From its title one would think that “The Taming of the Shrew” is about women’s lack of rights, duties , and their inferior social status in the 16th century.1 That is one reason why it is considered to be a controversial play, but there are two sides of the story. Many of Shakespeare’s admirers have been embarrassed about his chauvinistic point of view of how to tame a wife. In fact, it is unlikely that anyone today in our feminist era would write such a play unless they did so tongue in cheek.2 A play like “The Taming of the Shrew” would certainly get protestors out on the street marching; holding banners aloft. “The Taming of the Shrew” seems to offend audiences today and engenders much debate.3 On the other hand “The Taming of the Shrew” should be seen as a comedy before we think about an interpretation. Comedies were written to cheer up the audience, make them laugh and it may have been Shakespeare’s intention to give an ironic point of view about masculine ideas of a female role model in a predominantly male world. It is the Shakespearean society that is offending us, not Shakespeare himself.4 1 The Arden of Shakespeare - Brian Morris (Editor) (2002); The Taming of the Shrew, London: Methuen, p.111. 2 Nick Curtis, “Problem Play” Royal Shakespeare Company, The Taming of the Shrew (programm), (2003), p. 8. 3 Michael Billington, “Problem Play” Royal Shakespeare Company, The Taming of the Shrew (programm), (2003),p. 9. 4 Anne Thompson, “Problem Play” RSC, The Taming of the Shrew (programm), (2003), p. 9.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. ELIZABETHAN SOCIETY
2.1 MARRIAGE
3. THE FEMALE IDEALISTIC ROLE MODEL VS. KATHERINA AND BIANCA
4. ELIZABETHAN THEATRE AND AFTERWARDS
5. "THE TAMING OF THE SHREW" – A SEXIST PLAY?
5.1 THE TAMING PLOT – VICIOUS OR FUNNY?
6. SUMMARY
7. REFERENCES
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper investigates the controversial nature of William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," specifically analyzing whether the play is inherently sexist or a product of its Elizabethan cultural and historical context. It explores the societal roles of women, the dynamics of marriage in the 16th century, and the playwright's potential ironic intent.
- Historical analysis of Elizabethan societal norms and the status of women.
- Comparative examination of marriage motives: Romantic vs. Materialistic.
- Literary exploration of the "ideal" female role model versus Katherina and Bianca.
- Investigation of Elizabethan theatrical censorship and the evolution of gender roles on stage.
- Critical assessment of the "taming" process in the context of period-specific humor.
Excerpt from the Book
5.1 The Taming Plot – vicious or funny?
It is not easy to draw a clear line between taming, teaching and testing lessons. The following part gives an idea about a possible division. The taming begins at Petruchio’s and Katherina’s first meeting in Act II, sc.i with the verbal combat between them. Petruchio woos for Katherina’s hand in a extraordinary unromantic and “sexist” way when he says at the end of this combat ”For I am born to tame you, Kate,/ And bring you from a wild Kate to a Kate/ Comfortable as other household Kates.”42. The fact that he had the last word with this declaration of war shows that he will tame Katherina successfully. The Use of plays on words, puns, on Kate’s name such as “Comfortable like other household Kates” shows that he is really dominating the whole situation and insulting her. Bianca’s play of words on Kate’s name: ”That being mad herself, she’s madly mated. I warrant him, Petruchio is Kated.”43 means they are made for each other.
Apart from that verbal combat, physical violence is involved as well. After Katherina strikes Petruchio, he says: “I swear I’ll cuff you, if you strike again.”44 which is a clear warning and shows he intends to do everything necessary in order to reach his aim. This warning was very clear and Petruchio never had to raise his hand against Katherina. Instead of hitting Katherina he hits his servants to show her that she will be next if she will not behave herself according to his and society’s expectations.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the controversy surrounding the play, questioning if it reflects a chauvinistic view or if it serves as an ironic commentary on Elizabethan social standards.
2. ELIZABETHAN SOCIETY: This chapter provides context regarding 16th-century social structures, highlighting the household as a miniature government where subordination was viewed as essential for public order.
2.1 MARRIAGE: This section explores the hierarchy within Elizabethan marriages, contrasting the materialistic motives of Petruchio with the romantic impulses of Lucentio.
3. THE FEMALE IDEALISTIC ROLE MODEL VS. KATHERINA AND BIANCA: This chapter examines the discrepancy between the ideal obedient wife and the reality represented by the sisters, analyzing how status and wealth influenced their treatment.
4. ELIZABETHAN THEATRE AND AFTERWARDS: This chapter discusses the competitive nature of 16th-century theatre, the role of patronage, and how censorship influenced playwriting.
5. "THE TAMING OF THE SHREW" – A SEXIST PLAY?: This chapter balances opposing viewpoints on the play, analyzing whether the "taming" elements were perceived as vicious or humorous by contemporary audiences.
5.1 THE TAMING PLOT – VICIOUS OR FUNNY?: This section provides a detailed breakdown of the taming, teaching, and testing techniques employed by Petruchio throughout the play.
6. SUMMARY: The final chapter concludes that the play should not be judged solely through a modern "sexist" lens, but rather understood as a comedy within its specific historical and social context.
7. REFERENCES: This section lists the scholarly sources, programs, and texts used to substantiate the arguments presented in the work.
Keywords
Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew, Elizabethan society, gender relations, marriage, sexism, comedy, Katherina, Petruchio, literary analysis, historical context, domestic violence, taming, patriarchy, role models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this academic paper?
The paper examines whether Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" should be classified as a sexist play or if its themes are better understood as a reflection of 16th-century societal norms and humor.
What are the central themes discussed in the analysis?
The central themes include the Elizabethan concept of marriage hierarchy, the influence of domestic social structures on gender roles, the impact of contemporary censorship, and the evolution of the female role model.
What is the primary research objective of the author?
The objective is to offer an objective, balanced interpretation of the play that reconciles modern feminist critiques with the historical reality of Elizabethan England.
Which scientific or analytical method is applied?
The author employs a contextual, literary-historical analysis, comparing the play against historical records, religious texts of the time, and follow-up works like John Fletcher's "The Tamer Tamed."
What aspects of the play are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the motives for marriage, the behavior of Katherina and Bianca relative to societal expectations, the role of falconry imagery in the taming process, and the theatrical context of the period.
Which keywords best characterize the research?
The work is characterized by terms such as Elizabethan society, gender relations, marriage, sexism, literary analysis, and historical context.
How does the author interpret Petruchio’s treatment of Katherina?
The author argues that while Petruchio’s methods involved mental torture and implied violence, they were not viewed as "vicious" within the 16th-century cultural framework, but rather as an exercise of masculine authority.
What role does the play "The Tamer Tamed" play in the author's argument?
The author uses John Fletcher's "The Tamer Tamed" as a comparative tool to demonstrate that even in the 17th century, the debate over gender dominance and "taming" was an active and layered discourse, challenging the idea that Shakespeare was uniquely misogynistic.
- Quote paper
- Anett Senftleben (Author), 2004, Is the "Taming of the Shrew" a Sexist Play?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/37151
