taming of the shrew essay introduction

The Taming of the Shrew

Introduction.

Welcome to the vibrant and contentious world of The Taming of the Shrew , one of William Shakespeare’s most lively and debated comedies 🎭📜. Written in the late 16th century, this play dives into the complexities of marriage, gender roles, and social expectations with a blend of humor, wit , and a bit of controversy.

Shakespeare, the iconic English playwright known for his profound influence on literature and drama , navigates the turbulent waters of love and power dynamics in The Taming of the Shrew . Set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy, the play challenges and entertains, leaving audiences to ponder the nature of relationships and the concept of “taming.”

As a comedy , The Taming of the Shrew employs mistaken identities, dramatic irony, and a series of cunning plans to explore themes of love, transformation, and societal norms. The play has sparked discussions and debates over its portrayal of gender relations, making it a fascinating subject for analysis and interpretation.

So, whether you’re drawn to its comedic elements, intrigued by its exploration of marriage and power, or curious about its place in discussions of gender and society, The Taming of the Shrew offers a rich tapestry of characters, themes, and literary brilliance that continues to engage and provoke thought centuries after it was written. Let’s embark on a journey to Padua, where love’s challenges and delights await 🌹✨.

Plot Summary

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare is a comedic exploration of courtship, marriage, and the dynamic between genders. Here’s how the story unfolds:

Exposition — The play opens with a framing device, introducing Christopher Sly, a drunkard who is tricked into believing he is a lord. This play within a play sets the stage for the main story in Padua, Italy, where the wealthy Baptista Minola has two daughters: the mild-mannered Bianca and the strong-willed Katherina (Kate), known for her sharp tongue and temper.

Rising Action — Baptista declares that Bianca cannot marry until her older sister, Katherina, is wed. Bianca has several suitors, including Lucentio, who disguises himself as a tutor to get close to her, and Hortensio, who also assumes a disguise. Petruchio arrives in Padua seeking a wealthy wife and, upon hearing of Katherina, decides to woo her despite her reputation.

Climax — Petruchio and Katherina marry in a bizarre ceremony after which Petruchio embarks on a campaign to “tame” Katherina with various psychological tactics, asserting his dominance.

Falling Action — While Katherina is subjected to Petruchio’s “taming” process, the suitors continue to vie for Bianca’s affection, leading to a series of mistaken identities and comedic situations. Lucentio wins Bianca’s heart, and they marry in secret.

Resolution — The play concludes with a gathering where the men wager on their wives’ obedience. Surprisingly, Katherina is the only wife who responds to her husband’s call, delivering a speech on the duties of wives to their husbands. The transformation of Katherina and the resolution of Bianca’s courtship wrap up the main plot, while the framing story with Sly closes the comedic circle, reminding the audience of the play’s theatrical nature.

Through its blend of humor, disguise, and social commentary, The Taming of the Shrew navigates the complexities of love and power dynamics within relationships, leaving audiences to ponder the true nature of transformation and submission.

Character Analysis

In The Taming of the Shrew , Shakespeare presents a cast of characters whose interactions and transformations drive the play’s exploration of themes such as marriage, gender roles, and social hierarchy. Here’s a closer look at the main characters:

• Katherina (Kate) — The “shrew” of the play, Katherina is intelligent, strong-willed, and outspoken. Initially resistant to societal expectations and marriage, her complex character undergoes a controversial transformation, challenging interpretations of her final speech on obedience.
• Petruchio — Coming to Padua to find a wealthy wife, Petruchio marries Katherina and undertakes the task of “taming” her. His methods and motivations are a subject of much debate, as they blend humor, cruelty, and persuasion .
• Bianca — Katherina’s younger sister, portrayed as sweet and desirable, stands in contrast to Katherina’s initial harshness. However, Bianca’s own willfulness emerges as the plot unfolds, complicating the simplistic dichotomy between the sisters.
• Lucentio — A young student who falls in love with Bianca at first sight and disguises himself as a tutor to be close to her. His pursuit of Bianca involves deception and disguise, reflecting the play’s themes of appearance versus reality.
• Hortensio and Gremio — Bianca’s other suitors, who also employ schemes and disguises to win her affection, contributing to the comedic complications of the plot.
• Baptista Minola — The wealthy father of Katherina and Bianca, whose decisions regarding his daughters’ marriages set the plot in motion. His character reflects the patriarchal authority of the time.
• Tranio — Lucentio’s servant, who assumes his master’s identity as part of Lucentio’s scheme to woo Bianca. Tranio’s role emphasizes the play’s exploration of social status and identity.

