Because she is stubborn, is sometimes ill-mannered, and does not allow herself to be ordered around by men, she is constantly insulted, made fun of, and otherwise denigrated by practically all the other characters in the play. The “one that cares for thee,” indicates her acknowledgment, despite Petruchio’s crazy antics, that he genuinely cares for her. Children should obey their parents. She is a strong person, which attracts Petruchio. Some critics regard this scene as one of the more enigmatic in Shakespearean comedy, but such a claim is really unwarranted. Katherine begins a long speech, detailing the importance of a wife's submission to her husband. If his will is "honest" then she will be obedient and thus not a 'foul. He tries to make the point that she should be in submission to him as he refers to the sun as the moon and the moon as the sun. The Taming of the Shrew. She is capable of being a submissive wife but be her own person, as well. This same spunk is reflected other times in the same speech, despite its strong patriarchal message. Petruchio wanted to show Kate how mean she was, by beating her at her own game. This admission goes further than just recognition of a husband’s willingness to work hard and to provide for his wife; she also claims that her desire to be submissive and loving is “too little payment for so great a debt” (V.ii.160). The Globe Theatre that Shakespeare created has been performing Taming of the Shrew since its early days. Provide the feast, father, and bid the guests; I will be sure my Katherine shall be fine. Kate has always had a sarcastic side when talking about her husband Pertrucio, and that is shown here in her final words of the play. The subtextual message in the speech is directed to Petruchio and Kate clearly outlines the obligations and rewards he is entitled to if he acts properly. Regardless, this is the first time she hears such flatteries as being called as “sweet as springtime flowers” (II.i.247) or being told “thy beauty that doth make me like thee well” (II.i.275) then eventually requesting her hand in marriage. 157. Indeed, it is hard to accept such lines as these: "Such duty as the subject owes the prince,/Even such a woman oweth to her husband;/And when she is forward, peevish, sullen, sour,/And not obedient to his honest will,/What is she but a foul contending rebel/And graceless traitor to her loving lord?" Her quarrelsome behavior is not entirely due to her lack of being loved, but also her self-absorption. Petruchio is very interested in Katharina's money. Character: PETRUCHIO. by Cole Porter. Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on March 07, 2010: I am careful to use the word submit, because there is a duality that is going on. What a story on transformation, a story at play each day in so many lives. It’s Kate’s desire for love with Petruchio’s help that leads her to show love and empathy without losing her feisty attitude. The fact that neither her sister nor the widow immediately argue back is a reflection of Kate’s continuing authoritative demeanor. ( Log Out /  The Taming of the Shrew: Moment Analysis Particular moments in William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew have a special significance in regard to the overall meaning of the play. Not all power goes to the man; the man is expected to love his wife as Jesus loved the church. She was spoiled and was used to getting her way. Baptista, Vincentio, Gremio, the merchant who had pretended to be Vincentio, Lucentio, Bianca, Petruchio, and Katherine are all present. Question: What was Kate and Petruchio's connection during their first encounter in "Taming of the Shrew"? I think I know what you are trying to get at. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans. Katherine, I charge thee, tell these headstrong women What duty they do owe their lords and husbands. Answer: Any answer to this would be someone's opinion and therefore is up for debate. Read our selection of The Taming of the Shrew quotes along with speaker, act and scene. Question: Is Petruchio's methods of taming Kate funny or cruel? Even the wedding guests can't believe how much her behavior has changed. V,2,2692. The real difference between the Kate that Gremio refers to as a “fiend of hell” (I.i.89), to the Kate that Baptista gives “another dowry to” (V.ii.120), is that she has learned to look beyond herself and begins to express love. Character Analysis Katherine Minola. We know that Kate has outwardly transformed by the time she finishes her lengthy monologue about a wife's duty to her husband. Although she states that she’d “rather see thee hanged…” (II.i 300) than get married to him, she does show up to the wedding and further feels grieved when he does not arrive on time. In The Taming of the Shrew, Kate goes through a fantastic transformation from a harsh spitfire to a spirited yet submissive wife.This transformation is due to Petruchio’s over-the-top kindness towards Kate and cruelty towards all others. Kate’s willingness to kiss Petruchio is more than just a desire to stay at her father’s house; her word choice proves this, which she reveals when she calls him “love,” before she kisses him. Making it easier to find monologues since 1997. This is the turning point in the relationship, as Katherine submits to Petruchio's will and continues to obey her husband's every whim from here on out. Then when Petruchio arrives, Kate finally finds someone who gives her compliments. Come on, and kiss me, Kate. Analysis of Kate’s speech Shakespeare was mostly interested in the concept that life imitated art. Augustus Egg (1816–1863), via Wikimedia Commons. When she refuses the first time, he asks if it’s because she is embarrassed of him. Character description, analysis and casting breakdown for Katharina (Katherine / Kate) Minola from The Taming of the Shrew Join StageAgent today and unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities. After the conclusion of The Taming of the Shrew, including Kate’s soliloquy, the audience is left with a proud feeling – proud of the fact that Petruchio tamed such a shrew so well. The Taming of the Shrew Summary Introduction I: … I know not what to say; but give me your hands. In fact, Katharina seems quite angered by the situation. 