In the M.R.S. and the Ph.D. by Stephanie Cootz, several intrinsic and compelling observations are made about the educational statuses of women and their effects on their ability to attain marriage. More interestingly, are the apparent similarities between the evolution of women in a predominately male dominated workforce and Kate and Pretruchio’s evolving relationship throughout Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare.
Cootz stated that “…manuals advised women to “play dumb” to catch a man.” This statement reminds us of Bianca, Kate’s sister. While Kate appears to be sharp-tongued and quick witted, Bianca is a simple, peaceful woman who does not seem to have much of a personality-hence, a woman playing dumb. At that time, men were certainly intimidated by a woman of valor and substance as no one seemed to be interested in the older sister Kate. Statements from Gremio confirm their insecurities of strong-willed woman: “I say a ‘devil.’ Think’st thou, Hortensio, though her father be very rich, any man is so very a fool to be married to hell” (Shrew Act. 1, Scene 1).
Cootz goes on to discuss the variances in men’s prejudices of a women’s education over the years. “But over the past 30 years, these prejudices have largely disappeared.” While Pertruchio’s friends such as Lucentio seem to be in awe of women like Bianca, Petruchio represents the change in society that Cootz brings to our attention. Whereas men in his time seem to want a docile, submissive woman, he pursues the valiant shrew. It is not clear if he wants to marry Kate other than for monetary purposes. However, it is clear that he is not intimated of Kate in making his plans clear to break her; “And thus I’ll curb her mad and headstrong humor. He that knows better how to tame a shrew, now let him speak; ‘tis charity to shew” (Shrew Act 4, Scene 2).
Lastly, probably the most intriguing points that Cootz makes which directly correlates to Kate, is the fact that “…the higher a woman’s human capital in relation to her husband-measured by her educational resources and earnings potential-the more help with housework she actually gets from her mate.” This is such a pivotal statement as it suggests that Kate-like women today- understand how to get what she wants from her husband. By the end of the play, Kate makes a speech to the widow and Bianca encouraging them to submit to their husbands; “I am ashamed that women are so simple to offer war where they should kneel for peace” (Shrew Act 5, Scene 2). We see a complete three sixty turn in Kate’s personality, but we must remember that she is a very intelligent woman. It seems that she has figured out that acting a certain way will get her in turn what she wants. Like educated women in the 21st century, being educated and financially independent will yield a more helpful husband. This confirms that more men today, like Pertruchio, are truly impressed by a strong-headed woman and will give her what she wants.
