In the induction of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, the reader begins to get a sense of the comedic aspect that makes this play very famous. The reader also begins to learn about a Lord, and his playful personality. The reader sees his playful personality when he says “I will practice on this drunken man” (36). Through this induction, the reader understands that Christopher Sly, a man who is a tinker, will be the center of a joke played by a Lord. The joke the Lord planned to play on Sly, was to make him think that he was a respected nobleman, instead of a drunk. In this first scene of the induction, the practical joke is set, while in the second scene of the induction, the practical joke begins to play out. Sly does not realise a joke is being played on him, and he is confused when he is treated like royalty. However, after the many actors come to support the Lord in his joke, Sly is finally convinced he is some kind of royalty who has been in a coma for fifteen years. Sly goes along with this new life he is awoken into, and tells his “wife” to “sit by my side” (142-143).
The Induction dawns with Christopher Sly, a drunk beggar, who is disputing with a hostess about broken glass at an Alehouse. Sly ends up falling asleep and an impish Lord and his adherents come across Sly, and proceed to play a trick on him. Sly is carried to the Lord’s chamber where they all pretend that Sly is the Lord when he wakes up.
In scene two, Sly begins to question the people around him and protests the idea that he is the Lord. The Lord reassures Sly and brings up Sly’s beautiful and elegant wife, which is all part of the deceit. Sly is then pleased and reassured, and gets used his upgraded social status.
The Induction is a somewhat of an augur to The Taming of the Shrew. “Induction” specifically means “the action or process of inducting someone to a position or organization,” which considerably makes the audience being “inducted” to a ceremony. The Lord is a portrayal of Shakespeare himself, and the audience are the followers of him, all fooling Sly collectively.
In scene 1 of “The Induction”, a drunk beggar named Christopher Sly has an argument with a hostess about a broken glass then proceeds to pass out due to his alcohol intake. The lord shows up and requests him to be taken back to his house and to be treated like a lord as a joke. We are then introduced to Bartholomew, the lord’s page, and is instructed to act like Sly’s wife. His actions when the actors show up begin to confuse Sly making him question what is going on. Yet he is reassured by the lord that everything is normal. Scene 2 shows the act of surrounding Sly with fine jewelry and wine but he insists that everything is a mistake as his memory slowly starts to make its way back. Eventually, he gives into the pampering and attempts to sleep with his “wife” who he still hasn’t found out is actually Bartholomew. The actors show up once again and this is where the play The Taming of the Shrew begins. Having something like “The Induction” at the beginning of the play allows you to sort of feel like you are a part of the show. These characters that we are first introduced to are “inducted” into this lavish lifestyle in the same way that we as readers, are “inducted” into the play. This introduction allows for a certain type of rhythm to pull us in and get sucked into the world and mind of Shakespeare. The one question that I have is, how does the way this play out, connect with the actual play itself? Was it just for entertainment, or was it something more?
In scene 1 of “The Induction”, a drunk beggar named Christopher Sly has an argument with a hostess about a broken glass then proceeds to pass out due to his alcohol intake. The lord shows up and requests him to be taken back to his house and to be treated like a lord as a joke. We are then introduced to Bartholomew, the lord’s page, and is instructed to act like Sly’s wife. His actions when the actors show up begin to confuse Sly making him question what is going on. Yet he is reassured by the lord that everything is normal. Scene 2 shows the act of surrounding Sly with fine jewelry and wine but he insists that everything is a mistake as his memory slowly starts to make its way back. Eventually, he gives into the pampering and attempts to sleep with his “wife” who he still hasn’t found out is actually Bartholomew. The actors show up once again and this is where the play The Taming of the Shrew begins. Having something like “The Induction” at the beginning of the play allows you to sort of feel like you are a part of the show. These characters that we are first introduced to are “inducted” into this lavish lifestyle in the same way that we as readers, are “inducted” into the play. This introduction allows for a certain type of rhythm to pull us in and get sucked into the world and mind of Shakespeare. The one question that I have is, how does the way this play out, connect with the actual play itself? Was it just for entertainment, or was it something more?
A couple of things puzzle me about the induction of “The Taming of the Shrew.” An induction can be a “dumb show,” meaning almost like a humorous pre-movie trailer for people in Shakespeare’s time, but the play the actors are performing IS Taming of the Shrew. It’s almost as if we’re left inside the made-up theatre world at the very end of the play, and never return to the “real world” which is the world where the Lord plays the prank on Sly. What is Shakespeare’s purpose for this, if he created an induction that introduces a plot, but then abandoned that plot? Also, how does this induction thematically play into the actual plot? An induction is “an explanatory scene, summary or other text that stands outside and apart from the main action with the intent to comment on it, moralize about it or in the case of dumb show to summarize the plot or underscore what is afoot.” So what is this “dumb show” commenting on? The induction itself is a trickster-y plot built on fooling people, just like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but Taming of the Shrew isn’t really about that, I feel; to me, after reading through it, was more comically accurate social commentary than a typical misunderstanding-based comedy plot. Anyone want to offer their thoughts on this?
The induction in “Taming of the shrew” I found very interesting and confusing at first. I found it funny that the “Lord” on the story had a planned out prank to pull on sly when he saw he was unconcious from drinking to much. The statements the lord made when he saw Sly I found funny “O monstrous beast! How like a swine he lies! Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!......” (pg 2) The fact that the Lord is shouting shown through the exclamation marks puts emphasis on how passed out sly really is adding more comedy to this particular scene. I started to feel sorry for Sly when he says “Am I a lord? And have I such a lady” (pg 7), because you start to feel like you are in Sly’s position and fully understand the confusion and shock the are causing him through this prank. Over all I personally loved this part of the story and thought it was funny though it took me a couple reads to fully understand what was happening.
"The Taming of The Shrew" begins with a unique induction from Shakespeare where a whole five act play is performed. The purpose of an induction is to use an explanatory scene to introduce the characters and themes. The induction of this particular play is a scene with Christopher Sly who is convinced he is a Lord after a persistent practical joke from the Lord himself. Although this story is never fully developed it outlines the central themes of the play. Christopher Sly is a character who completely changes when the circumstances around him change, which can be tied to Katherine's characterization. In the Induction Christopher Sly is unwillingly thrown into this pretend reality just as Katherine is controlled by her father and Petruchio. The comedic level of the induction creates a platform for the comedic banter that occurs in the rest of the play. The story of Christopher Sly is only brought up again briefly to reinforce its themes and relevance.
I agree with your summary about the induction but why do you think Shakespeare decided to create this instead of just beginning the play if Christopher Sly is such a minor character?
In the induction section of "Taming of the Shrew" the character Christopher Sly is introduced. Christopher is a Lord but also happens to be a drunk and passes out in the beginning which leaves him quite vulnerable to the people around him. This vulnerability and confusion led him to being tricked into thinking he isn't royalty even though he is being treated like a royal. Christopher doesn't believe them until his wife is mentioned and his mood shifts drasticly so he can sleep with her. Christopher then ends up being the narrator for the rest of the play. Usually Shakespeare does not have inductions in the beginning of the play so I think that this was an addition in order to give some backstory to the narrator and let the readers get to know him before the actual story began. The induction lets us in on Christopher’s real personality and how he can be immature and rude in a way but also has another side to him when it comes to being with his wife.
In the induction section of Taming of the Shrew the character Christopher Sly is introduced. Christopher isnt a Lord but gets drunk and passes out in the beginning which leaves him quite vulnerable to the people around him. This vulnerability and confusion led him to being tricked into thinking he is royalty even though he isnt. Christopher doesn't believe them until his supposed “wife” is mentioned and his mood shifts drasticly so he can sleep with her. Christopher then ends up being the narrator for the rest of the play. Usually Shakespeare does not have inductions in the beginning of the play so I think that this was an addition in order to give some backstory to the narrator and let the readers get to know him before the actual story began. The induction lets us in on Christopher’s real personality and how he can be immature and rude in a way but also has another side to him when it comes to being with his wife.
In the induction section of Taming of the Shrew the character Christopher Sly is introduced. Christopher isnt a Lord but gets drunk and passes out in the beginning which leaves him quite vulnerable to the people around him. This vulnerability and confusion led him to being tricked into thinking he is royalty even though he isnt. Christopher doesn't believe them until his supposed “wife” is mentioned and his mood shifts drasticly so he can sleep with her. Christopher then ends up being the narrator for the rest of the play. Usually Shakespeare does not have inductions in the beginning of the play so I think that this was an addition in order to give some backstory to the narrator and let the readers get to know him before the actual story began. The induction lets us in on Christopher’s real personality and how he can be immature and rude in a way but also has another side to him when it comes to being with his wife.
Jeremy- I did not know that Shakespeare usually have inductions, which makes this induction more confusing to me. Sly is the main character in this induction, however ive noticed that he does not really have a role outside of the induction. This makes me wonder why Shakespeare would incorporate this part into his play.
Taming of the Shrew opens with a scene that has nothing to do with the other play in any noticeable way. It seems completely random to have this opening scene show a sort of play within a play angle. There are no obvious reason for why Shakespeare would include the induction but there's many possible reasons. One of the ones that I think makes the most sense to have it for and interesting beginning. It was an interesting and new way to introduce a play that would capture the audience. It also sets up many of the themes of the play, such as how the play is mainly a comedy. It also introduces the idea of corruption and power play in a normalized sort of way that will also be mirrored in the actual play. - Komal
Jeremy- I agree that the induction seemed quite random. Shakespeare very likely created this induction, where a drunk man is a part of a prank, in order to establish the play's tone as a comical play. He does not want this play to be taken seriously.
Jeremy- In the first act of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, the reader begins to learn of some of the main characters of the play. In the first act, Lucentio, Gremio and Hortensio are all suitors to Bianca, while Petruchio is a suitor to Katharina. Baptista will not let Bianca get married until Katharina gets married, so the suitors to Bianca all decide that they need to find someone to marry Katharina. Their plotting can be seen when Hortensio says, “Marry, sir, to get a husband for her sister” (120). Lucentio planned to disguise himself as a tutor that Baptista mentioned he needed to teach Bianca. The second scene of the first act begins with a comedic confrontation between Petruchio and Grumio. Petruchio simply wants Grumio to knock on the door, “Here, sirrah Grumio; knock, I say”(5), however Grumio believes Petruchio wants him to hit him. In this scene, we learn that Petruchio is looking for a rich wife to add to his wealth. Hortensio says he knows a woman whose issue is that “she is intolerable curst and shrewd and froward, so beyond all measure” (88-89). This act overall, was quite confusing because many characters were introduced, and the act seemed to have nothing to do with the induction. I also thought that Sly would have a bigger role, as he seemed to have a large role in the induction, but he only spoke twice in act 1.
I can relate to your confusion with the quick introduction of all of the characters in the play in a short time frame. It seems that the purpose of this is to add onto the playful tone of this work by jumping from one character to the next. I also realized that he almost completely abandoned the induction leaving the reader or audience with questions of the inductions relevance that can only be answered until the rest of the story unfolds.
I agree with your confusion in act one all the characters being introduced and the conflicts on one quick scene made it hard to unddrstand. I was surprised at how quickly Patricio was willing to marry Katharine even after all the horrible things he was told and the fact that all he wants is more money really defines him as a character.
I also thought it was interesting that there were so many characters introduced in a little amount of time. I think this creates a playful tone but it also creates somewhat of a jumbled confusion which relates back to how everything happening withing the play is unorthodox and chaotic for the most part.
I disagree with thinking that Sly would have a bigger role. For me, once the first act started and all the characters of the actual play were being introduced, I figured that that would be the main focus and that Sly would be more of a background character, only appearing maybe once again at the end and that the majority of the rest of the play would just be about Katherine and everyone else. It's an interesting thought to think about and see how the play would be different overall if Sly did have a larger role and was a bigger focus than he is now.