Character Analysis Summary:

Through these characters, Shakespeare delves into the complexities of identity, power dynamics, and societal expectations, offering a nuanced look at the constructs of gender and marriage in Renaissance society.

Themes and Symbols

• Marriage as an Economic Transaction — The play frequently treats marriage more as a financial or social arrangement than a romantic union, emphasizing the economic considerations that often underpinned Renaissance marriages.
• The Performance of Gender Roles — The Taming of the Shrew explores how characters perform and negotiate gender roles. Katherina’s transformation and Petruchio’s behavior highlight the performative nature of gender and question the stability of these roles.
• Power and Subjugation — Central to the play is the theme of power dynamics within relationships, particularly the subjugation of women within marriage. Petruchio’s “taming” of Katherina and the final scene raise questions about power, obedience, and autonomy.
• Deception and Disguise — Many characters adopt disguises or deceive others to achieve their goals, reflecting the theme that appearances can be deceiving and that identity can be fluid.
• The Falconry Metaphor — Petruchio uses falconry terms to describe his taming of Katherina, symbolizing his attempt to domesticate her spirit as one would train a wild bird. This metaphor underscores the theme of control and submission.
• Clothing — Throughout the play, clothing symbolizes characters’ social status, identity, and transformations. Petruchio’s wedding attire and the changes in Katherina’s presentation serve as outward signs of inward changes or challenges to societal norms.
• The Play within a Play — The framing device of Christopher Sly watching The Taming of the Shrew as a play serves as a reminder of the theatricality of life and the roles people play within society, highlighting the theme of performance in daily life.

Through these themes and symbols, The Taming of the Shrew navigates the complexities of social structures, gender expectations, and personal identity, offering a rich tapestry of meaning that continues to be explored and interpreted in various cultural contexts.

Writing Style and Tone

William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew is characterized by a dynamic interplay of writing styles and tones that reflect the complexity and diversity of its themes and characters. Here’s how these elements contribute to the play’s unique mood and atmosphere :

Writing Style

• Vibrant Dialogue : The play features lively and sharp-witted dialogue , especially in the exchanges between Katherina and Petruchio, which are full of puns , metaphors, and verbal sparring that reflect their complex relationship dynamics.
• Use of Prose and Verse : Shakespeare employs both prose and verse, using the latter primarily for the nobility and romantic scenes to elevate the language and mood, while prose is used in more comic or straightforward interactions, underscoring the social hierarchy and varying emotional tones within the play.
• Dramatic Irony : The audience is often privy to information that certain characters are not, particularly in cases of disguise and deception, creating a layer of dramatic irony that enhances the comedic effect and engages the audience more deeply with the unfolding drama .
• Comedic and Playful : Much of the play is imbued with a light-hearted and comedic tone , facilitated through misunderstandings, disguises, and the lively banter between characters, which serves to entertain while also subtly addressing deeper issues.
• Controversial and Provocative : The themes of gender roles and marital power dynamics introduce a more controversial tone , provoking thought and debate about the play’s portrayal of relationships and individual autonomy.
• Reflective and Nuanced : Amidst the comedy , there are moments of reflection and complexity, particularly in the development of Katherina and Petruchio’s relationship, which is both contentious and revealing of the characters’ vulnerabilities and desires.

Through its sophisticated use of language, Shakespeare crafts a multifaceted narrative in The Taming of the Shrew that is at once entertaining and provocative, inviting audiences to laugh while also pondering the intricate dynamics of love, power, and social expectation.

Literary Devices used in The Taming of the Shrew

In The Taming of the Shrew , William Shakespeare masterfully employs a range of literary devices that enhance the narrative , underscore themes, and develop characters. Here are the top 10 literary devices used in the play:

Shakespeare uses puns extensively for humor and to showcase the wit of characters, particularly in the verbal sparring between Katherina and Petruchio.

2. Metaphor —

The play is rich in metaphors, such as Petruchio’s comparison of taming Katherina to falconry, which deepens the exploration of themes like marriage and control.

3. Simile —

Similes are used to create vivid imagery and draw comparisons, such as likening Katherina’s sharp tongue to a sword, emphasizing her combative nature.

