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The Taming of The Shrew

Shakespeare's Comedy About The Sexes

Apr 15, 2009 Samantha Markham

The themes contained within The Taming of The Shrew are a little dated, and the play may seem misogynist to modern eyes. But the play remains immensely popular.

The Taming of The Shrew is one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies. It is thought to have been written circa 1590. The play is described as a ‘romantic comedy’ and is often categorised along with Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

This play proves that Shakespeare’s work really needs to be seen in order to fully appreciate it. The Taming of The Shrew contains a lot of visual humour and slapstick, which simply does not work on the printed page. Much of the comedy hinges on the disguises, which are adopted by several characters throughout the play.

Synopsis of The Play

The action of the play takes play in Padua, Northern Italy. The story centres around Baptista, a rich merchant, and his two daughters. Katherine, or Kate as she sometimes called, is his oldest daughter and she is strong-minded, stubborn and sharp witted. Bianca, Katherine’s younger sister, is the polar opposite. Bianca is temperate, sweet-natured and has many suitors vying for her hand. Katherine’s reputation proceeds her, however, and there is no such male interest for her.

Baptista announces that Bianca will not be allowed to wed until a husband can be found for her elder sister. Everybody fears that there will never be a man willing to take Katherine as a wife, that is until Petruchio waltzes into town. He openly admits that his only interest is in finding a wealthy woman, and despite warnings about her temper he is unperturbed and vows to marry her.

After the wedding, Petruchio attempts to tame his bride’s temper, using what would now be considered questionable tactics. Katherine’s fire is not easily extinguished. Eventually, he succeeds, however, in turning her into an obedient and submissive wife.

Meanwhile, Gremio, Hortensio and Lucentio (the latter two both disguised as tutors) fight for the affections of Bianca. Complications and comedy ensue, but eventually all ends happily, as they celebrate three marriages: Lucentio and Bianca, Hortensio and a wealthy widow, and Petruchio and Katherine.

Modern Controversy

With modern, feminist, perceptions this is a problematic work. It is difficult to examine the play with an objective eye, as it is now very much out of context. It has been subject to much debate and criticism. Nevertheless, it is still widely performed and remains one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. It has even been turned into a musical, Kiss Me Kate. Perhaps the most famous representation of Petruchio and Katherine is in Franco Zeffirelli’s cinematic version, in which he cast Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor as the bickering newlyweds.

The copyright of the article The Taming of The Shrew in Shakespearean Theatre is owned by Samantha Markham. Permission to republish The Taming of The Shrew in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.