Jeremy- In the second act of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, it begins with a sibling conflict between Katharina and Bianca. It then moves to Petruchio meeting Baptista, and asking him about his daughter. Petruchio asks “what dowry shall I have with her to wife” (120)? And Baptista answers as if he is a merchant selling a product. When Petruchio and Kate finally meet, Petruchio acts quite rude and their interaction seems hostile. When Baptista enters and asks how it is going, Petruchio lies and says it is going well and says that she was in love with him. Kate, who is clearly mad, which can be seen when she says, “wish me wed to one half lunatic; a mad-cap ruffian and a swearing Jack” (280-281), leaves angrily. Reading this act was not as difficult as the one before, however when the characters dressed as someone else all entered at once, it began to be difficult to keep track of who was acting as who.
I agree with you on how it can be difficult to keep track of the characters and how you can lose track of what is going on. I also agree with how you said this act is easier to read than the one before it. I found it interesting on how they intoroduced Katharina she seemed very controlling and a bit hostile to everyone.
Act one in taming of the shrew Put into the light what this play was going to consist of a beautiful daughter of a rich man named baptista who also has a blunt eldest daughter waiting to be married before her younger sister bianca can. These two suitors lucentio and Hortensio will fight for bianca’s hand in marriage while petruchio would attempt to win katharina over so the two men could even have a chance with her sister. I found it interesting how the characters spoke of katherina they never spoke of her kindly or even in any respectable way. “ Is that she is intolerable curst and shrewd and forward, so beyond all measure, that, were my state far worser than it is,......” ( Act one scene two pg 21) You can really see the time difference compared to the present through how people treated women and how they expected them to act. This act makes it seem like petrucio might be getting in over his head with his confidence in being able to seduce katharina. I found this scene pretty easy to understand and was not confused about the main focus point of this scene.
In act two of taming of the shrew I was surprised at how quickly petruchio was able to get katharines father to agree to marriage. Katharine even stated she would rather “be hanged” before she married him on sunday and even went ahead and slapped him. I didn't quite understand why Katharine was so against marriage and how hostile she was from the very beginning but I guess act two was set up for that kind of outcome. When reading this act you have to consider Tranio pretending to be his master to win bianca's marriage but I think this may play a big role later and could cause some issues in the near future thor the marriage. I find this play very interesting so far and found it funny how katharine acted towards petrucio throughout their conversation.
I thought your analysis was interesting and that Katherine was probably so repulsed by the thought of getting married to Petruchio because she always said she had no interest in getting married and she had to keep that rebellious image up.
In Act 1, we are introduced to the two women whom this play is about. Bianca is portrayed as this beautiful women who Lucentio has gained a liking for. Despite his undying love for this girl, he is forbidden to marry her until Katherina has found a man and married him. This may seem like an easy task but Katherina is the complete opposite of Bianca. She is described as a “wench” who “is stark mad, or wonderful froward” (I.i.69). As a reader, you can already tell that this woman is going to be difficult to deal with. She is compared to the devil in the quote, “Gremio: A husband? A devil! Hortensio: I say a husband. Gremio: I say a devil. Think’st thou, Hortensio, though her father be very rich, any man is so very a fool to be married to hell?”(I.i.120-124) Being compared to the devil is an obvious sign of hatred that these men feel towards her. The thought of marrying Katherina is at the bottom of their to-do lists and, as of right now, they believe it will never happen. Although, the feeling is mutual considering the fact that when we are first introduced to Katherina, she is very straightforward and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She flat out says, “I pray you, sir, is it your will to make a stale of me amongst these mates?” (I.i.57-58) which translates to her asking her father if she is portraying her as a prostitute. By her pointing his out, you can see that she believes she’s a powerful woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and holds herself at higher standards than others do. The common stereotypes of the time consisted of women being lesser towards men and them not being able to speak up. By her doing this, you can sense this feeling of rebellion coming from Katherina which will cause conflict later in the play.
I like how you saw Katharina as almost a revolutionary for women empowerment in a time where women were held to tight expectations and limitations. It is hard to imagine men comparing a woman to a devil in our modern society so it is especially striking how Gremio, Hortensio, and Lucentio talk so horribly about Katharina and act as if it's nothing, making the reader question the similarities and differences between our societies of past and present and if there are still changes to be made.
The first act of Taming of the Shrew introduces the reader to many characters, and specifically begins to characterize Katharina, a woman with strong boundaries, juxtaposed by her sister Bianca, who is loved by Lucentio and who is a seemingly “perfect” woman. Men adore Bianca and are offset by Katharina, seeing her as an oddity and, mainly by Lucentio, subject her to be an obstacle between him marrying Bianca since Bianca cannot marry until Katharina has. Petruchio takes on the challenge of courting Katharina and even though Katharina is solely described with contrast, her and Petruchio already share similarities; they both rhyme. When Katharina is first introduced, she immediately rhymes in the lines “To comb your noddle with a three-legg’d stool And paint your face and use you like a fool,” and then later in the same line with “Put finger in the eye, an she knew why,” giving a more song-like tone to her even though she is personalized as rigid (I.i.64-65,79). Petruchio copies this song-like rhyme with “Villain, I say, knock me at this gate And rap me well, or I’ll knock your knave’s pate,” (I.ii.11-12). The rhyming is apparent in many of his lines and shows direct correlation to Katharina when he rhymes “her” with “encounter” and “thither”. The poetic or song-like tone from their rhyming allows for an underlying romantic notion and foreshadows their future relationship. Also, Petruchio repeats words such as “As” at several beginnings of lines 74 through 65, or repeats phrases like “Have I not” throughout lines 198 to 204. His repetition symbolizes his strength and constant trying, showing how his character has the ability to attempt the challenge of courting and marrying Katharina.
I never noticed the rhyming that took place while reading this act. It is very interesting to see Katherina speak in this song like tone when all we have been presented with was this harsh, thunderous women that we were introduced to. Using this style of writing almost makes Katherina a likable character when you first meet her because the rhyming almost gives her a softer persona that we don't normally see let alone associate with her.
In Act 2, we experience the awkward confrontation between Katherina and Petruchio. The words that I can almost use to describe Petruchio’s actions is “awkward middle school flirting”. Using many sexual puns to try and woo Katherina, Petruchio was obviously trying to convince her to like him. Although this wasn’t working out too well to begin with, he was able to move one step closer after his conversation with her. This idea of forced love is brought up in the quote, “And will you, nill you, I will marry you. Now Kate, I am a husband for your turn,...” (II.i.263-264) and is continued later in the scene when Petruchio is talking to Baptista. He is forcing her to marry him without her consent. Even though this was normal during this time period, we didn’t see the sassy, confident, and straightforward Katherina that we saw in Act 1. She didn’t fully agree to marrying him but she didn’t object either. It was almost as if she had given up so easily to him. You see a large amount of character development when it comes to Katherina between Act 1 and Act 2. It is almost as if Petruchio is “taming the shrew” (lol I’m funny…). As I mentioned earlier, sex puns were used quite frequently between Katherina and Petruchio such as the large amount of dialogue in Act 2. Scene 1. Lines 205-215. I both laughed and cringed while reading this. The only reason why I laughed is because the quote on Ballard’s wall is in this very sexual monologue.
I agree that most of the banter in act two was funny but I especially agree with the point you made about the character development of Katherine between the two acts. It was interesting to see how fast she changed between spiting everyone and then marrying Petruchio. This might be due to the banter and how that shows how they match each other but it's still very sudden and strange.
In Act one of the Taming of the Shrew, Gremio and Hortensio both are after the sweet Bianca’s heart. Even though they both want her, Hortensio makes a suggestion to not only benefit himself, but also Gremio. This suggestion is for them to conspire together and figure out how to get her older sister a husband as well. This is demonstrated when they have their conversation after Bianca is escorted back inside. Hortensio says “We may yet again have access to our fair mistress and be happy rivals in bianca’s love, to labor and effect one thing specifically”. (Act I, Scene I, 116-118) After being inquired what exactly he was talking about, he says “Marry sir, to get a husband for her sister”. (Act I, Scene I, 120) The reason for this is because Bianca is denied the marriage privilege if her sister is not married either. The title of the play comes to light in this moment. The shrew, previously defined as a “wild woman” in the character introduction is Katherine and the taming of her is being foreshadowed as these men begin to plan how they will get her a husband. In act one, scene two of the Taming of the Shrew, the traits in personality begin to show, coming from Petruchio specifically. The reader learns that this money hungry man has quite the temper but also a sense of humor. Petruchio is out for a marriage that will land him in money, but along the way he learns that this simple task would be more of a challenge than once was suspected. Act one jumps around from character to character creating a light and playful tone that helps the reader infer that this is a light and somewhat romantic part of the play.
Act two of Taming of the Shrew starts off by helping the reader understand the relationship between Bianca and Katherine better. At first you might think that Katherine wants nothing to do with anyone and that she is somewhat “content” with her life, but as the act continues you begin to see that Katherine is actually jealous of Bianca. This jealousy Katherine holds is the root of why she acts out and lashes at her sister. Bianca starts off with begging Katherine to cool down and get married after it is clear that Katherine is a hot head. This is because Katherine makes it seem as if she does not wish to get married when in reality that is all Katherine wants. “What, will you not suffer me? Nay, now I see / She is your treasure, she must have a husband; / I must dance barefoot on her wedding day / And for your love to her lead apes in hell” (2.1. Page 29). This quote is from Katherine talking in response to Baptista showing her fear of being alone, specifically on Bianca’s wedding day, and somewhat reveals how Katherine is truly feeling. The one part of this act that somewhat confused me is how Katherine was completely repulsed by Petruchio even though she wants to get married. I think that she acted this way because she did not want to let her guard down and seem soft, but I was not totally sure about why she would act this way if she wanted to get married and Petruchio was interested.
I agree with your statement that Katharina is somewhat jealous of her sister, but I think it has a lot to do with how her father handles them and always seems to favor Bianca over her. The torment she receives from the men in the fist Act seems to be justification for her actions towards them, but it is seen as shrewish because women at that time were supposed to keep to themselves. I don't feel that she is very content with her life in Act 1 though.
In this act the “Shrew” part of the title is exemplified by Katharina's actions and is contrasted to her sisters. The opposing characteristics of Baptista's daughters becomes obvious when they first are introduced on the streets of Padua. Bianca follows the societal normalcies and is being pursuited by two older men named Hortensio and Gremio. These two men are in search for a wife with a connection to money and the ease of being with the well behaved Bianca entices them while Katherine is referred to as a “fiend of hell”. These suitors are searching for a stereotypical wife in this era that will respond to them with obedience. They do run into a hurdle when Baptista announces that he will not allow Bianca to be married until his oldest daughter has been married. This worries Bianca's suitors because they feel they will never be able to find a man that would put up with Katharina's outrageous behavior. The interesting aspect of this act is that all of these men that are introduced are pining to marry Bianca without knowing her, but knowing her reputation and the amount of money she comes with. This outlines that the motives of these men are power and money unlike what you normally see within today's society. When Gremio and Hortensio run into a man searching for a women to marry that is attached to money to proceed his father's legacy the men tell Petruchio of Katharina, but warn him of her behaviour. When Petruchio is introduced his bold character is immediately revealed through his declaration of his ability to court such a shrew as Katharina. “Petruchio: I know she is an irksome brawling scold: if that be all, masters, I hear no harm” (l.II 25). As Petruchio developes his anticipation to “tame” the shrew the comical nature of this story begins to unfold. The suitor of Katharina finds it his ultimate goal to tame such a women and states this fact in the streets of Padua with his large egotistical nature. Now Petruchio is not only seeking money and a wife, but to rid Katharina of these horrible behaviors that he has been warned about. The first act ends with a joining of Tranio, Gremio, and Hortensio explaining their gratitude for Petruchio as the begin to head to the house of Baptista.
