Similarities Between Taming Of The Shrew And 10 Things I Hate About You

‘Taming of the Shrew' composed by William Shakespeare and ‘10 Things I hate About You’ (1999) directed by Gil Junger shows that society imposes expectations upon the behavior of women. While Shakespeare suggests that women must be obedient to be valued, Junger suggests that women do not need to bow to these expectations to be loved. However, Junger shows how modern day feminism still needs improvements.

‘Taming of the Shrew’ presents themes that suggest women should be obedient to men. Shakespeare affirms this through the line, “My husband and my lord, my lord and husband, I am your wife in all obedience”. By referring to her husband as “lord”, Katherine provides the connotations of obedience. By making her husband out to be superior, Katherine

The film shows that although feminism and gender equality has advanced, there are still steps needed to achieve equality. For example, in the opening scene of the film, the non diegetic sound and Kat’s ‘rebellious’ actions show that women do not have to follow traditional expectations such as being obedient in order to be valued. However, the audience is also introduced to the stigma that she faces. The judging looks and shouts of outrage show that although women do not have to conform to societal norms, it doesn’t mean that everyone else can accept that. Junger shows how even though equality between the two genders has increased, there is still a stigma that exists when women go against the expectations of others. Furthermore, the line, “Expressing my opinion is not a terrorist action”, utilizes a hyperbole to show how society has progressed but at the same time, remained stagnant. Although women can now express themselves and their opinions without being devalued, they are still looked down on and the patriarchal norms of women being obedient still remain in the minds of others. Furthermore, the line “my sister’s a particular hideous breed of loser” spoken by Bianca emphasizes the judgment that Kat faces when she breaks gender norms. The use of exaggeration shows that despite Kat being able to live her life outside of gender norms, this doesn’t mean that she can be exempt from judgment. The people around her judge her actions and in their minds, wish that instead of being rebellious, she could be complacent and obedient. Gil Junger is able to express the theme of ‘Taming of the Shrew’ through ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ by showing that despite moving forward, society still has old expectations embedded into everyone’s