Dramatic and situational irony abound, adding layers of meaning and humor, as when characters in disguise speak truths they cannot in their true identities.

5. Alliteration —

Alliteration enhances the rhythmic quality of the dialogue and emphasizes key points or emotions, often used in Petruchio’s speeches to capture attention.

6. Hyperbole —

Exaggeration is employed to comedic effect, particularly in descriptions of Katherina’s behavior or Petruchio’s outlandish actions, amplifying the play’s exploration of perception versus reality.

7. Personification —

Shakespeare personifies abstract concepts, such as love or fortune, giving them life to explore their influence on the characters and plot.

8. Symbolism —

Objects and actions, such as clothing or the exchange of rings, are imbued with symbolic meaning, reflecting the themes of identity, transformation, and social status.

9. Imagery —

Vivid imagery, particularly in descriptions of characters or Petruchio’s estate, creates a vivid setting and underscores the contrasts between appearance and underlying reality.

10. Asides —

Characters often use asides to reveal their true thoughts to the audience, creating a sense of intimacy and offering insight into their motivations and plans.

These literary devices contribute to the richness of The Taming of the Shrew , allowing Shakespeare to weave a complex tapestry of comedy , social commentary, and human relationships.

Literary Device Examples

1. katherina’s wit.

• Example : Katherina’s quick-witted puns , especially in her verbal duels with Petruchio, showcase her intelligence and resistance.
• Explanation : Her use of puns not only provides humor but also highlights her defiance against societal expectations and Petruchio’s attempts at taming.

1. Falconry as Marriage

• Example : Petruchio’s comparison of taming Katherina to training a falcon.
• Explanation : This metaphor extends through Petruchio’s taming process, suggesting marriage as a form of domestication and control, which is central to the play’s exploration of marital dynamics.

1. Katherina’s Tongue

• Example : Comparisons of Katherina’s sharp words to weapons.
• Explanation : Such similes emphasize her combative nature and the verbal aspect of her resistance against Petruchio and societal norms.

1. Petruchio’s Proclamation of Peace

• Example : Petruchio claims he seeks peace in marriage, yet his actions are deliberately provocative and aggressive.
• Explanation : The irony in his statements versus his actions underscores the theme of manipulation and the discrepancy between words and deeds in relationships.

Alliteration

1. petruchio’s persuasive speeches.

• Example : The use of alliteration in Petruchio’s speeches to capture attention and persuade.
• Explanation : This device adds a poetic quality to his language, emphasizing his manipulative charm and rhetorical skill.

1. Descriptions of Katherina’s Behavior

• Example : Exaggerated accounts of Katherina’s shrewishness by other characters.
• Explanation : These hyperboles contribute to her reputation and the comedic element of the play, while also questioning the reliability of societal labels.

Personification

1. fortune’s role.

• Example : The personification of fortune in discussions of marriage and social status.
• Explanation : Gives an abstract concept agency, reflecting on the role of luck and external forces in the characters’ lives.

1. Petruchio’s Wedding Attire

• Example : Petruchio’s ridiculous outfit at his wedding symbolizes his disdain for societal norms and his intent to disrupt.
• Explanation : This act of defiance through clothing represents his approach to marriage and taming Katherina, challenging expectations.

1. The Taming Feast

• Example : The vivid description of the feast Petruchio prepares and then denies Katherina.
• Explanation : Creates a tangible sense of deprivation and control, illustrating Petruchio’s taming strategy.

1. Characters’ True Intentions

• Example : Use of asides by characters like Lucentio and Tranio when plotting their disguises.
• Explanation : Reveals their schemes and true feelings to the audience, enhancing the comedic and deceptive layers of the plot.

These examples highlight Shakespeare’s use of literary devices to enrich the narrative and thematic depth of The Taming of the Shrew , blending humor with critical commentary on marriage, gender roles, and societal expectations.

What is the main plot of The Taming of the Shrew? The main plot of The Taming of the Shrew revolves around the courtship and marriage of Petruchio and Katherina. Petruchio seeks to “tame” the strong-willed Katherina, while various suitors vie for the affection of Katherina’s younger sister, Bianca. The play explores themes of marriage, power dynamics in relationships, and societal roles.