The second Act begins with Katharina chasing Bianca while cursing at her with anger. She tied Bianca's and is probing her because she will not confess which suitor she prefers. Their father ,Baptista, arrives and tries to break them apart, but Katharina gains even more anger when he favors Bianca over her. Bianca and Katharina leave the scene both angry just before Lucentio, Gremio, Petruchio, Hortensio, Tranio, ans Biondello. Petruchio begins his interaction with Baptista not falling short of his bold personality that was already presented. “Petruchio: And for that dowry, I’ll assure her of Her widowhood, be it that it survive me, In all my lands and leases whatsoever: Let specialties be therefore drawn between u, That covenants may be kept on either hand” (ll.I 32) Petruchio has offered to marry Katharina to Baptista's great surprise and pleasure. After their interaction the other suitor begin to present themselves and their offerings to Baptista to benefit Bianca. Later Katharina enters and is immediately attacked by Petruchio's strong will. They begin to converse with a comical banter where Petruchio explains how he will marry her and Katharina detest the idea, yet is give no choice. Katharina is surprised as no man has ever maintained to respond to her sharp tongue as he Petruchio has. The act comes to an end with Baptista announcing that on Sunday his oldest daughter Katharina will be married. Taking little consideration to her thoughts and distress because he is relieved that a man has decided to take on the challenge of marrying such an outspoken women.
The second Act begins with Katharina chasing Bianca while cursing at her with anger. She has tied Bianca's hands and is probing her because she will not confess which suitor she prefers. Their father,Baptista, interrupts their quarrel and tries to break them apart, but Katharina gains even more anger when he favors Bianca over her. Bianca and Katharina leave the scene both angry just before Lucentio, Gremio, Petruchio, Hortensio, Tranio, and Biondello arrive. Petruchio begins his interaction with Baptista not falling short of his bold personality that was already presented. “Petruchio: And for that dowry, I’ll assure her of Her widowhood, be it that it survive me, In all my lands and leases whatsoever: Let specialties be therefore drawn between u, That covenants may be kept on either hand” (ll.I 32) Petruchio has offered to marry Katharina to Baptista's great surprise and pleasure. After their interaction the other suitors begin to present themselves and their offerings to Baptista to benefit Bianca. Later Katharina enters and is immediately attacked by Petruchio's strong will. They begin to converse with a comical banter where Petruchio explains how he will marry her and Katharina boldly detests the idea, yet is given no choice. Katharina is surprised as no man has ever maintained to respond to her sharp tongue as he, Petruchio has. The act comes to an end with Baptista announcing that on Sunday his oldest daughter Katharina will be married. Taking little consideration to her thoughts and distress because he is relieved that a man has decided to take on the challenge of marrying such an outspoken women.
I agree with your analysis but I also questioned whether or not Kate is truly disgusted by the thought of marrying Petruchio or she is just trying to keep up this act she has had on so long due to her sister Bianca.
So far in the play, we hadn’t seen much of Katharina besides her short entrance in Act I where she insults Hortensio and Gremio. Act II definitely brings her more into focus by opening with her tying up and interrogating her sister Bianca... This scene stood out to me because it exaggerated her cruelty in order to give her character that strong “shrewish” impression the way the other men in the play would see it. Katharina is not depicted as the fairly normal but outspoken woman that modern interpretations might like to see, but a downright terrible person, which I thought purposefully characterized her from that specific perspective. Another element of her characterization that stood out was the way every other character acted weary around her and her behavior (just look at Baptista in the first scene; ‘Was ever gentleman thus grieved as I?’ (II. I 16)), but Petruchio was presented as unique in that his dialogue is bold around hers. Their exchange in the middle of Act II switches rapidly between Petruchio and Kate, showing that Petruchio was a match for Kate’s temper where she didn’t meet as much opposition with her father, sister, or the other suitors. This, I think, is an appropriate setup for the rest of Petruchio’s role in this play.
Jeremy- I agree with your points about how Act II brings her more into focus and shows her cruelty to make her the character she was meant to be: the shrew. I find it interesting that even when Katharina spoke out as much as she did, she seemed almost immune to usual punishment that would be dealt to women of that time.
I agree with your observation on how only Petruchio was able to match Katharina's temper as shown with the structured banter they engage in. Her role in the first act was very limiting presenting the theme that women were not supposed to talk out and share their opinions, but that Katharina does not follow these social guidelines and is not afraid to go against the rules of society. It is interesting how you brought up the point that the perspective of Katharina is completely through the men's point of view, so her actions are being exaggerated.
Jeremy- In the third act, first scene of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, Lucentio and Hortensio, disguised as different people, both argue about who will be tutoring Bianca first. Bianca states that, “his lecture will be done ere you have tuned” (23). She says that while Lucentio teaches her Latin, Hortensio should tune his instrument. As Lucentio tutors Bianca, he reveals his true identity and goal. As Hortensio teaches Bianca, he also reveals his true identity. The second scene of the third act is set in the street in front of Baptista’s house. Kate and Petruchio are to be married. Petruchio is very late, and Biondello guarantees that Petruchio will come, however he will be dressed in “a pair of old breeches thrice turned; a pair of boots that have been candle-cased, one buckled, another laced; an old rusty sword...his horse hipped” (44-48). In other words, he is dressing like a hobo. When Petruchio and Kate are finally married, Petruchio demands that Kate leave with him. The quote, “But for my bonny Kate, she must with me” (227) shows how the level of power between males and females at that time was very skewed towards men. After they leave, Baptista seems to not care, as if he is relieved that Kate is finally married, and continues to party at the wedding as if nothing happened.
I agree with you and now that I read what you wrote about the ending it makes so much more sense. I thought it was funny how peruchio dressed for his wedding and also weird how quickly he started demanding Kate do do things. Kate was in this act more than the others as well and that let's us see more about her character.
I think this point about Petruchio controlling Kate so quickly very interesting, it's similar to what I said earlier on one of Kaia's posts. The main point was how Katherine's personality changed so drastically between the acts. After she is married to Petruchio she seems to be much more sedated and calm then she was at the beginning of the play and that's an interesting switch in dynamics that happened seemingly quick.
Act three of taming of the shrew was a little confusing at the end when Petruchio wanted to leave his bridal dinner to chase bandits. I found the way petrucio showed up late to his wedding in cloths that were not appropriate for a wedding kind of funny and interesting. Biondello long explanation and description of petruchio outfit put emphasis on how comical/inappropriate he was being. Petruchio also seemed like he was talking about her in a kind way for example when he calls her “his lovely bride”(act 3 scene 2) and is begging to see her. I was confused on whether this was petruchio deceiving Kate’s father Baptista or him being sincere.
I also found his actions quite surprising. I don't think that Petruchio talked to Kate in a kind way in order to impress Baptista. I believe this because he continues this facade after they return from the wedding by complimenting her while depriving her of neccesities in his taming proccess.
In Act three of Taming of the Shrew Petruchio finally wins Kate over and they begin to prepare for their wedding. It takes Petruchio a great deal of hard work to win over Kate which is the complete opposite with Bianca and her suitors, Lucentio and Hortensio. This hints at the two girls personalities even more than before. You begin to see how truly shallow Bianca is. During this time that is not necessarily bad for a woman to be shadow and all about good looks and money, but now in 2017 that is frowned upon. Bianca gains an interest in Lucentio after he begins to teach her “Latin”, but is actually trying to win her over, even though she is already entertaining another suitor, Hortensio. The fact that Bianca is so easily won over without really getting to know the men foreshadow that something in the future could go wrong for her due to her lack of knowledge. Even though Bianca is pursued as all men and is considered the “perfect wife” her actions and how she is somewhat of a brat hints at Bianca actually being the shrew. Even though Kate acted out in the first two acts I believe that is just because she was reacting to Bianca and she is not actually the shrew. Kate has more confidence and it takes more than good looks and money to win her over, which is more similar to how women are nowadays. Even though Kate is not a pushover and shallow she is still “tamed” by Petruchio in this act which also hints at her not being the shrew mentioned in the title of this play. Bianca and Kate seem to have a bad relationship, but this actually relates to a lot of sisters all throughout the years which shows Shakespeare is still relevant today.
Act 1 was an introduction to all the characters mostly, to show each of them and all of their personalities more. The one that makes the most impression on me and probably most readers is the portrayal of Katherine since she’s described so harshly. As well as the fact that she’s one of the more main characters. It sets up her character and shows you how different she was from all the others in the play, especially her sister Bianca. Katherine’s sister, by contrast, is very quiet and reserved. It’s slightly misleading since it turns out that Bianca is just quiet since she’s sneaky and manipulative but that still varies from the way Katherine expresses herself. Katherine is loud and open about her opinions. For that time, not only is that frowned upon but it’s mostly unheard of. More of Katherine’s personality is seen when the other characters are talking about her. For example, in scene i page 15, they refer to Katherine as hell and the devil while they describe Bianca as sweet. This shows how they viewed women and what was expected of them at the time.
Act 2 is similar to Act 1 in the way one of the main parts of it is that it further develops Katherine’s character along with her role in the play. This is shown by the interaction between her and Petruchio. When Katherine and Petruchio meet and begin talking on page 34, the lines go from normal conversation between other people to persiflage between Katherine and Petruchio. It goes back and forth, line by line for three pages. The way that these lines are written is foreshadowing to the relationship between Katherine and Petruchio later in the play. This encounter shows how both of these characters are evenly matched and ‘perfect’ for each other. As we’ve seen before, Katherine is a very independent, brave and fierce character that no other character has been able to deal with up until this point. Now, Petruchio comes in and is able to match Katherine’s personality which is a shock to her. They both are evenly matched and that is seen in the way that they’re lines occasionally connect to form an iambic pentameter.
In Act 3, the first scene takes a break from the main plot of the play which revolves around Katherine and Petruchio and switches the focus suddenly to Bianca. In this scene we start to see more about her personality and how she most likely isn’t as sweet and angelic as she came across in the first two acts. An example of this happening is in scene i, is when Bianca and Lucentio have their Latin lesson. The entire thing is full of little hints and teases that shows how Bianca isn’t as innocent and oblivious as she seems. This scene also shows how she’s a little bit coy, in the way that she responds and acts around Lucentio and Hortensio. This attitude that is being shown slowly is relating back to the line earlier in the play where Katherine accused Bianca of using the act of fake crying to get her way all the time.
Act three starts with the saturday before Katherina is scheduled to be married to Petruchio. At this point Bianca's suitors are at Baptista's house trying to persuade Baptista of their worth to his daughter. Meanwhile Lucentio disguised as a scholar named Cambio is successfully wooing Bianca without her father knowing. This can be seen when Bianca finds a new found interest in learning Latin and continues to dismiss Hortensio disguised as Litio. “Hortensio. Madam, my instrument's in tune. Bianca. Let's hear. O fie! the treble jars. Lucentio. Spit in the hole, man, and tune again. Bianca. Now let me see if I can construe it: 'Hic ibat Simois' I know you not- 'hic est Sigeia tellus' I trust you not- 'Hic steterat Priami' take heed he hear us not- 'regia' presume not- 'celsa senis' despair not.” Lucentio informs Bianca of his feelings by translating a long english phrase into two latin words adding to the comedic tone. This scene not only adds to the comedic nature of the play, but also establishes the lack of foundation of Bianca’s and Lucentio’s love. While Hortensio presents to her a just as clever tactic, using the scale of notes and their syllables, Bianca does not seem to take to his wooing as much as Lucentio's. Although Bianca does not know Lucentio she makes it clear that she prefers him, which is the obvious choice because they are both young, sympathetic characters. This does lead to problems later even though they are such a easy and quick match. After Lucentio confesses his feelings to Bianca she is summoned away to help Katharina with her wedding activities. In this scene it is the first time that Katherina completely explains her feelings on Petruchio and the fact that she does not want to marry him. In the previous Act when she was in his presence she never stated her unwillingness to marry him directly. Tranio, disguised as Lucentio, begins to defend Petruchio along with her father. Then Katherina replies talking in third person. I found this an interesting part in the development of Katherine's character. When Katherina leaves weeping with her sister, Baptista expresses his feelings, which are quite telling of his relationship with her and the role that women were supposed to follow in that time period. “Baptista Minola. Go, girl, I cannot blame thee now to weep, For such an injury would vex a very saint; “ Much more a shrew of thy impatient humour. Her own father has the inclination to call Katherina a shrew when he is forcing her to marry someone who she states she cannot stand. The irony is that in the end she does become fond of Petruchio while Bianca exposes her not so perfect traits. The dialogue between Petruchio and Katherina represents a lot about Katherina's changing mannerisms. I noticed her lines become much shorter and Lucentio's maintain long, unlike when she in conversing with anyone else. She seems to begin to start to change her temperament and actions when she is in his presence. On sunday outside Baptista’s house everyone has gathered for their wedding. Petruchio is late to show up and makes a large scene when he comes dressed in ridiculous clothes in attempt to prove a point and further his taming process.
