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Shakespeare's Portrayal Of Women In The Taming Of The Shrew

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The Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare’s first plays. Written during the Elizabethan era, it was a time in England when women weren’t treated equally to men but as lesser beings. In the Taming of the Shrew, one of the characters is sweet, talented, the perfect Elizabethan woman Bianca Katherine, her sister defies social norms, notably by being curst to men, and initially being against marriage, causing her to be considered a “devil” and constantly criticized. Compared to the era, Kate presents a unique set of views which quickly changes when she meets Petruchio, the man who becomes her husband. Through the expectations expressed by the men and actions of Petruchio and Kate presented in the play, Shakespeare expresses ideas that convey …show more content…

Shakespeare expresses how men valued women based on how obedient they were through Petruchio and Kate, suggesting that he too thought the same. In the Homily of the State of Matrimony, it is stated that “‘ You wives, be you in subjection to obey your own husband.’” By using the word “obey” rather than a word like “follow” it conveys that women have to submit to their husbands. “Obey” is often used in cases when a person is forced to do something against their will. While “follow” is utilized in situations when a person willing does an action for another. During this era men took pride in controlling women, this pride was shown through Petruchio and the other husbands. Without their wives knowing they made a bet of whose wife would win the challenge with money on the line, but Kate is the only one who shows up. Upon Kate coming Petruchio boasts, “...I will win my wager better yet and show more sign of her obedience, her new-built virtue and obedience.” (5.2.116-118) “Show more sign of her obedience,” makes is appear that Petruchio is showcasing Kate as the most obedient among all the wives. Some may disagree and claim that Kate’s actions are an act of loyalty and that she isn’t just being obedient but trusts Petruchio’s intentions since she didn’t question his request. However, instead of trust, it is fear that is fueling her obedience since she doesn’t want to be starved again

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