Tag Archives: shrew

Does the end justify the means?

Posted on September 13, 2011 by urszula.glowacka

The chemistry between Petrucio and Katherine can be observed immediately. The sexual tension is evident from the choice of words and from the way they speak to each other. Petruchio proves that he is her equal right away and there is a special connection established between the pair. Katherine is intrigued by him and stays engaged in the conversation even though Petrucio insults her. She seems to be looking for this kind of interaction, for somebody to treat her seriously. We can question whether she enjoyed being a shrew or maybe she didn’t know better?

She has always felt isolated and maybe the only way she knew how to make others to pay attention to her was through aggressive behavior. Petruchio gives her attention that she craves, and challenges her unlike the others. He complements her and makes her feel attractive. He lets her know that he has serious intentions he wants to make her his wife. Even though Petruchio’s intentions are somewhat dishonest and methods of timing his wife are repulsive and cruel he made her believe that he loves her. On the day of the weeding Katherine is being humiliated by her husband but she follows him anyway. This proves how much she wanted to be accepted and understood.
It is difficult to interpret the reasons for transformation in Katherine’s behavior has she been brainwashed and disciplined by her husband or maybe she becomes an obedient wife in exchange for the love and protection of her husband? It is difficult to say if she is really happy in her new role but it seems that Petruchio brings out the best of Katherine, she is no longer a shrew she is a lady.

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Role/Significance of Induction

Posted on September 12, 2011 by ef082014

I was absent from class on Wednesday, so I’m not sure if this was touched upon during the discussion, but I was very intrigued by the induction; though I’m curious as to the reasoning behind the whole “play within a play” premise.  When I began reading the play, I found the plot of the induction to be very humorous and captivating at the same time – I wanted to know how long the Lord would maintain the ruse and if Sly would ever discover the truth, however the actual play starts so abruptly that it is impossible to discover definitive answers to my curiosities.  I am making the argument that maybe the induction serves as a parallel to the story of Petruchio and Kate.  Like the Lord, Petruchio must change his natural appearance/actions for his own personal gain.  Instead of seeking humorous relief from drastic role changes, Petruchio changes his attitude and overall demanor in order to marry “weathily in Padua” (27).  Petruchio deprives Kate of food, becomes increasingly nasty and  to his servants, and intentionally utters outlandish contradictions in order to achieve his personal gain.  Grumio confirms Petruchio’s true desire for riches from Kate: “Why, give him gold enough and marry him to a puppet…or an old trot with ne’er a tooth in her head” (27).  All of this being said, I was very surprised when The Taming of the Shrew ended without returning to the original plot of the induction.  Perhaps there is a purpose for this as well…? 

 

 

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