Commentary on Taming Of The Shrew Essay

The Taming of the Shrew

Shakespeares Taming of the Shrew is known as one of his comedies written about the courtship of Petruchio, a gentleman of Verona and Katharina, known and considered to be a shrew of her time. Many audiences have speculated as to what Shakespeare may have been feeling when writing the play or whether he was trying to make a point or raise awareness on certain topics or issues dealt with during his time. There is also the controversy of how this play may have been one of the first public displays of a Battle of the Sexes. There are many reasons as to why one may feel this way according to the context of this play. The following, are examples of the role that Petruchio and Katharina play, whether there is a battle indeed, and whether one has dominated the other by the end of the play.

Though Petruchio is informed early in play that Katharina is a shrew and difficult to tame, he is not threatened nor intimidated by this matter. He speaks highly of her even before they officially meet. She sings as sweetly as a nightingale, Say that she frowns, Ill say she looks as clear. (Act II, Scene I, Line 167-168) Clear, meaning serene. When they meet for the first time, he addresses her by Kate and though she corrects him, he continues to call her Kate throughout the play. Katharina strikes him during their first conversation and he states, I swear Ill cuff you if you strike again. (Act II, Scene I, Line 216) Making it clear to her that not only is it unacceptable but that he holds no tolerance of physical abuse. He also states that they will marry the following Sunday. This shows that his character likes to be in control of all situations he comes across, he sets the atmosphere and tone according to what pleases or benefits him. Arriving late to his own wedding, and ordering his servants around in such a way in front of Katharina to prove a point in authority, shows that in any way he chooses to act, it is justifiable by him and that is all that matters.

Katharina is not easily impressed by much, let alone Petruchios words upon their first meeting, Where did you study all this goodly speech? (Act II, Scene I, Line 255) She mentions later that she rather be hanged than to marry Petruchio the following Sunday shows a side of Katharinas character in the beginning where she is rebellious, likes to be heard, loves to make a scene, but yet has us questioning whether it is all for attention of if she is, by far, the true definition of a shrew. In Act IV, Scene III, Petruchio tells the haberdasher that the cap he has for Katharina is not good enough. She then makes a remark about how it will do for the occasion and when he still disapproves of her wearing it, she quotes, Why sir, I trust I may have leave to speak, And speak I will, I am no child, no babe. (Act IV, Scene III, Line 73) All of this leads up to whether there is an imbalance of authority or lack of respect on either or both ends. By now, the audience is wondering if their relationship will evolve into something mature and well worth reading or watching, or if their disagreements and bickering is simply all that this play has to offer.

There are various reasons as to why I feel if there is a battle, neither Petruchio or Katharina has won. Petruchios character seems to remain the same throughout the play that leads us to reason with him. It suits his time and any self respecting man would care about his reputation especially if he was married to what many labeled as a shrew. This is not only challenging for him publicly, however it is difficult for him behind close doors as well. First, kiss me Kate, and we will. (Act V, Scene I, Line 115) When Petruchio asks Katharina to kiss him in the middle of the street, she is hesitant at first but eventually does so. At the end she states, My hand is ready, may it do him ease. (Act V, Scene, II, Line 183) She clearly shows a change for the better in and that she is willing to do what it takes now to please her husband and to learn the act of being submissive. Taming of the Shrew takes us on a journey of the differences and struggles a couple may experience once in a relationship. It shows how two very extreme personalities can make or break a marriage, but as long as both are aware, cautious and willing to make it work, they must accept each others flaws. Therefore, there is no winner or loser in this battle. Marriage, love or relationships in itself is a battlefield and that it takes two to maintain a healthy and happy marriage in which Petruchio and Katharina proved willing to do so by the end of this play.