Keywords

Shakespeare, Marriage, Taming of the Shrew, Equality, Elizabeth

Abstract

Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew demonstrates the possible equality of marriage within Elizabethan marriage standards. However, in order to understand the importance of this concept one must first understand the negotiations, and role expectations within marriage during this time period. In Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare first introduces the audience to Petruchio who emulates the traditional man in an Elizabethan marriage. Then he establishes Katherine's character which does not fit into the expected role of subservient wife. Shakespeare compares their relationship to the traditional marriage because Shakespearean audiences would have been familiar with this social commentary. Katherine realizes that she can gain what she desires by playing to Petruchio's desire for masculine supremacy. She chooses to negotiate her will and her husband's desires in order to gain greater equality in their marriage. It is this equality that challenges the traditional chauvinistic Elizabethan marriage that audiences and readers are familiar with.

Description

Intensive reading, discussion, and (in some sections) viewing of plays from the comedy, tragedy, romance, and history genres.