In Act 3 is a lot different than the previous two acts due to the fact that the beginning is focused more on Bianca than Katherina or any other character. We get to see more of who she really is when she is having her conversation with Lucentio whom she finds out really isn’t Tranio. We see a different side of Bianca, one where she isn’t a sweet little princess. When talking to Lucentio, she almost acts like her sister in a way where she presents herself in a stronger more powerful way than she has in the past two acts. She obviously not into Hortensio what so ever and he can see this when she wasn’t paying that much attention to when conversing with Lucentio. Later in scene 2, we are introduced to a different Petrucio. He isn’t the charming, flirty person that we once knew. He’s this man who comes to things late, dressed inappropriately, and doesn’t seem to care about anything. Considering the fact that he was late to his own wedding and was talking about leaving right after, that shows the type of man he really is and foreshadows Katherina’s future with him.
I agree! I think your commentary can tie into one huge theme that if people become who they're not or change, it's for some exploitative reason. The only part I disagree with in your commentary is your interpretation of who Petruchio "really is;" I feel that Petruchio isn't the rude man that caused everyone grief at the wedding, but he created that persona to wear out Kate. Either way, I think in showing how people can change themselves purposefully, we see more of what their motives are as characters, and that's important in a complex mess of characters like Taming of the Shrew.
Funny story—I’ve been long acquainted with this play, ever since I read a comic version of it when I was about 12. Act III to me was the most confusing. Part of it was twelve-year-old me not fully understanding whether or not Lucentio’s latin-infused dialogue in the second page of Act III actually translated into “I am Lucentio” and so forth. Luckily, I now understand what was going on there. At the same time, another part of it was twelve-year-old me not getting why Petruchio was suddenly acting out of turn at the wedding and after the wedding. One purpose of this that I now see is comedy; you wouldn’t expect a man to show up on his wedding day in tattered, unfashionable clothing and a horse in poor shape. Alternatively, by leaving the wedding early and rudely dragging Kate along, Petruchio wants to a) embarrass Kate into showing her what a fool she makes of herself by being rude/acting out of turn, or b) showing Kate that, as her husband, he can do whatever he wants and she has no power to stop him. Outside of the story, Shakespeare clearly meant this scene to be humorous, and inside the story, it is a power play by Petruchio.
Jeremy- I agree with you that Act III was very confusing with all the things that are occurring. I can see how you may think that Petruchio wants to either embarrass Kate or show Kate that he has all the power by dressing the way he does, however I believe that Petruchio dresses the way he does to show everyone that Kate is marrying him, not his wealth. He says this to Batista when Batista tells him to change. As for his attitude and actions, I agree with what you say.
Jeremy- In the fourth act of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, Petruchio and Kate return to their home after the wedding. The first scene begins with Grumio entering before Petruchio and Kate arrive. He tells Curtis that he will not tell him anything, however ends up telling him everything. This adds another level of comedy, that always seems to stand out whenever Grumio is in a scene. Grumio tells Curtis that Kate fell of her horse, and that she was under her horse, and “how she was bemoiled” (71-72). When Petruchio and Kate arrive, Petruchio treats his servants very badly, claims that the cooks burnt the food, and throws the food at his servants. When Kate and Petruchio leave to their room, Petruchio returns and says that his plan has begun. He uses lots of bird imagery to describe his play. When he says “and till she stoop she must not be full gorged” (185), he is saying that Kate will not be fully fed until she has been tamed. It is interesting that Shakespeare compares Kate to animals. Throughout the play, she is a shrew, a small but fierce animal. Then she is compared to a falcon, who is to be trained until she follows Petruchio’s rules.
I agree with you and also found it interesting on how Shakespeare used so much bird imagery toward Kate. I think he used the imagery of a falcon towards Kate, because of how fierce Kate was at the beginning of the play swooping down with a quick remark like a falcon and it's prey. Even though falcons are strong and fierce they're will can be bended into a hunting bird who still is strong but has one person who can control it. This imagery fits Kate and her situation perfectly helping the audience fully see what is happening in this scene.
In act four of taming of the shrew Kate and petruchio arive at his house where he puts kate through the ringer. Petruchio is hard on his servants for the purpose of training Kate. He claims that the food the servants bring to them is burned throwing it off the table for the purpose of keeping Kate wanting something. He also planned on complaining about the bed and how it was made to keep her from sleeping. Petruchio calls Kate a “falcon”(act 4 scene 1) that must learn her master's call and obey. I found this scene very unsettling making me feel sorry for Kate. Petruchio is causing Kate so much grief through his actions and she is just taking it not showing the violent strong character shown before. Kate says “I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet. The meat was well, if you were so contented”(act 4 scene 1) showing how she is just dealing with Petruchio’s outburst. The Kate shown as the shrew blunt and strong has now started to give up her strong personality. I believe this is because of her exhaustion from the journey she was just on putting emphasis on the fact that Petruchio is going to deprive her of sleep.I find it a little weird how Petruchio made a step by step plan to tame Kate making me wonder how much time he actually thought about this plan.
I agree with your analysis, but I dont know if Petruchio spent a lot of time coming up with a devious plan or that is just how men were during this time. I think they were always taught to treat women with disrespect and because of that it was easy for him to treat Kate this way with little effort.
From the very beginning of the play, we all knew that Petruchio is a man who knew what he wanted and had a mission to get what he wants. In Act 4, we see a different side of Petruchio. One that is very demanding, forceful, rude, and flat out disrespectful. His actions made Katherina not even speak for a large portion of the act. You can tell by her not speaking, that she was coming to the realization that this was her life. She officially was in an abusive, dominant relationship; one that she is unable to get out of. From Petruchio’s point of view, it was almost as if he was training Kate on how things are in his house. Even though his actions were very off-putting, later in the act, Kate was starting to show some of these qualities. But only in front of Petruchio. When it comes to the other relationship in this play, we only got to see a small portion of Bianca’s and Lucentio’s relationship. Their romantic banter was present and they truly seemed liked they loved one another. I wouldn’t call it true love because they just met each other. I would compare it more to true lust rather than love.
Much of Act 4 in Taming of the Shrew highlights the relationship between Petruchio and Kate. Their relationship starts off making it seem as if Petruchio is kind and loving in order for Kate to marry him, but after the marriage things begin to change. Petruchio becomes someone different than he originally portrayed himself to be, and makes a great effort to tame Kate, just as he did in the previous act. He lashes out at his servants, Grumio and Curtis, and makes a huge scene in front of everyone. He complains about the food to starve Kate, complains about the mud when she falls in but does not help her up, and complains about the bed so she is deprived of sleep. When Kate somewhat questions his actions he simply states that he is doing this for her and that he wants everything to be perfect for his new wife. Later on Petruchio, alone on stage, states his true intentions to, “curb her mad and headstrong humour” (Act 4, pg 59). Petruchio lets the audience know that he did all of this just to tame Kate and did not have any good intentions during this scene. “That bate and beat and will not be obedient. She eat no meat to-day, nor none shall eat; last night she slept not, nor to-night she shall not” (Act 4 pg 58). I believe that Shakespeare decided to write their relationship this way because this is how he thought relationships should be back during this time period and wanted to let the audience know. As people continue to read Shakespeare throughout the years it also gives us a bit of insight on how women were treated, even though I am sure Shakespeare did not consider the teaching aspect as he was writing this play.
Act four takes place after Petruchio and Kate’s wedding, diving further into their relationship, of course in a comedic way. Petruchio’s strong, overpowering actions in this act are very alarming to today's reader. The way he is attempting to tame her is outrageous. He starves her by saying that nothing that his servants bring is good enough for her and continues sending it back. To everyone's surprise these tactics are “working” because Kate has very little to say in this act. The play then transitions back to Biancas suitors in scene 2 of act 4. Hortensio is made aware that Lucentio and Bianca are together and confesses his plans to marry a well off widow. His soon to be wife is never mentioned by her name just her relation to a man. This ties into the theme that a women's title and worth is completely based on her spouse or father. Shakespeare did not include her name because it simply was not important, to these men the women they were marrying didn't matter, but the idea and money that is tied to marriage did. This can be seen with all of the relationships in this play even though Bianca's suitors claim to be in love with her. Hortensio then leaves to go to Petruchio’s “taming school” so he can gather information on how Petruchio has turned a shrew into a wife. When Bianca questions the validity of the taming school, Tranio replies, “Ay, mistress, and Petruchio is the master; That teacheth tricks eleven and twenty long, to tame the shrew and charm her chattering tongue” (IV. II 61). The way that Petruchio is treating Kate is very comedic yet if his actions stood alone they wouldn't be. Although his treatment would be justified in that time period. This act brought up a question about Kate. Does she see through Petruchio's ways or does Kate believe that he “torments under the pretense of love” as she tells Grumio. In spite of all of this Kate and Petruchio are falling in love, which is not something that would be expected from their relationship, therefore adding to the comedic nature of the play.
One thing I noticed in the first scene of Act IV was that Kate had significantly less dialogue than the other acts. It felt almost as though Petruchio was speaking over her, and she felt powerless to stop his rude antics. It becomes clear that he is doing the same thing as the wedding, in which he acts in a way that wouldn’t be appropriate for a man of his stature to“kill” her “in her own humour” (IV. i. 9). Again, by doing his, he intends to show her how much trouble she causes by breaking society’s rules. In scene III, she has more time to speak, but it is clear that she’s feeling defeated, talking about how she’d eat anything as long as she got to eat something, and giving in to Petruchio’s demand for thanks when he brings her food. However, this is where the heart on her sleeve shows up the most, as her lines “My tongue will tell the anger of my heart, Or else my heart concealing it will break” (IV. iii. 1-2) show a different side to her shrewishness. But this really doesn’t matter to Petruchio.
I also noticed the lack of Kate's dialogue in this act. You explained that she feels defeated, but it is possible that she is also relieved that the title of being a shrew has been lifted from her and is now on Petruchio because of his actions at the wedding.
In act five Bianca gets married to the real lucentio and his real father shows up confused putting into light the deception lucentio caused. Kate and petruchio are at bianca’s wedding watching all of this happen and eventually everyone sits down to eat. Petruchio has a bet going about how Kate will win him a bet he made with the other guy’s with husbands in the group and wins. Kate also gives the other wives who did not obey their husbands a big lecture on Petruchio’s command. I thought this was a kind of sad part of the story because it shows how Kate has given up and become the ideal wife for petruchio. I also found it funny when Bianca newly married did not listen to her husband to come when she was shown as the perfect wife compared to her sister Kate. Even such a woman oweth to her husband.And when she is froward, 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?I am ashamed that women are so simple To offer war where they should kneel for peace;Or seek for rule, supremacy and sway When they are bound to serve, love, and obey.(act five scene 2) This is a small portion of Kate;s speech and it shows just how obedient she is now and put’s emphasis on how her personality has changed.
Jeremy- I can see how you may find Kate's new submissive behavior to be sad, however i find it to be quite a happy moment, maybe the happiest moment in this play. This "new" Kate seems to wrap the story up in a fairy-tale ending kind of way.