Who wrote The Taming of the Shrew? The Taming of the Shrew was written by William Shakespeare, an English playwright and poet widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language and the world’s preeminent dramatist.

What are the key themes in The Taming of the Shrew? Key themes include the dynamics of marriage and courtship, the performance and fluidity of gender roles, the conflict between appearance and reality, and the nature of power and submission within relationships.

Who are the main characters in The Taming of the Shrew? The main characters include Petruchio, a gentleman from Verona who seeks to marry Katherina; Katherina (Kate), the “shrew” who is known for her sharp tongue and independent spirit; Bianca, Katherina’s more demure sister; and Lucentio, a suitor to Bianca who disguises himself to win her love.

How does The Taming of the Shrew end? The play ends with the apparent “taming” of Katherina, who delivers a speech on the duties of wives to their husbands, indicating her submission to Petruchio. The other suitors’ plots are resolved, and the play concludes with a festive atmosphere , though modern interpretations often question the sincerity of Katherina’s transformation and the play’s stance on gender roles.

What literary devices are used in The Taming of the Shrew? Shakespeare employs a variety of literary devices, including puns , metaphors, similes, irony, hyperbole, and personification, to enhance the humor, develop characters, and underscore the play’s themes.

Is The Taming of the Shrew considered a comedy or a tragedy ? The Taming of the Shrew is considered a comedy . It features elements typical of Shakespearean comedy , such as mistaken identities, witty banter, and a happy ending that typically involves one or more marriages.

This quiz is designed to test your comprehension and understanding of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew , focusing on its plot, characters, and some specific events within the play.

Identify the literary devices used in the following excerpt from The Taming of the Shrew :

“Such duty as the subject owes the prince, 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?”

• Metaphor : The comparison of a woman’s duty to her husband to a subject’s duty to a prince uses metaphor to equate marital relationships with political hierarchy, emphasizing the expectation of obedience.
• Alliteration : The use of alliteration in “froward, peevish, sullen, sour” enhances the rhythmic quality of the speech and emphasizes the negative characteristics being described.
• Imagery : Descriptive terms like “foul contending rebel” and “graceless traitor” create vivid imagery that portrays non-compliance in a marriage as not only disobedient but also morally and visually repugnant.
• Hyperbole : The exaggeration of describing a non-obedient wife as a “traitor” to her husband serves as hyperbole, emphasizing the speech’s argument about the severity of not following societal expectations for women.

This exercise illustrates how Shakespeare uses literary devices to convey complex ideas about marriage, obedience, and societal roles in The Taming of the Shrew , adding depth and nuance to the dialogue .

my S hakespeare

Sign in with:

Or use e-mail:.

my T aming of the Shrew

• Using myShakespeare
• Direct Links to Videos
• Shakespeare's Life
• Elizabethan Theater
• Animated Summary
• Introduction 1
• Introduction 2
• Discussion with the Actors
• Scene Summary
• Videos (10)

I ntroduction 1

Hostess    

First huntsman, second huntsman, first player, second player.

• For Teachers
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

The Taming of the Shrew

By william shakespeare, the taming of the shrew summary and analysis of the induction.

Christopher Sly , a drunken tinker, stumbles out of an alehouse. After a brief argument with the alehouses' Hostess, Sly lies on the ground and drifts into a deep, inebriated sleep. While he sleeps, a mischevious Lord and his followers spot the sleeping Sly. The Lord decides to play a trick on the drunkard. He tells his servants to carry Sly to his own noble chambers and pretend that Sly is in fact a lord.

Soon afterward, a troupe of Players arrives at the Lord's house, intent on performing that night. The Lord informs them that "a lord" is visiting the house and will hear them play, and warns them of his "odd behavior." In the meantime, the Lord orders that his page masquerade as Sly's wife. The page will then pretend that Sly has been afflicted by lunacy for many years and has dreamed himself to be no better than a lowly tinker.

Scene two begins as Sly insists that he is his poor and drunken self; in protest, The Lord insists on Sly's nobility and implores him to wake from his malady. Sly finally begins to accept his altered social status when he finds out that he has "a lady far more beautiful/Than any woman in this waning age" (Ind.2: 62-63). At this, the page plays his part as Sly's wife, rejoicing at his "recovery," and a messenger readily announces that the Players are ready to perform. Sly sits beside his "wife" and prepares to take in the spectacle.