1. Congrats on HOTD, too! If this is not evidenced enough, you see her still argumentative nature when she says, “And so it shall be still for Katherine” (V.i.22). The Taming of the Shrew. The Taming of the Shrew. The Taming of the Shrew essays are academic essays for citation. Essay about The Taming Of The Shrew: An Analysis of Kate 768 Words4 Pages In Shakespeare's comedy, The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare has a woman as one of the story's main characters. She still has the passion and energy she began with, but with a realization that her actions affect others. Widely reputed throughout Padua to be a shrew, Katherine is foul-tempered and sharp-tongued at the start of the play. Even Jesus allowed suffering on himself in order to save his church. On the other hand, she does not refer to her own need of hunger but defends the cook’s mistake. 1. KATHERINE. While in this society, a woman is asked to be obedient, it is not without men serving women as well. A Shrew and How to Tame It The Taming of the Shrew is one of William Shakespeare’s comedies written in the 1590’s, where 10 Things I Hate About You is a Hollywood film produced in the 1990’s and based on The Taming of the Shrew. At the beginning of her monologue, she begins with the sharp rebuke, “Fie, fie, unknit that threat'ning unkind brow” (V.ii.142). She is known throughout the town for her angry abrasive manner. Why, there's a wench! She uses the expression “God forbid,” which emphasizes her feelings against being ashamed of him. During this scene, she begins chiding the two women about their childish behavior towards their husbands. Bonnie’s Analysis of The Taming of the Shrew. She tells the wives, "Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, / … If she had meant it to be sarcastic, this admission of being cared for would seem out of place and misguided. Analysis of Kate’s speech Shakespeare was mostly interested in the concept that life imitated art. She demonstrates this when she states, And for thy maintenance; commits his body,To painful labor both by sea and land,To watch the night in storms, the day in cold,Whilst thou li'st warm at home, secure and safe;(V.ii.154-157). Katherine (Character Analysis) Last Updated on April 25, 2019, by eNotes Editorial. Sulabha Dhavalikar from Indore, India on June 22, 2015: You are simply brilliant. The Taming of the Shrew Quotes by William Shakespeare. With this quote in particular, Katherine shows her true colors fully. O, how I long to have some chat with her! Petruccio and Katherine: Mutual Love within Hierarchy; Explore the ways in which Shakespeare uses metatheatre in his. 158. Oftentimes people are surprised at Kate's speech (some even claim it sours an otherwise good play), but upon closer inspection it appears clear that her speech is in no way a concession; rather, it carries a much stronger message and brings the play to a clever resolution. Bianca recognizes this cruel act as jealousy and a desire to be loved when she states, “Is it for [Gremio] you do envy me so?” (VII.i.18). Taming of the Shrew has been read and reread, performed, and reperformed. Give me thy hand, Kate; I will unto Venice, 1165 To buy apparel 'gainst the wedding-day. Also, the speech’s length is further proof that she is as full of strength as she is in the beginning, if not more. Harold Bloom. Their life is richer as a result of one another. Come, Kate, we'll to bed. Petruchio asks Kate to tell the other wives what duty they owe to their husbands. She did not, which shows Petruchio’s effect on her. Shakespearean Criticism. There are many different point of views in this piece, and when talking of her own opinions, there are the most different views of all. She responds with, “But no sir, God forbid, but ashamed to kiss” (V.ii.137), which signifies more the feelings towards public displays of affection during this time rather than her feelings of kissing Petruchio. Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on June 22, 2015: Angela, nice review on that classic Shakespearan play. Come on, I say; and first begin with her. Answer: Keep in mind that Petruchio wanted to marry a wealthy woman. By not accepting the nickname Petruchio has given to her, she proves that she still is independent of him. Lesson Summary. God send you joy, Petruchio! Now, pray thee, love, stay” (V.ii.139). One example of this new love being for Petruchio is when Kate first arrives at her father’s home. While the play, The Taming of the Shrew, was a comedy, there are also some very dark themes to this monologue, but that doesn’t change the fact that in the end, Katherine and Pertrucio were made to be. 3. It has lasted many years, and is still as great as the original. Voted up for useful! Kate recognizes that her husband is working hard for her to have food on the table and a safe home. The play opens in front of a tavern in the English countryside, where Christopher Sly, a drunk beggar, goes toe-to-toe with the tavern hostess over Sly's disorderly conduct. Question: What do you think is the main moral of the story? Provide examples of comedic devices being used to show the ways that comedy impacts the events of the play and the interactions between the characters. I,1,357. Similarities Between Taming Of The Shrew And 10 Things I Hate About You 866 Words | 4 Pages. Due to his harsh words towards the servants, Kate tries to reason with him by stating, “I pray you, ‘tis a fault unwilling” (IV.i.153). As her awareness of others grows, so does her ability to show love. Essays for The Taming of the Shrew. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. At last, though long, our jarring notes agree; And time it is when raging war is done … Thelma Alberts from Germany and Philippines on June 22, 2015: Very well reviewed. After Kate delivers an elaborate speech about a woman's duty to her husband, the party-goers are left dumbfounded, and Petruchio and Kate leave the party, headed to bed. The immaturity of this act reflects her lacking the basic necessity of being nurtured and feeling cared for. And, as a conflicting view, She is grateful to her husband for all his trouble, but she knows some of what he did was truly wrong. Question: Is it a possibility that Kate from Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" is putting on a complying act because she knows that by pretending to submit, she can get what she wants? I say she shall. I loved my Shakespeare class in college, which is what this was originally written for. This Shakespeare play is not often touted as a favorite. Submitting is not the same as obeying. This is really well-written. Detroit: Gale Research, Inc., 1989. Kate's final speech (the longest one in the play) at the end of Shrew has by the time she finishes her lengthy monologue about a wife's duty to her husband. Though she evolves in her ideas and actions, her personality is essentially the same as it is in the beginning but shaped by empathy and love. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 2. Katherine is established as a "shrew"—a … Kate desires love, regardless of how unloving and unlovable she begins. Petruchio will merely say the opposite of whatever Katherine says in order to exhaust her ill-tempered ways. Here is a brief The Taming of the Shrew summary: A wealthy Padua merchant, Baptista, has two daughters. While he does horrible things, they are all for her betterment. Kailyn Reyes SHAKESPEARE ANALYSIS GRAPHIC ORGANIZER: PART THREE COMEDIC SITUATIONS As you complete the reading of The Taming of the Shrew, reflect on how comedic situations impact the plot development. An analysis of Petruchio’s speech preceding his initial encounter with Katherine in act 2 scene 1 reveals proof that his method of taming includes “a series of linguistic disguises7” (Baumlin 241). It is finally time for Lucentio and Bianca's wedding banquet. In the next line, Kate again proves her growing love for him. The widow protests, but Petruchio insists on it. Analysis Language Key Terms ... Mark Quartley shares some of the things he looks for to help him understand how a character is feeling in a monologue. Kate still is able and willing to fight, which is apparent in her monologue. The monologue Katherine has in Act 5, Scene 2, can change a main plot in this play. As far as obeying, he also would not expect her to obey anything that was not in her best interest. Read full Petruchio Monologue; 6. Only someone who could demand such authority would have been able to give such a robust lengthy speech. A really great hub about a fantastic play, one i would dearly love to see in London on stage some day, thanks for sharing, voted up, Lee. Congrats your Hub of the Day award for an interesting post filled with food for thought. The Taming of the Shrew. In a single conversation with Petruccio, Hortensio describes Katherine both as "ill-favoured" (1.2.57) and as "beauteous" (82). ( Log Out /  1170; Gremio. To wound thy lord, thy king, thy governor. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The Taming of the Shrew. And dart not scornful glances from those eyes. In contrast, Kate does not believe that he feels the same way towards her. However, the way Kate says it, and the word choices she uses (lord, king governor), makes the reader question if she is really as serious as she claims with the matter at hand; or, more reasonably, she still resents having to worship her husband, no matter how much she loves him. The play Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, written in 1590-1592, takes place in Italy. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. This affectionate term further signifies that she has fallen in love with Petruchio. One of the best scenes to reflect this would be before Kate’s arrival at her father’s house as Petruchio and her are on their walk. Question: Why did Petruchio want to marry Katharine? When she expresses her feelings towards a woman’s obedience, it is not only a representation of what is expected of a woman but what men are expected to do for their wives as well. The example he is using is from The Tempest but you can look for the same clues in The Taming of The Shrew. Throughout most of the play Katherine is a seemingly untamable shrew who refuses to conform to her new husband’s wishes. Few women, now and especially during Shakespeare’s time, would be willing to risk humiliation for themselves or others, unless they have a strong personality. The Taming of the Shrew. Many people get stuck on the Bible stating that a woman is supposed to submit to their husband and miss the rest of that verse where it states that a man should love the wife as Christ loves the church. Answer: I personally believe that Petruchio is unkind and disrespectful. Kate voices these feelings when she snaps at her father as he comes to Bianca’s defense by saying, “[Bianca] is your treasure” (II.i.32), which reflects Kate’s belief that her father views Bianca as someone valuable. Angela Michelle Schultz (author) from United States on March 12, 2018: I was an English literature major, but did not get my degree. That being said, humans love to watch Home Alone and laugh at the cruel treatment of the two thieves, so it was intended to bring humor by being way over the top. Later in the same scene, the playfulness is further shown as they approach Lucentia’s father. The play Taming of the Shrew has been adapted for the stage, opera, screen, musical theater, and baller numerous times. Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare - Summary by Ansley Braverman's Salt n Pepper Shakers