Jeremy- In the 5th act of the taming of the shrew, Lucentio and Bianca are going to get married. In the beginning of the act, the craziness of all the disguises begins to unfold in a comedic way, as planned by Shakespeare. Vincentio gets mixed up into all the crazy, which ends up with him locked up in jail. Lucentio finally reveals to Baptista that he is not Cambio, he is Lucentio and that he plans to marry Bianca. In the second scene, Kate shows improvement in her behavior. She no longer acts like a shrew. The men make a bet to see whose wife is most obedient. Kate is the only one that listens. Baptista seems to not even recognize his own daughter. When Petruchio tells Kate to take off her hat, she does. When she is told to tell off the other wives, she does that, giving a long speech. The ending to this play seems almost fairytale, with everything going right for everyone.
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Jeremy-
ReplyDeleteIn the induction of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, the reader begins to get a sense of the comedic aspect that makes this play very famous. The reader also begins to learn about a Lord, and his playful personality. The reader sees his playful personality when he says “I will practice on this drunken man” (36). Through this induction, the reader understands that Christopher Sly, a man who is a tinker, will be the center of a joke played by a Lord. The joke the Lord planned to play on Sly, was to make him think that he was a respected nobleman, instead of a drunk. In this first scene of the induction, the practical joke is set, while in the second scene of the induction, the practical joke begins to play out. Sly does not realise a joke is being played on him, and he is confused when he is treated like royalty. However, after the many actors come to support the Lord in his joke, Sly is finally convinced he is some kind of royalty who has been in a coma for fifteen years. Sly goes along with this new life he is awoken into, and tells his “wife” to “sit by my side” (142-143).
The Induction dawns with Christopher Sly, a drunk beggar, who is disputing with a hostess about broken glass at an Alehouse. Sly ends up falling asleep and an impish Lord and his adherents come across Sly, and proceed to play a trick on him. Sly is carried to the Lord’s chamber where they all pretend that Sly is the Lord when he wakes up.
ReplyDeleteIn scene two, Sly begins to question the people around him and protests the idea that he is the Lord. The Lord reassures Sly and brings up Sly’s beautiful and elegant wife, which is all part of the deceit. Sly is then pleased and reassured, and gets used his upgraded social status.
The Induction is a somewhat of an augur to The Taming of the Shrew. “Induction” specifically means “the action or process of inducting someone to a position or organization,” which considerably makes the audience being “inducted” to a ceremony. The Lord is a portrayal of Shakespeare himself, and the audience are the followers of him, all fooling Sly collectively.
In scene 1 of “The Induction”, a drunk beggar named Christopher Sly has an argument with a hostess about a broken glass then proceeds to pass out due to his alcohol intake. The lord shows up and requests him to be taken back to his house and to be treated like a lord as a joke. We are then introduced to Bartholomew, the lord’s page, and is instructed to act like Sly’s wife. His actions when the actors show up begin to confuse Sly making him question what is going on. Yet he is reassured by the lord that everything is normal.
DeleteScene 2 shows the act of surrounding Sly with fine jewelry and wine but he insists that everything is a mistake as his memory slowly starts to make its way back. Eventually, he gives into the pampering and attempts to sleep with his “wife” who he still hasn’t found out is actually Bartholomew. The actors show up once again and this is where the play The Taming of the Shrew begins.
Having something like “The Induction” at the beginning of the play allows you to sort of feel like you are a part of the show. These characters that we are first introduced to are “inducted” into this lavish lifestyle in the same way that we as readers, are “inducted” into the play. This introduction allows for a certain type of rhythm to pull us in and get sucked into the world and mind of Shakespeare. The one question that I have is, how does the way this play out, connect with the actual play itself? Was it just for entertainment, or was it something more?
oops sorry, posted it in the wrong group!!
DeleteIn scene 1 of “The Induction”, a drunk beggar named Christopher Sly has an argument with a hostess about a broken glass then proceeds to pass out due to his alcohol intake. The lord shows up and requests him to be taken back to his house and to be treated like a lord as a joke. We are then introduced to Bartholomew, the lord’s page, and is instructed to act like Sly’s wife. His actions when the actors show up begin to confuse Sly making him question what is going on. Yet he is reassured by the lord that everything is normal.
ReplyDeleteScene 2 shows the act of surrounding Sly with fine jewelry and wine but he insists that everything is a mistake as his memory slowly starts to make its way back. Eventually, he gives into the pampering and attempts to sleep with his “wife” who he still hasn’t found out is actually Bartholomew. The actors show up once again and this is where the play The Taming of the Shrew begins.
Having something like “The Induction” at the beginning of the play allows you to sort of feel like you are a part of the show. These characters that we are first introduced to are “inducted” into this lavish lifestyle in the same way that we as readers, are “inducted” into the play. This introduction allows for a certain type of rhythm to pull us in and get sucked into the world and mind of Shakespeare. The one question that I have is, how does the way this play out, connect with the actual play itself? Was it just for entertainment, or was it something more?
oops this wasn't supposed to be in the reply section. oh well!!
ReplyDeleteA couple of things puzzle me about the induction of “The Taming of the Shrew.” An induction can be a “dumb show,” meaning almost like a humorous pre-movie trailer for people in Shakespeare’s time, but the play the actors are performing IS Taming of the Shrew. It’s almost as if we’re left inside the made-up theatre world at the very end of the play, and never return to the “real world” which is the world where the Lord plays the prank on Sly. What is Shakespeare’s purpose for this, if he created an induction that introduces a plot, but then abandoned that plot?
ReplyDeleteAlso, how does this induction thematically play into the actual plot? An induction is “an explanatory scene, summary or other text that stands outside and apart from the main action with the intent to comment on it, moralize about it or in the case of dumb show to summarize the plot or underscore what is afoot.” So what is this “dumb show” commenting on? The induction itself is a trickster-y plot built on fooling people, just like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, but Taming of the Shrew isn’t really about that, I feel; to me, after reading through it, was more comically accurate social commentary than a typical misunderstanding-based comedy plot. Anyone want to offer their thoughts on this?
The induction in “Taming of the shrew” I found very interesting and confusing at first. I found it funny that the “Lord” on the story had a planned out prank to pull on sly when he saw he was unconcious from drinking to much. The statements the lord made when he saw Sly I found funny “O monstrous beast! How like a swine he lies! Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!......” (pg 2) The fact that the Lord is shouting shown through the exclamation marks puts emphasis on how passed out sly really is adding more comedy to this particular scene. I started to feel sorry for Sly when he says “Am I a lord? And have I such a lady” (pg 7), because you start to feel like you are in Sly’s position and fully understand the confusion and shock the are causing him through this prank. Over all I personally loved this part of the story and thought it was funny though it took me a couple reads to fully understand what was happening.
ReplyDelete"The Taming of The Shrew" begins with a unique induction from Shakespeare where a whole five act play is performed. The purpose of an induction is to use an explanatory scene to introduce the characters and themes. The induction of this particular play is a scene with Christopher Sly who is convinced he is a Lord after a persistent practical joke from the Lord himself. Although this story is never fully developed it outlines the central themes of the play. Christopher Sly is a character who completely changes when the circumstances around him change, which can be tied to Katherine's characterization. In the Induction Christopher Sly is unwillingly thrown into this pretend reality just as Katherine is controlled by her father and Petruchio. The comedic level of the induction creates a platform for the comedic banter that occurs in the rest of the play. The story of Christopher Sly is only brought up again briefly to reinforce its themes and relevance.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your summary about the induction but why do you think Shakespeare decided to create this instead of just beginning the play if Christopher Sly is such a minor character?
DeleteIn the induction section of "Taming of the Shrew" the character Christopher Sly is introduced. Christopher is a Lord but also happens to be a drunk and passes out in the beginning which leaves him quite vulnerable to the people around him. This vulnerability and confusion led him to being tricked into thinking he isn't royalty even though he is being treated like a royal. Christopher doesn't believe them until his wife is mentioned and his mood shifts drasticly so he can sleep with her. Christopher then ends up being the narrator for the rest of the play. Usually Shakespeare does not have inductions in the beginning of the play so I think that this was an addition in order to give some backstory to the narrator and let the readers get to know him before the actual story began. The induction lets us in on Christopher’s real personality and how he can be immature and rude in a way but also has another side to him when it comes to being with his wife.
ReplyDeleteIn the induction section of Taming of the Shrew the character Christopher Sly is introduced. Christopher isnt a Lord but gets drunk and passes out in the beginning which leaves him quite vulnerable to the people around him. This vulnerability and confusion led him to being tricked into thinking he is royalty even though he isnt. Christopher doesn't believe them until his supposed “wife” is mentioned and his mood shifts drasticly so he can sleep with her. Christopher then ends up being the narrator for the rest of the play. Usually Shakespeare does not have inductions in the beginning of the play so I think that this was an addition in order to give some backstory to the narrator and let the readers get to know him before the actual story began. The induction lets us in on Christopher’s real personality and how he can be immature and rude in a way but also has another side to him when it comes to being with his wife.
ReplyDeleteIgnore this post please
DeleteIn the induction section of Taming of the Shrew the character Christopher Sly is introduced. Christopher isnt a Lord but gets drunk and passes out in the beginning which leaves him quite vulnerable to the people around him. This vulnerability and confusion led him to being tricked into thinking he is royalty even though he isnt. Christopher doesn't believe them until his supposed “wife” is mentioned and his mood shifts drasticly so he can sleep with her. Christopher then ends up being the narrator for the rest of the play. Usually Shakespeare does not have inductions in the beginning of the play so I think that this was an addition in order to give some backstory to the narrator and let the readers get to know him before the actual story began. The induction lets us in on Christopher’s real personality and how he can be immature and rude in a way but also has another side to him when it comes to being with his wife.
ReplyDeleteJeremy-
DeleteI did not know that Shakespeare usually have inductions, which makes this induction more confusing to me. Sly is the main character in this induction, however ive noticed that he does not really have a role outside of the induction. This makes me wonder why Shakespeare would incorporate this part into his play.
Taming of the Shrew opens with a scene that has nothing to do with the other play in any noticeable way. It seems completely random to have this opening scene show a sort of play within a play angle. There are no obvious reason for why Shakespeare would include the induction but there's many possible reasons. One of the ones that I think makes the most sense to have it for and interesting beginning. It was an interesting and new way to introduce a play that would capture the audience. It also sets up many of the themes of the play, such as how the play is mainly a comedy. It also introduces the idea of corruption and power play in a normalized sort of way that will also be mirrored in the actual play.
ReplyDelete- Komal
Jeremy-
DeleteI agree that the induction seemed quite random. Shakespeare very likely created this induction, where a drunk man is a part of a prank, in order to establish the play's tone as a comical play. He does not want this play to be taken seriously.
Jeremy-
ReplyDeleteIn the first act of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, the reader begins to learn of some of the main characters of the play. In the first act, Lucentio, Gremio and Hortensio are all suitors to Bianca, while Petruchio is a suitor to Katharina. Baptista will not let Bianca get married until Katharina gets married, so the suitors to Bianca all decide that they need to find someone to marry Katharina. Their plotting can be seen when Hortensio says, “Marry, sir, to get a husband for her sister” (120). Lucentio planned to disguise himself as a tutor that Baptista mentioned he needed to teach Bianca. The second scene of the first act begins with a comedic confrontation between Petruchio and Grumio. Petruchio simply wants Grumio to knock on the door, “Here, sirrah Grumio; knock, I say”(5), however Grumio believes Petruchio wants him to hit him. In this scene, we learn that Petruchio is looking for a rich wife to add to his wealth. Hortensio says he knows a woman whose issue is that “she is intolerable curst and shrewd and froward, so beyond all measure” (88-89). This act overall, was quite confusing because many characters were introduced, and the act seemed to have nothing to do with the induction. I also thought that Sly would have a bigger role, as he seemed to have a large role in the induction, but he only spoke twice in act 1.
I can relate to your confusion with the quick introduction of all of the characters in the play in a short time frame. It seems that the purpose of this is to add onto the playful tone of this work by jumping from one character to the next. I also realized that he almost completely abandoned the induction leaving the reader or audience with questions of the inductions relevance that can only be answered until the rest of the story unfolds.
DeleteI agree with your confusion in act one all the characters being introduced and the conflicts on one quick scene made it hard to unddrstand. I was surprised at how quickly Patricio was willing to marry Katharine even after all the horrible things he was told and the fact that all he wants is more money really defines him as a character.