The Taming of the Shrew opens with a framing story, labeled the Induction in the text. This sort of device was quite common during the Elizabethan era. Nonetheless, it is worth noting the connotations of the word "induction" - as if we the audience were being inducted into a ceremony or institution in our honor. Sly is led to believe as much, falsely "inducted" as he is into the nobility. The entire play thus emerges as a device to fool the drunkard - and, by extension, us. The Lord is thus a representation of Shakespeare himself, staging a set of carefully controlled and convincing illusions. However, whereas the typical theater audience succumbs merely to the illusion of the stage, Sly succumbs to illusions about his own self. He must submit to the new identity the Lord has fashioned for him. In other words, he must become not merely spectator but an actor and character.

This paradoxical position - that we are watching Sly, a watcher, who is himself a spectacle for the Lord - informs The Taming of the Shrew proper. As the play unfolds, the specter of the observing fool, i.e. Sly, permeates the fabric of the Players' "illusion." Indeed, the play as a whole layers its theater to a dizzying degree, as the player's within Shrew also play-act and put on disguises. The results is a hall of mirrors wherein spectator is not easily separated from spectacle, and reality is not distinguishable from illusion.

Thus Shakespeare engages the paradox at the heart of theater: Sly is forced to "forget himself" (Ind.1: 40), to suspend disbelief, in order to make any sense of his new surroundings. In the same way, any audience member submits to the theatrical illusion despite its falseness. Drama and dramatic structure, in a way, become forces of order even as they are forces of fiction. Sly's supposed nobility and the story of his madness tempt him with their very ability to explain away the confusion he faces in the face of the Lord's spectacle; similarly, the audience as a whole can either choose to reject illusion and face confusion, or else to accept illusion and be rewarded with order.

The Induction contains many specific explorations of these questions of theater and illusion. Note that when Sly accepts his role as a lord - signified when he says, "Am I a lord?" (Ind.2: 68) - he immediately launches into a passage of blank verse that recalls the true Lord's poetic speech patterns. For instance, Sly says, "I smell sweet savors, and I feel soft things." (Ind.2: 71) Thus Shakespeare suggests that aristocracy is principally a matter of costume and dialogue - in other words, nothing more than a theatrical illusion.

The ability of illusion to match reality is further elaborated in the Lord's descriptions of paintings which might be fetched at Sly's behest: "We'll show thee Io as she was a maid,/And how she was beguiled and surprised,/As lively painted as the deed was done." (Ind.2: 54-56) The painting of Io is just as lively as the reality. Thus Shakespeare, through the Lord's words, playfully suggests that the play to follow will be as lively as reality itself. Why not, then, like Christopher Sly, submit to the ordering pleasures of illusion, and check our cynical doubts about theater at the door?

The Taming of the Shrew Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Taming of the Shrew is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

How does the character of Bianca evolve throughout the play? Is she ever a sympathetic character?

Bianca is Baptista's daughter and the younger sister of Kate. Apparently she is quite attractive. Both Hortensio and Gremio are actively courting her, and Lucentio falls in love with her at first sight. Lucentio calls Bianca a "young modest girl"...

List several terms of falconry used in the first five lines.

• kites-young falcon

Marriage in The Taming of the Shrew

Marriage is important to comedies of every era of literature, from well before Shakespeare's time to ours. Almost all of Shakespeare's comedies end with a marriage, and often with several marriages. Marriage is treated as the natural satisfactory...

Study Guide for The Taming of the Shrew

The Taming of the Shrew study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Taming of the Shrew
• The Taming of the Shrew Summary
• Character List

Essays for The Taming of the Shrew

The Taming of the Shrew essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare.

• Petruccio and Katherine: Mutual Love within Hierarchy
• Explore the ways in which Shakespeare uses metatheatre in his plays
• The Paradox of Reality
• The True Shrews to Be Tamed
• Changing Roles

Lesson Plan for The Taming of the Shrew

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Taming of the Shrew
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Taming of the Shrew Bibliography

E-Text of The Taming of the Shrew

The Taming of the Shrew e-text contains the full text of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare.

