring up interesting points in your argument and I understand your view but I disagree with the marriage being tragic. Yes Kate is seen as undesirable in the beginning and "shrew" like to all who know her but being with Petruchio gave her the chance to experience love. This being something she didn't have before since nobody was willing to wife her. Do you think his plan of "taming" her is for the better or the worse? And do you believe she is actually getting tamed by him since she's listening to him and his commands or simply following societal norms?
DeleteBap. ...I think thou hast the veriest shrew of all.
ReplyDeletePet. Well, i say no. And therefore for assurance
Let’s each one send unto his wife,
And he whose wide is most obedient
To come at first when he doth send for her
Shall win the wager which we will propose.
In this passage shakespeare uses negative diction to show two things. By using negative diction when Baptista is talking it shows how little he thinks of katherine at all. He calls her a shrew and not even just the shrew. He calls her the “veriest shrew of all”. That is his own daughter he is talking about. This passage also shows how much control men had over women in the time period. Today would a group of guys have a contest to see who has the most obedient wife for their own amusement, and then have their wives be ok with it? I don't think so. Shakespeare shows Petruchio's growth as a character through the lack of negative diction. Throughout the play Petruchio is always using negative diction. Especially when he is talking about katherine or women in general. Katherine's dad called her the “veriest shrew of them all” and Petruchio actually stands up for her.
I have no idea why its unknown... This is Thomas
DeleteMy analysis is similar to yours. I used the same passage as you did because I posted it without refreshing, but what I analyzed in the passage is different. I also noticed that this passage shows the gender role of how women must obey men which shows how possessive and controlling men were during this time period. I agree that Petruchio stands up for her when no one else ever did which probably makes it easier for her to obey him. I would also like to add that this passage is significant because it characterizes Petruchio as very clever and confident due to his plan succeeding (making Katherine come to him) to make him look good in front of his new family. Petruchio has also been very clever with his words and actions, which always seems to help him. In the end, Katherine is tamed due to Petruchio’s harsh yet attitude towards her.
Delete“Well, I say no. And therefore, for assurance,
ReplyDeleteLet’s each one send unto his wife;
And he whose wife is most obedient
To come at first when he doth send for her,
Shall win the wager which we will propose.” Petruchio (V.ii.66-70)
In this part of the play, Baptista, Lucentio, Hortensio, Tranio, Vincentio, and Petruchio are sitting at a table for the wedding of Bianca and Lucentio without the women. Baptista argues that Petruchio is the most shrewish of them all and Petruchio disagrees. The above passage is what Petruchio’s plan is to show the rest of the men that he is not the biggest shrew and has a very obedient wife. Petruchio’s wife, Katherine, is the only one who comes when asked. It is very ironic that this is the test to see if he is the biggest shrew or not because Petruchio used aggression and harsh words to make Katherine obedient. He was the most shrewish and that is why Katherine came: because he taught her to be obedient through harsh methods and threats that she would not like. This plan to show that he is not a shrew characterizes how Petruchio is very clever. All of the men are surprised when Katherine came and agree that Petruchio is in fact not a shrew after all. Petruchio is willing to bet that Katherine will come when making this deal because he knows that Katherine will obey him because he has taught through shrewish means. This shows that Petruchio is very confident that his plan will succeed. Also, this passage shows how women obeying their husbands is a very desirable and important characteristic in a relationship. The gender role that women have is to obey the man in the relationship because that’s what he deserves. Katherine obeying Petruchio is the ultimate indicator that she has been tamed.
Katherine “Even such a woman oweth to her husband,
ReplyDeleteAnd when she is froward, peevish, sullen, sour,
And not obedient to his honest will,
What is she but a foul contending rebel
And graceless traitor to her loving lord?
I am ashamed that women are so simple
To offer war where they should kneel for peace,
Or seek for rule, supremacy, and sway
When they are bound to serve, love, and obey” (V. ii. 156-164)
At the end of the play, “The Taming of The Shrew” by Shakespeare, all disguises and trickery has ended and has came to a conclusion. Everyone succeeds in gaining a wife; especially Petruchio, as he victoriously tames the shrew. This is clearly shown when all the husband’s enjoy an entertaining test of seeing who’s wife is the most obedient. Both Lucentio’s and Hortensio’s brides refuse to obey, whilst Katherine does. This portrays her growth as a character, and displays her new attitude towards her new lover Petruchio by allowing him to be now fully influenced by his person. This quote above was said during her lengthy monologue after the test, and shows her new perspective towards other women. Her character has developed in such a way where, in the beginning of the play, she talked with much colloquialism and slang diction that always concluded with her being the subject matter. Now, with lines such as, “not obedient to his honest will, What is she but a foul contending rebel and graceless traitor to her loving lord?” (158-160), and “Or seek for rule, supremacy, and sway When they are bound to serve, love, and obey” (163-164), Katherine has grown a greater knowledge and opinion in these specific and interesting manners that allowed her as a character to gain confidence and express herself with these terms. The diction Shakespeare uses here also emphasizes her passion with uses of repetition and refrains at the ends of her sentences to back up her point. At the end of this book, Shakespeare finally allowed Katherine to burst out of her self-centered nature and become more wise and independent with her opinions and rounded character.
Nathan Maisonville (P7)
ReplyDelete"Pet: Worse and worse; she will not come! O vile, /
Intolerable not to be endured!/
Sirrah Grumio, go to your mistress;/
Say, I command her come to me./
Hor: I know her answer/
Pet:What?/
Hor: She will not./
Pet:The fouler fortune mine, and there the end./
Bap: Now, by holidame, here come Katharina!/
Kath: What is your will, sir, that you send for me?
Characterization/Development of Kate
Kate, a once fierce spirit, has now been completely and utterly broken. She is a mere shell of her former self, having no desires or free will of her own. The way she addresses Petruchio as a superior, with words such as "sir", truly demonstrates who and what she has become. Her character at the end of the story almost plays a foil to the person she once was. As I said in my previous blog, her downward spiral into submissiveness is quite depressing to me. In my eyes, Kate and Petruchio are somewhat reminiscent at this point in the story to Lord Vader and the Emperor of the Star Wars films. The Emperor in Star Wars rules over all of Vader's actions, and Vader merely gives in, despite being somewhat spiteful towards his "master"