DeleteI also thought it was interesting that there were so many characters introduced in a little amount of time. I think this creates a playful tone but it also creates somewhat of a jumbled confusion which relates back to how everything happening withing the play is unorthodox and chaotic for the most part.
DeleteI disagree with thinking that Sly would have a bigger role. For me, once the first act started and all the characters of the actual play were being introduced, I figured that that would be the main focus and that Sly would be more of a background character, only appearing maybe once again at the end and that the majority of the rest of the play would just be about Katherine and everyone else. It's an interesting thought to think about and see how the play would be different overall if Sly did have a larger role and was a bigger focus than he is now.
Delete-Komal Raman
Jeremy-
ReplyDeleteIn the second act of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, it begins with a sibling conflict between Katharina and Bianca. It then moves to Petruchio meeting Baptista, and asking him about his daughter. Petruchio asks “what dowry shall I have with her to wife” (120)? And Baptista answers as if he is a merchant selling a product. When Petruchio and Kate finally meet, Petruchio acts quite rude and their interaction seems hostile. When Baptista enters and asks how it is going, Petruchio lies and says it is going well and says that she was in love with him. Kate, who is clearly mad, which can be seen when she says, “wish me wed to one half lunatic; a mad-cap ruffian and a swearing Jack” (280-281), leaves angrily. Reading this act was not as difficult as the one before, however when the characters dressed as someone else all entered at once, it began to be difficult to keep track of who was acting as who.
I agree with you on how it can be difficult to keep track of the characters and how you can lose track of what is going on. I also agree with how you said this act is easier to read than the one before it. I found it interesting on how they intoroduced Katharina she seemed very controlling and a bit hostile to everyone.
DeleteAct one in taming of the shrew Put into the light what this play was going to consist of a beautiful daughter of a rich man named baptista who also has a blunt eldest daughter waiting to be married before her younger sister bianca can. These two suitors lucentio and Hortensio will fight for bianca’s hand in marriage while petruchio would attempt to win katharina over so the two men could even have a chance with her sister. I found it interesting how the characters spoke of katherina they never spoke of her kindly or even in any respectable way. “ Is that she is intolerable curst and shrewd and forward, so beyond all measure, that, were my state far worser than it is,......” ( Act one scene two pg 21) You can really see the time difference compared to the present through how people treated women and how they expected them to act. This act makes it seem like petrucio might be getting in over his head with his confidence in being able to seduce katharina. I found this scene pretty easy to understand and was not confused about the main focus point of this scene.
ReplyDeleteIn act two of taming of the shrew I was surprised at how quickly petruchio was able to get katharines father to agree to marriage. Katharine even stated she would rather “be hanged” before she married him on sunday and even went ahead and slapped him. I didn't quite understand why Katharine was so against marriage and how hostile she was from the very beginning but I guess act two was set up for that kind of outcome. When reading this act you have to consider Tranio pretending to be his master to win bianca's marriage but I think this may play a big role later and could cause some issues in the near future thor the marriage. I find this play very interesting so far and found it funny how katharine acted towards petrucio throughout their conversation.
ReplyDeleteI thought your analysis was interesting and that Katherine was probably so repulsed by the thought of getting married to Petruchio because she always said she had no interest in getting married and she had to keep that rebellious image up.
DeleteIn Act 1, we are introduced to the two women whom this play is about. Bianca is portrayed as this beautiful women who Lucentio has gained a liking for. Despite his undying love for this girl, he is forbidden to marry her until Katherina has found a man and married him. This may seem like an easy task but Katherina is the complete opposite of Bianca. She is described as a “wench” who “is stark mad, or wonderful froward” (I.i.69). As a reader, you can already tell that this woman is going to be difficult to deal with. She is compared to the devil in the quote,
ReplyDelete“Gremio: A husband? A devil!
Hortensio: I say a husband.
Gremio: I say a devil. Think’st thou, Hortensio, though her father be very rich, any man is so very a fool to be married to hell?”(I.i.120-124)
Being compared to the devil is an obvious sign of hatred that these men feel towards her. The thought of marrying Katherina is at the bottom of their to-do lists and, as of right now, they believe it will never happen. Although, the feeling is mutual considering the fact that when we are first introduced to Katherina, she is very straightforward and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She flat out says, “I pray you, sir, is it your will to make a stale of me amongst these mates?” (I.i.57-58) which translates to her asking her father if she is portraying her as a prostitute. By her pointing his out, you can see that she believes she’s a powerful woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and holds herself at higher standards than others do. The common stereotypes of the time consisted of women being lesser towards men and them not being able to speak up. By her doing this, you can sense this feeling of rebellion coming from Katherina which will cause conflict later in the play.
I like how you saw Katharina as almost a revolutionary for women empowerment in a time where women were held to tight expectations and limitations. It is hard to imagine men comparing a woman to a devil in our modern society so it is especially striking how Gremio, Hortensio, and Lucentio talk so horribly about Katharina and act as if it's nothing, making the reader question the similarities and differences between our societies of past and present and if there are still changes to be made.
DeleteThe first act of Taming of the Shrew introduces the reader to many characters, and specifically begins to characterize Katharina, a woman with strong boundaries, juxtaposed by her sister Bianca, who is loved by Lucentio and who is a seemingly “perfect” woman. Men adore Bianca and are offset by Katharina, seeing her as an oddity and, mainly by Lucentio, subject her to be an obstacle between him marrying Bianca since Bianca cannot marry until Katharina has. Petruchio takes on the challenge of courting Katharina and even though Katharina is solely described with contrast, her and Petruchio already share similarities; they both rhyme. When Katharina is first introduced, she immediately rhymes in the lines “To comb your noddle with a three-legg’d stool And paint your face and use you like a fool,” and then later in the same line with “Put finger in the eye, an she knew why,” giving a more song-like tone to her even though she is personalized as rigid (I.i.64-65,79). Petruchio copies this song-like rhyme with “Villain, I say, knock me at this gate And rap me well, or I’ll knock your knave’s pate,” (I.ii.11-12). The rhyming is apparent in many of his lines and shows direct correlation to Katharina when he rhymes “her” with “encounter” and “thither”. The poetic or song-like tone from their rhyming allows for an underlying romantic notion and foreshadows their future relationship. Also, Petruchio repeats words such as “As” at several beginnings of lines 74 through 65, or repeats phrases like “Have I not” throughout lines 198 to 204. His repetition symbolizes his strength and constant trying, showing how his character has the ability to attempt the challenge of courting and marrying Katharina.
ReplyDeleteI never noticed the rhyming that took place while reading this act. It is very interesting to see Katherina speak in this song like tone when all we have been presented with was this harsh, thunderous women that we were introduced to. Using this style of writing almost makes Katherina a likable character when you first meet her because the rhyming almost gives her a softer persona that we don't normally see let alone associate with her.
DeleteIn Act 2, we experience the awkward confrontation between Katherina and Petruchio. The words that I can almost use to describe Petruchio’s actions is “awkward middle school flirting”. Using many sexual puns to try and woo Katherina, Petruchio was obviously trying to convince her to like him. Although this wasn’t working out too well to begin with, he was able to move one step closer after his conversation with her. This idea of forced love is brought up in the quote, “And will you, nill you, I will marry you. Now Kate, I am a husband for your turn,...” (II.i.263-264) and is continued later in the scene when Petruchio is talking to Baptista. He is forcing her to marry him without her consent. Even though this was normal during this time period, we didn’t see the sassy, confident, and straightforward Katherina that we saw in Act 1. She didn’t fully agree to marrying him but she didn’t object either. It was almost as if she had given up so easily to him. You see a large amount of character development when it comes to Katherina between Act 1 and Act 2. It is almost as if Petruchio is “taming the shrew” (lol I’m funny…). As I mentioned earlier, sex puns were used quite frequently between Katherina and Petruchio such as the large amount of dialogue in Act 2. Scene 1. Lines 205-215. I both laughed and cringed while reading this. The only reason why I laughed is because the quote on Ballard’s wall is in this very sexual monologue.
ReplyDeleteI agree that most of the banter in act two was funny but I especially agree with the point you made about the character development of Katherine between the two acts. It was interesting to see how fast she changed between spiting everyone and then marrying Petruchio. This might be due to the banter and how that shows how they match each other but it's still very sudden and strange.
Delete-Komal Raman
In Act one of the Taming of the Shrew, Gremio and Hortensio both are after the sweet Bianca’s heart. Even though they both want her, Hortensio makes a suggestion to not only benefit himself, but also Gremio. This suggestion is for them to conspire together and figure out how to get her older sister a husband as well. This is demonstrated when they have their conversation after Bianca is escorted back inside. Hortensio says “We may yet again have access to our fair mistress and be happy rivals in bianca’s love, to labor and effect one thing specifically”. (Act I, Scene I, 116-118) After being inquired what exactly he was talking about, he says “Marry sir, to get a husband for her sister”. (Act I, Scene I, 120) The reason for this is because Bianca is denied the marriage privilege if her sister is not married either. The title of the play comes to light in this moment. The shrew, previously defined as a “wild woman” in the character introduction is Katherine and the taming of her is being foreshadowed as these men begin to plan how they will get her a husband. In act one, scene two of the Taming of the Shrew, the traits in personality begin to show, coming from Petruchio specifically. The reader learns that this money hungry man has quite the temper but also a sense of humor. Petruchio is out for a marriage that will land him in money, but along the way he learns that this simple task would be more of a challenge than once was suspected. Act one jumps around from character to character creating a light and playful tone that helps the reader infer that this is a light and somewhat romantic part of the play.
ReplyDeleteAct two of Taming of the Shrew starts off by helping the reader understand the relationship between Bianca and Katherine better. At first you might think that Katherine wants nothing to do with anyone and that she is somewhat “content” with her life, but as the act continues you begin to see that Katherine is actually jealous of Bianca. This jealousy Katherine holds is the root of why she acts out and lashes at her sister. Bianca starts off with begging Katherine to cool down and get married after it is clear that Katherine is a hot head. This is because Katherine makes it seem as if she does not wish to get married when in reality that is all Katherine wants. “What, will you not suffer me? Nay, now I see / She is your treasure, she must have a husband; / I must dance barefoot on her wedding day / And for your love to her lead apes in hell” (2.1. Page 29). This quote is from Katherine talking in response to Baptista showing her fear of being alone, specifically on Bianca’s wedding day, and somewhat reveals how Katherine is truly feeling. The one part of this act that somewhat confused me is how Katherine was completely repulsed by Petruchio even though she wants to get married. I think that she acted this way because she did not want to let her guard down and seem soft, but I was not totally sure about why she would act this way if she wanted to get married and Petruchio was interested.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that Katharina is somewhat jealous of her sister, but I think it has a lot to do with how her father handles them and always seems to favor Bianca over her. The torment she receives from the men in the fist Act seems to be justification for her actions towards them, but it is seen as shrewish because women at that time were supposed to keep to themselves. I don't feel that she is very content with her life in Act 1 though.
DeleteIn this act the “Shrew” part of the title is exemplified by Katharina's actions and is contrasted to her sisters. The opposing characteristics of Baptista's daughters becomes obvious when they first are introduced on the streets of Padua. Bianca follows the societal normalcies and is being pursuited by two older men named Hortensio and Gremio. These two men are in search for a wife with a connection to money and the ease of being with the well behaved Bianca entices them while Katherine is referred to as a “fiend of hell”. These suitors are searching for a stereotypical wife in this era that will respond to them with obedience. They do run into a hurdle when Baptista announces that he will not allow Bianca to be married until his oldest daughter has been married. This worries Bianca's suitors because they feel they will never be able to find a man that would put up with Katharina's outrageous behavior. The interesting aspect of this act is that all of these men that are introduced are pining to marry Bianca without knowing her, but knowing her reputation and the amount of money she comes with. This outlines that the motives of these men are power and money unlike what you normally see within today's society. When Gremio and Hortensio run into a man searching for a women to marry that is attached to money to proceed his father's legacy the men tell Petruchio of Katharina, but warn him of her behaviour. When Petruchio is introduced his bold character is immediately revealed through his declaration of his ability to court such a shrew as Katharina.