• List of Characters

Wikipedia Entries for The Taming of the Shrew

• Introduction
• Date and text

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Plays — The Taming of The Shrew

Essays on The Taming of The Shrew

Brief description of the taming of the shrew: the taming of the shrew is a comedic play by william shakespeare that explores themes of gender roles, marriage, and societal expectations. the story follows the courtship of petruchio and katherina, two headstrong individuals whose relationship challenges traditional gender dynamics. the play is ... read more brief description of the taming of the shrew: the taming of the shrew is a comedic play by william shakespeare that explores themes of gender roles, marriage, and societal expectations. the story follows the courtship of petruchio and katherina, two headstrong individuals whose relationship challenges traditional gender dynamics. the play is significant for its portrayal of the complexities of love and power, making it a compelling topic for exploration in essays. importance of writing essays on this topic: essays on the taming of the shrew are essential for delving into the complexities of shakespeare's work and understanding the historical and cultural context in which it was written. by exploring the themes and characters in depth, students can develop critical thinking skills and gain insight into the timeless relevance of the play's messages about gender and relationships. tips on choosing a good topic: - consider the themes: look for essay topics that delve into the themes of gender, power dynamics, and societal expectations in the play. - character analysis: choose topics that allow for in-depth analysis of characters such as katherina, petruchio, and bianca. - historical context: explore topics that examine the play's relevance to the time period in which it was written and how it reflects societal norms. essay topics, concluding thought: engaging with the taming of the shrew through essay writing offers a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of shakespeare's work and gain a deeper understanding of its themes and characters. by choosing a compelling topic and conducting thorough analysis, students can develop critical thinking skills and appreciate the enduring relevance of the play's messages. 24 essay samples found sort & filter 1 taming of the shrew archetype analysis, the taming of the shrew: gender roles in shakespeare's play, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Gender Roles in Shakespeare’s "Taming of The Shrew"

The theme of deception in "the taming of the shrew", the reflection of marriage in shakespearean society in the taming of the shrew, similarities between taming of the shrew and 10 thing i hate about you, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

How to Tame a Shrew According to Petruchio

Women and power in shakespearean drama taming of the shrew, the hierarchy of love as reflected in petruchio and catherine's relationship, gender roles in the taming of the shrew and 10 things i hate about you, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

Roles Switching in The Taming of The Shrew

Analysis of katharina, the shrew in shakespeare's the taming of the shrew, analysis of the important aspects and measures covered in the shakespeare’s play "taming of the shrew", an idea of the 'great chain of being" in the taming of the shrew and richard iii, analysis of the character of a faltering father in the taming of the shrew, the significance of the induction in the taming of the shrew, the reality paradox in the taming of the shrew, analysis of petruchio's language in the taming of the shrew, representation of clothing as a method to tackle the main issues in taming of the shrew, the main desire of hortensio in shakespeare’s taming of the shrew, comparison of "the taming of the shrew" and "10 things i hate about you", manly friendship as depicted in as you like it and the taming of the shrew, comparing the depiction of women in othello, the taming of the shrew, and death of a salesman, the construction of heroines in shakespeare's comedy plays.

William Shakespeare

Katherine, Petruchio, Bianca, Baptista, Lucentio, Gremio and Hortensio, Gremio and Hortensio, Grumio, Biondello, Christopher Sly

1590-1592, by William Shakespeare

The play describes the volatile courtship between the shrewish Katharina (Kate) and the canny Petruchio, who is determined to subdue Katharina’s legendary temper and win her dowry. The main story is offered as a play within a play; the frame plot consists of an initial two-scene “induction” in which a whimsical lord decides to play a practical joke on a drunken tinker, Christopher Sly, by inducing him to believe that he is in fact a nobleman who has suffered from amnesia and is only now awaking from it. The main body of the play is presented to Sly as an entertainment for his delectation.

The main themes of the play are female submissiveness, gender politics, cruelty, money, and language.

Katherina (Kate) Minola, Bianca Minola, Baptista Minola, Petruchio, Gremio, Lucentio, Hortensio, Grumio, Tranio, Biondello, Vincentio, Widow, Pedant, Haberdasher, Tailor, Curtis, Nathaniel, Peter, Joseph, Nicholas, Phillip, Christopher Sly

The source of the Petruchio-Katharina plot is unknown, although a number of analogues exist in ballads about the “taming” of shrewish women. The play’s other plot involving Bianca and her many suitors was derived from George Gascoigne’s comedy Supposes (1566), itself a translation of I suppositi (1509) by Ludovico Ariosto.

