Taming of the Shew

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The Taming of the Shrew
In this play, Shakespeare has used the theme of self-invention. He brings the idea that people have the capability of shrugging the roles assigned to them by the world. Self-intervention is introduced with the scene where there is a brief exchange between the tailor and Petruchio (Garcez 19). Additionally, as the play begins, the concept of a single man trying to alter his status is in the society is introduced. Sly, who is a drunk commoner, is tricked into believing that he is wealthy by a wealthy nobleman.
The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy written by Shakespeare between 1950 and 1952. The plot of the story primarily dwells on the courtship that takes place between Petruchio and Katherine. Initially, Katherine is against the idea of being in a relationship with Petruchio who after that “tames” her into getting into the relationship (Garcez 19). However, the methods that Petruchio uses to convince her to agree involve psychological torments. For example, he denies her food and drinks to make her desirable and a good bride. Shakespeare also included a subplot which introduces Bianca, who is portrayed as an ideal and complete woman. Suitors compete on who will win her first (Garcez 19).
In the end, Bianca is won by Padua Lucentio. On the other hand, Katherine has been fully “tamed” and has agreed to obey her husband. This play though attractive and interesting to read undermines the position of women in the society.

A question is raised about whether Shakespeare advocated for male superiority where the woman has no power. In this play, the woman is portrayed as an objecting of pleasing men. This is evident where Katherine is made to become what his husband believes she should be, that is, an ideal woman like Bianca (Garcez 19).
Works Cited
Garcez, Christopher M. William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the shrew. Piscataway, N.J: Research and Education Association, 1996. Print.