ReplyDelete“Petruchio: I know she is an irksome brawling scold: if that be all, masters, I hear no harm” (l.II 25).
As Petruchio developes his anticipation to “tame” the shrew the comical nature of this story begins to unfold. The suitor of Katharina finds it his ultimate goal to tame such a women and states this fact in the streets of Padua with his large egotistical nature. Now Petruchio is not only seeking money and a wife, but to rid Katharina of these horrible behaviors that he has been warned about. The first act ends with a joining of Tranio, Gremio, and Hortensio explaining their gratitude for Petruchio as the begin to head to the house of Baptista.
The second Act begins with Katharina chasing Bianca while cursing at her with anger. She tied Bianca's and is probing her because she will not confess which suitor she prefers. Their father ,Baptista, arrives and tries to break them apart, but Katharina gains even more anger when he favors Bianca over her. Bianca and Katharina leave the scene both angry just before Lucentio, Gremio, Petruchio, Hortensio, Tranio, ans Biondello. Petruchio begins his interaction with Baptista not falling short of his bold personality that was already presented.
ReplyDelete“Petruchio: And for that dowry, I’ll assure her of
Her widowhood, be it that it survive me,
In all my lands and leases whatsoever:
Let specialties be therefore drawn between u,
That covenants may be kept on either hand” (ll.I 32)
Petruchio has offered to marry Katharina to Baptista's great surprise and pleasure. After their interaction the other suitor begin to present themselves and their offerings to Baptista to benefit Bianca. Later Katharina enters and is immediately attacked by Petruchio's strong will. They begin to converse with a comical banter where Petruchio explains how he will marry her and Katharina detest the idea, yet is give no choice. Katharina is surprised as no man has ever maintained to respond to her sharp tongue as he Petruchio has. The act comes to an end with Baptista announcing that on Sunday his oldest daughter Katharina will be married. Taking little consideration to her thoughts and distress because he is relieved that a man has decided to take on the challenge of marrying such an outspoken women.
The second Act begins with Katharina chasing Bianca while cursing at her with anger. She has tied Bianca's hands and is probing her because she will not confess which suitor she prefers. Their father,Baptista, interrupts their quarrel and tries to break them apart, but Katharina gains even more anger when he favors Bianca over her. Bianca and Katharina leave the scene both angry just before Lucentio, Gremio, Petruchio, Hortensio, Tranio, and Biondello arrive. Petruchio begins his interaction with Baptista not falling short of his bold personality that was already presented.
ReplyDelete“Petruchio: And for that dowry, I’ll assure her of
Her widowhood, be it that it survive me,
In all my lands and leases whatsoever:
Let specialties be therefore drawn between u,
That covenants may be kept on either hand” (ll.I 32)
Petruchio has offered to marry Katharina to Baptista's great surprise and pleasure. After their interaction the other suitors begin to present themselves and their offerings to Baptista to benefit Bianca. Later Katharina enters and is immediately attacked by Petruchio's strong will. They begin to converse with a comical banter where Petruchio explains how he will marry her and Katharina boldly detests the idea, yet is given no choice. Katharina is surprised as no man has ever maintained to respond to her sharp tongue as he, Petruchio has. The act comes to an end with Baptista announcing that on Sunday his oldest daughter Katharina will be married. Taking little consideration to her thoughts and distress because he is relieved that a man has decided to take on the challenge of marrying such an outspoken women.
I agree with your analysis but I also questioned whether or not Kate is truly disgusted by the thought of marrying Petruchio or she is just trying to keep up this act she has had on so long due to her sister Bianca.
DeleteSo far in the play, we hadn’t seen much of Katharina besides her short entrance in Act I where she insults Hortensio and Gremio. Act II definitely brings her more into focus by opening with her tying up and interrogating her sister Bianca... This scene stood out to me because it exaggerated her cruelty in order to give her character that strong “shrewish” impression the way the other men in the play would see it. Katharina is not depicted as the fairly normal but outspoken woman that modern interpretations might like to see, but a downright terrible person, which I thought purposefully characterized her from that specific perspective. Another element of her characterization that stood out was the way every other character acted weary around her and her behavior (just look at Baptista in the first scene; ‘Was ever gentleman thus grieved as I?’ (II. I 16)), but Petruchio was presented as unique in that his dialogue is bold around hers. Their exchange in the middle of Act II switches rapidly between Petruchio and Kate, showing that Petruchio was a match for Kate’s temper where she didn’t meet as much opposition with her father, sister, or the other suitors. This, I think, is an appropriate setup for the rest of Petruchio’s role in this play.
ReplyDeleteJeremy-
DeleteI agree with your points about how Act II brings her more into focus and shows her cruelty to make her the character she was meant to be: the shrew. I find it interesting that even when Katharina spoke out as much as she did, she seemed almost immune to usual punishment that would be dealt to women of that time.
I agree with your observation on how only Petruchio was able to match Katharina's temper as shown with the structured banter they engage in. Her role in the first act was very limiting presenting the theme that women were not supposed to talk out and share their opinions, but that Katharina does not follow these social guidelines and is not afraid to go against the rules of society. It is interesting how you brought up the point that the perspective of Katharina is completely through the men's point of view, so her actions are being exaggerated.
ReplyDeleteJeremy-
ReplyDeleteIn the third act, first scene of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, Lucentio and Hortensio, disguised as different people, both argue about who will be tutoring Bianca first. Bianca states that, “his lecture will be done ere you have tuned” (23). She says that while Lucentio teaches her Latin, Hortensio should tune his instrument. As Lucentio tutors Bianca, he reveals his true identity and goal. As Hortensio teaches Bianca, he also reveals his true identity. The second scene of the third act is set in the street in front of Baptista’s house. Kate and Petruchio are to be married. Petruchio is very late, and Biondello guarantees that Petruchio will come, however he will be dressed in “a pair of old breeches thrice turned; a pair of boots that have been candle-cased, one buckled, another laced; an old rusty sword...his horse hipped” (44-48). In other words, he is dressing like a hobo. When Petruchio and Kate are finally married, Petruchio demands that Kate leave with him. The quote, “But for my bonny Kate, she must with me” (227) shows how the level of power between males and females at that time was very skewed towards men. After they leave, Baptista seems to not care, as if he is relieved that Kate is finally married, and continues to party at the wedding as if nothing happened.
I agree with you and now that I read what you wrote about the ending it makes so much more sense. I thought it was funny how peruchio dressed for his wedding and also weird how quickly he started demanding Kate do do things. Kate was in this act more than the others as well and that let's us see more about her character.
DeleteI think this point about Petruchio controlling Kate so quickly very interesting, it's similar to what I said earlier on one of Kaia's posts. The main point was how Katherine's personality changed so drastically between the acts. After she is married to Petruchio she seems to be much more sedated and calm then she was at the beginning of the play and that's an interesting switch in dynamics that happened seemingly quick.
Delete-Komal Raman
Act three of taming of the shrew was a little confusing at the end when Petruchio wanted to leave his bridal dinner to chase bandits. I found the way petrucio showed up late to his wedding in cloths that were not appropriate for a wedding kind of funny and interesting. Biondello long explanation and description of petruchio outfit put emphasis on how comical/inappropriate he was being. Petruchio also seemed like he was talking about her in a kind way for example when he calls her “his lovely bride”(act 3 scene 2) and is begging to see her. I was confused on whether this was petruchio deceiving Kate’s father Baptista or him being sincere.
ReplyDeleteI also found his actions quite surprising. I don't think that Petruchio talked to Kate in a kind way in order to impress Baptista. I believe this because he continues this facade after they return from the wedding by complimenting her while depriving her of neccesities in his taming proccess.
DeleteIn Act three of Taming of the Shrew Petruchio finally wins Kate over and they begin to prepare for their wedding. It takes Petruchio a great deal of hard work to win over Kate which is the complete opposite with Bianca and her suitors, Lucentio and Hortensio. This hints at the two girls personalities even more than before. You begin to see how truly shallow Bianca is. During this time that is not necessarily bad for a woman to be shadow and all about good looks and money, but now in 2017 that is frowned upon. Bianca gains an interest in Lucentio after he begins to teach her “Latin”, but is actually trying to win her over, even though she is already entertaining another suitor, Hortensio. The fact that Bianca is so easily won over without really getting to know the men foreshadow that something in the future could go wrong for her due to her lack of knowledge. Even though Bianca is pursued as all men and is considered the “perfect wife” her actions and how she is somewhat of a brat hints at Bianca actually being the shrew. Even though Kate acted out in the first two acts I believe that is just because she was reacting to Bianca and she is not actually the shrew. Kate has more confidence and it takes more than good looks and money to win her over, which is more similar to how women are nowadays. Even though Kate is not a pushover and shallow she is still “tamed” by Petruchio in this act which also hints at her not being the shrew mentioned in the title of this play. Bianca and Kate seem to have a bad relationship, but this actually relates to a lot of sisters all throughout the years which shows Shakespeare is still relevant today.
ReplyDeleteAct 1 was an introduction to all the characters mostly, to show each of them and all of their personalities more. The one that makes the most impression on me and probably most readers is the portrayal of Katherine since she’s described so harshly. As well as the fact that she’s one of the more main characters. It sets up her character and shows you how different she was from all the others in the play, especially her sister Bianca. Katherine’s sister, by contrast, is very quiet and reserved. It’s slightly misleading since it turns out that Bianca is just quiet since she’s sneaky and manipulative but that still varies from the way Katherine expresses herself. Katherine is loud and open about her opinions. For that time, not only is that frowned upon but it’s mostly unheard of. More of Katherine’s personality is seen when the other characters are talking about her. For example, in scene i page 15, they refer to Katherine as hell and the devil while they describe Bianca as sweet. This shows how they viewed women and what was expected of them at the time.
ReplyDelete-Komal Raman
Act 2 is similar to Act 1 in the way one of the main parts of it is that it further develops Katherine’s character along with her role in the play. This is shown by the interaction between her and Petruchio. When Katherine and Petruchio meet and begin talking on page 34, the lines go from normal conversation between other people to persiflage between Katherine and Petruchio. It goes back and forth, line by line for three pages. The way that these lines are written is foreshadowing to the relationship between Katherine and Petruchio later in the play. This encounter shows how both of these characters are evenly matched and ‘perfect’ for each other. As we’ve seen before, Katherine is a very independent, brave and fierce character that no other character has been able to deal with up until this point. Now, Petruchio comes in and is able to match Katherine’s personality which is a shock to her. They both are evenly matched and that is seen in the way that they’re lines occasionally connect to form an iambic pentameter.
ReplyDelete-Komal Raman
In Act 3, the first scene takes a break from the main plot of the play which revolves around Katherine and Petruchio and switches the focus suddenly to Bianca. In this scene we start to see more about her personality and how she most likely isn’t as sweet and angelic as she came across in the first two acts. An example of this happening is in scene i, is when Bianca and Lucentio have their Latin lesson. The entire thing is full of little hints and teases that shows how Bianca isn’t as innocent and oblivious as she seems. This scene also shows how she’s a little bit coy, in the way that she responds and acts around Lucentio and Hortensio. This attitude that is being shown slowly is relating back to the line earlier in the play where Katherine accused Bianca of using the act of fake crying to get her way all the time.
ReplyDelete-Komal Raman
Act three starts with the saturday before Katherina is scheduled to be married to Petruchio. At this point Bianca's suitors are at Baptista's house trying to persuade Baptista of their worth to his daughter. Meanwhile Lucentio disguised as a scholar named Cambio is successfully wooing Bianca without her father knowing. This can be seen when Bianca finds a new found interest in learning Latin and continues to dismiss Hortensio disguised as Litio.
ReplyDelete“Hortensio. Madam, my instrument's in tune.