The Taming of the Shrew has always been controversial in terms of sexism. While it presents misogyny as well as abuse of power in both gender and class relations, The Taming of the Shrew seems to do this in an ironic way, with all the dangers of misinterpretation that irony always brings with it.

The Taming of the Shrew has been adapted numerous times for stage, screen, opera, ballet, and musical theatre; perhaps the most famous adaptations being Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate; McLintock!, a 1963 American Western comedy film, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara; and the 1967 film of the play, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The 1999 high-school comedy film 10 Things I Hate About You, and the 2003 romantic comedy Deliver Us from Eva are also loosely based on the play.

“My tongue will tell the anger of my heart, or else my heart concealing it will break.” “Sit by my side, and let the world slip: we shall ne'er be younger.” “There's small choice in rotten apples.” “If I be waspish, best beware my sting.”

Relevant topics

• Macbeth Ambition
• Romeo and Juliet
• A Raisin in The Sun
• Hamlet Theme
• Death of a Salesman
• The Glass Menagerie
• Death and The King's Horseman
• Antony and Cleopatra

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Website navigation

The Taming of the Shrew - Entire Play

Download the taming of the shrew.

Last updated: Fri, Jul 31, 2015

• PDF Download as PDF
• DOC (for MS Word, Apple Pages, Open Office, etc.) without line numbers Download as DOC (for MS Word, Apple Pages, Open Office, etc.) without line numbers
• DOC (for MS Word, Apple Pages, Open Office, etc.) with line numbers Download as DOC (for MS Word, Apple Pages, Open Office, etc.) with line numbers
• HTML Download as HTML
• TXT Download as TXT
• XML Download as XML
• TEISimple XML (annotated with MorphAdorner for part-of-speech analysis) Download as TEISimple XML (annotated with MorphAdorner for part-of-speech analysis)

Navigate this work

The Taming of the Shrew begins with an “induction” in which a nobleman plays a trick on a beggar, Christopher Sly, treating Sly as if he is a nobleman who has lost his memory. A play is staged for Sly—the play that we know as The Taming of the Shrew .

In the play, set in Padua, Lucentio and other suitors pursue Bianca, but are told by her father, Baptista, that her bad-tempered older sister, Katherine, must marry first. They encourage Petruchio, who has come to Padua to find a wealthy wife, to court Katherine and free Bianca to marry.

Petruchio negotiates marriage terms with Baptista, then has a stormy meeting with Katherine, after which he assures Baptista that the two have agreed to marry. Petruchio arrives late to their wedding dressed in strange clothes; he behaves rudely and carries Katherine away before the wedding dinner. At his home, he embarks on a plan to “tame” Katherine as one would tame a wild hawk. Starved and kept without sleep, Katherine eventually agrees with everything Petruchio says, however absurd. He takes her back to Padua, where they attend Bianca’s wedding. There Katherine proves more obedient to her husband than the other wives, whom she chastises before she and Petruchio go off to consummate their marriage.

The Taming of the Shrew

The Taming of the Shrew Shakescleare Translation

• Downloadable translations of all 37 Shakespeare plays (plus his sonnets).
• Downloads of 1,924 LitCharts Lit Guides.
• Teacher Editions for every Lit Guide.
• Explanations and citation info for 42,558 quotes across 1924 books.
• PDFs explaining 136 Literary Terms.

The Taming of the Shrew Translation Table of Contents

Katherine swears she’ll never marry. Her younger sister, Bianca, can’t marry until Katherine does. So when Bianca falls in love with Lucentio, she needs her older sister to wed so Bianca can fulfill her heart’s desire. Enter Petruchio, determined to marry a wealthy woman, who sets his eyes on the reluctant Katherine. Katherine and Petruchio’s battle of wills is famous in literature, and Katherine’s eventual submission to her husband is much debated, either as a sign of her love, or a revelation of her fear. The Shakescleare modern English translation of The Taming of the Shrew makes it easy to decipher Shakespeare’s nuanced language and will help you appreciate all of the play’s most famous lines--like “If I be waspish, best beware my sting.”

Induction, Scene 1

Induction, scene 2, act 1, scene 1, act 1, scene 2, act 2, scene 1, act 3, scene 1, act 3, scene 2, act 4, scene 1, act 4, scene 2, act 4, scene 3, act 4, scene 4, act 4, scene 5, act 5, scene 1, act 5, scene 2.