I would like to describe my family as progressive, but when family gatherings roll around I’m reminded of the patriarchal hold gender norms have on my family. Watching grown men whine about the speed of my aunt’s cooking always sours my mood. At family events, it’s socially acceptable for the uncles to behave like children. This standard for men’s behavior isn’t unique to my family. In fact, In William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew (1594), the double standard regarding behavior is a main commentary of the play.
The most apparent show of behavioral double standard is the treatment of Katherine compared to the treatment of Pertuchio. Both characters are presented as wild and free. They never hold their tongues, have violent tendencies, and are of sufficient wealth: yet, only the female character is painted as a shrew. Katherine’s behavior is the focal point of the play. In lines 55-56, Gremio says, “To cart her, rather. She’s too rough for me--there, there, Hortensio, will you any wife.” ( Act 1 scene 1) These men immediately make it known Kate’s behavior is too much for them. Yet later in the story, Hortensio becomes somewhat friends with Pertuchio who displays the same behavior.
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We learn Pertuchio shows up late to his wedding with Kate. He is drunk and dressed like a slob. He’s rude to the guests and swears at the priest. The behavior is rancid overall, yet he is still allowed to marry Kate. This simple fact shows a shocking double standard. If Kate acted like that at the wedding, she would be shunned and a disgrace. Katherine is expected to play along with and do as Pertuchio says. This point is further proven when Tranio says, “Why, she’s a devil, a devil, the devil’s dam.” (Act 3 scene 2) After everyone has witnessed Pertuchio’s poor behavior, the men still perceive Kate as the