The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare | In-Depth Summary & Analysis

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Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe provides an in-depth summary and analysis of William Shakespeare's play The Taming of the Shrew.

Download the free study guide and infographic for The Taming of the Shrew here: https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Ta...

In the play, the desirable Bianca is courted by two suitors: Gremio and Hortensio. But Bianca's father determines that his younger daughter will not be married until Katherine, his willful and unpleasant eldest daughter is married.

As such, the two rivals for Bianca's affection devise a plan to find an appropriate match for the "shrewish" Katherine. They settle on visitor Petruchio, who sets about wooing the intractable Katherine.

While Katherine is not receptive to his advances, they are soon affianced. After their wedding, he sets about bending her to his will using a range of cruel techniques.

Bianca is ultimately married to Lucentio, another visitor who has joined Gremio and Hortensio's scheme.

In the end, Katherine gives a long, emotional speech about the role of a wife, urging women to be submissive to their husbands. Petruchio applauds and bids his fellow revelers good night.

The Taming of the Shrew is one of William Shakespeare's most beloved (and most performed) comedies. While modern viewers of the play may find Katherine's submission to her new husband at the end of the play misogynistic, this is likely an accurate depiction of the social mores of the time.

Famous British playwright William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew was written c. 1590-94. This comedy, quite possibly his first, draws on earlier plays and stories dealing with courtship and disguise. Its theme of female submissiveness has made it a controversial work, especially in modern times.

The comedy The Taming of the Shrew contains many important themes, including disguise and deception, as courtship is a masquerade in Padua, where suitors pose as schoolteachers and servants pretend to be lords; gender roles, as men are in charge, while women are forced into obedience that may even alter their personalities; and the idea that wealth conquers all, as on the Paduan marriage market, greed almost always trumps high-minded ideals of love. Important motifs including music and ships, sailing, and trade.

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