Bianca. Let's hear. O fie! the treble jars.
Lucentio. Spit in the hole, man, and tune again.
Bianca. Now let me see if I can construe it: 'Hic ibat Simois' I
know you not- 'hic est Sigeia tellus' I trust you not- 'Hic
steterat Priami' take heed he hear us not- 'regia' presume not-
'celsa senis' despair not.”
Lucentio informs Bianca of his feelings by translating a long english phrase into two latin words adding to the comedic tone. This scene not only adds to the comedic nature of the play, but also establishes the lack of foundation of Bianca’s and Lucentio’s love. While Hortensio presents to her a just as clever tactic, using the scale of notes and their syllables, Bianca does not seem to take to his wooing as much as Lucentio's. Although Bianca does not know Lucentio she makes it clear that she prefers him, which is the obvious choice because they are both young, sympathetic characters. This does lead to problems later even though they are such a easy and quick match. After Lucentio confesses his feelings to Bianca she is summoned away to help Katharina with her wedding activities. In this scene it is the first time that Katherina completely explains her feelings on Petruchio and the fact that she does not want to marry him. In the previous Act when she was in his presence she never stated her unwillingness to marry him directly. Tranio, disguised as Lucentio, begins to defend Petruchio along with her father. Then Katherina replies talking in third person. I found this an interesting part in the development of Katherine's character. When Katherina leaves weeping with her sister, Baptista expresses his feelings, which are quite telling of his relationship with her and the role that women were supposed to follow in that time period.
“Baptista Minola. Go, girl, I cannot blame thee now to weep,
For such an injury would vex a very saint; “
Much more a shrew of thy impatient humour.
Her own father has the inclination to call Katherina a shrew when he is forcing her to marry someone who she states she cannot stand. The irony is that in the end she does become fond of Petruchio while Bianca exposes her not so perfect traits. The dialogue between Petruchio and Katherina represents a lot about Katherina's changing mannerisms. I noticed her lines become much shorter and Lucentio's maintain long, unlike when she in conversing with anyone else. She seems to begin to start to change her temperament and actions when she is in his presence. On sunday outside Baptista’s house everyone has gathered for their wedding. Petruchio is late to show up and makes a large scene when he comes dressed in ridiculous clothes in attempt to prove a point and further his taming process.
In Act 3 is a lot different than the previous two acts due to the fact that the beginning is focused more on Bianca than Katherina or any other character. We get to see more of who she really is when she is having her conversation with Lucentio whom she finds out really isn’t Tranio. We see a different side of Bianca, one where she isn’t a sweet little princess. When talking to Lucentio, she almost acts like her sister in a way where she presents herself in a stronger more powerful way than she has in the past two acts. She obviously not into Hortensio what so ever and he can see this when she wasn’t paying that much attention to when conversing with Lucentio. Later in scene 2, we are introduced to a different Petrucio. He isn’t the charming, flirty person that we once knew. He’s this man who comes to things late, dressed inappropriately, and doesn’t seem to care about anything. Considering the fact that he was late to his own wedding and was talking about leaving right after, that shows the type of man he really is and foreshadows Katherina’s future with him.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I think your commentary can tie into one huge theme that if people become who they're not or change, it's for some exploitative reason. The only part I disagree with in your commentary is your interpretation of who Petruchio "really is;" I feel that Petruchio isn't the rude man that caused everyone grief at the wedding, but he created that persona to wear out Kate. Either way, I think in showing how people can change themselves purposefully, we see more of what their motives are as characters, and that's important in a complex mess of characters like Taming of the Shrew.
DeleteFunny story—I’ve been long acquainted with this play, ever since I read a comic version of it when I was about 12. Act III to me was the most confusing. Part of it was twelve-year-old me not fully understanding whether or not Lucentio’s latin-infused dialogue in the second page of Act III actually translated into “I am Lucentio” and so forth. Luckily, I now understand what was going on there. At the same time, another part of it was twelve-year-old me not getting why Petruchio was suddenly acting out of turn at the wedding and after the wedding. One purpose of this that I now see is comedy; you wouldn’t expect a man to show up on his wedding day in tattered, unfashionable clothing and a horse in poor shape. Alternatively, by leaving the wedding early and rudely dragging Kate along, Petruchio wants to a) embarrass Kate into showing her what a fool she makes of herself by being rude/acting out of turn, or b) showing Kate that, as her husband, he can do whatever he wants and she has no power to stop him. Outside of the story, Shakespeare clearly meant this scene to be humorous, and inside the story, it is a power play by Petruchio.
ReplyDeleteJeremy-
DeleteI agree with you that Act III was very confusing with all the things that are occurring. I can see how you may think that Petruchio wants to either embarrass Kate or show Kate that he has all the power by dressing the way he does, however I believe that Petruchio dresses the way he does to show everyone that Kate is marrying him, not his wealth. He says this to Batista when Batista tells him to change. As for his attitude and actions, I agree with what you say.
Jeremy-
ReplyDeleteIn the fourth act of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, Petruchio and Kate return to their home after the wedding. The first scene begins with Grumio entering before Petruchio and Kate arrive. He tells Curtis that he will not tell him anything, however ends up telling him everything. This adds another level of comedy, that always seems to stand out whenever Grumio is in a scene. Grumio tells Curtis that Kate fell of her horse, and that she was under her horse, and “how she was bemoiled” (71-72). When Petruchio and Kate arrive, Petruchio treats his servants very badly, claims that the cooks burnt the food, and throws the food at his servants. When Kate and Petruchio leave to their room, Petruchio returns and says that his plan has begun. He uses lots of bird imagery to describe his play. When he says “and till she stoop she must not be full gorged” (185), he is saying that Kate will not be fully fed until she has been tamed. It is interesting that Shakespeare compares Kate to animals. Throughout the play, she is a shrew, a small but fierce animal. Then she is compared to a falcon, who is to be trained until she follows Petruchio’s rules.
I agree with you and also found it interesting on how Shakespeare used so much bird imagery toward Kate. I think he used the imagery of a falcon towards Kate, because of how fierce Kate was at the beginning of the play swooping down with a quick remark like a falcon and it's prey. Even though falcons are strong and fierce they're will can be bended into a hunting bird who still is strong but has one person who can control it. This imagery fits Kate and her situation perfectly helping the audience fully see what is happening in this scene.
DeleteIn act four of taming of the shrew Kate and petruchio arive at his house where he puts kate through the ringer. Petruchio is hard on his servants for the purpose of training Kate. He claims that the food the servants bring to them is burned throwing it off the table for the purpose of keeping Kate wanting something. He also planned on complaining about the bed and how it was made to keep her from sleeping. Petruchio calls Kate a “falcon”(act 4 scene 1) that must learn her master's call and obey. I found this scene very unsettling making me feel sorry for Kate. Petruchio is causing Kate so much grief through his actions and she is just taking it not showing the violent strong character shown before. Kate says “I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet.
ReplyDeleteThe meat was well, if you were so contented”(act 4 scene 1) showing how she is just dealing with Petruchio’s outburst. The Kate shown as the shrew blunt and strong has now started to give up her strong personality. I believe this is because of her exhaustion from the journey she was just on putting emphasis on the fact that Petruchio is going to deprive her of sleep.I find it a little weird how Petruchio made a step by step plan to tame Kate making me wonder how much time he actually thought about this plan.
I agree with your analysis, but I dont know if Petruchio spent a lot of time coming up with a devious plan or that is just how men were during this time. I think they were always taught to treat women with disrespect and because of that it was easy for him to treat Kate this way with little effort.
DeleteFrom the very beginning of the play, we all knew that Petruchio is a man who knew what he wanted and had a mission to get what he wants. In Act 4, we see a different side of Petruchio. One that is very demanding, forceful, rude, and flat out disrespectful. His actions made Katherina not even speak for a large portion of the act. You can tell by her not speaking, that she was coming to the realization that this was her life. She officially was in an abusive, dominant relationship; one that she is unable to get out of. From Petruchio’s point of view, it was almost as if he was training Kate on how things are in his house. Even though his actions were very off-putting, later in the act, Kate was starting to show some of these qualities. But only in front of Petruchio.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to the other relationship in this play, we only got to see a small portion of Bianca’s and Lucentio’s relationship. Their romantic banter was present and they truly seemed liked they loved one another. I wouldn’t call it true love because they just met each other. I would compare it more to true lust rather than love.
Much of Act 4 in Taming of the Shrew highlights the relationship between Petruchio and Kate. Their relationship starts off making it seem as if Petruchio is kind and loving in order for Kate to marry him, but after the marriage things begin to change. Petruchio becomes someone different than he originally portrayed himself to be, and makes a great effort to tame Kate, just as he did in the previous act. He lashes out at his servants, Grumio and Curtis, and makes a huge scene in front of everyone. He complains about the food to starve Kate, complains about the mud when she falls in but does not help her up, and complains about the bed so she is deprived of sleep. When Kate somewhat questions his actions he simply states that he is doing this for her and that he wants everything to be perfect for his new wife. Later on Petruchio, alone on stage, states his true intentions to, “curb her mad and headstrong humour” (Act 4, pg 59). Petruchio lets the audience know that he did all of this just to tame Kate and did not have any good intentions during this scene. “That bate and beat and will not be obedient. She eat no meat to-day, nor none shall eat; last night she slept not, nor to-night she shall not” (Act 4 pg 58). I believe that Shakespeare decided to write their relationship this way because this is how he thought relationships should be back during this time period and wanted to let the audience know. As people continue to read Shakespeare throughout the years it also gives us a bit of insight on how women were treated, even though I am sure Shakespeare did not consider the teaching aspect as he was writing this play.
ReplyDeleteAct four takes place after Petruchio and Kate’s wedding, diving further into their relationship, of course in a comedic way. Petruchio’s strong, overpowering actions in this act are very alarming to today's reader. The way he is attempting to tame her is outrageous. He starves her by saying that nothing that his servants bring is good enough for her and continues sending it back. To everyone's surprise these tactics are “working” because Kate has very little to say in this act. The play then transitions back to Biancas suitors in scene 2 of act 4. Hortensio is made aware that Lucentio and Bianca are together and confesses his plans to marry a well off widow. His soon to be wife is never mentioned by her name just her relation to a man. This ties into the theme that a women's title and worth is completely based on her spouse or father. Shakespeare did not include her name because it simply was not important, to these men the women they were marrying didn't matter, but the idea and money that is tied to marriage did. This can be seen with all of the relationships in this play even though Bianca's suitors claim to be in love with her. Hortensio then leaves to go to Petruchio’s “taming school” so he can gather information on how Petruchio has turned a shrew into a wife. When Bianca questions the validity of the taming school, Tranio replies, “Ay, mistress, and Petruchio is the master; That teacheth tricks eleven and twenty long, to tame the shrew and charm her chattering tongue” (IV. II 61). The way that Petruchio is treating Kate is very comedic yet if his actions stood alone they wouldn't be. Although his treatment would be justified in that time period. This act brought up a question about Kate. Does she see through Petruchio's ways or does Kate believe that he “torments under the pretense of love” as she tells Grumio. In spite of all of this Kate and Petruchio are falling in love, which is not something that would be expected from their relationship, therefore adding to the comedic nature of the play.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I noticed in the first scene of Act IV was that Kate had significantly less dialogue than the other acts. It felt almost as though Petruchio was speaking over her, and she felt powerless to stop his rude antics. It becomes clear that he is doing the same thing as the wedding, in which he acts in a way that wouldn’t be appropriate for a man of his stature to“kill” her “in her own humour” (IV. i. 9). Again, by doing his, he intends to show her how much trouble she causes by breaking society’s rules. In scene III, she has more time to speak, but it is clear that she’s feeling defeated, talking about how she’d eat anything as long as she got to eat something, and giving in to Petruchio’s demand for thanks when he brings her food. However, this is where the heart on her sleeve shows up the most, as her lines
ReplyDelete“My tongue will tell the anger of my heart,
Or else my heart concealing it will break” (IV. iii. 1-2) show a different side to her shrewishness. But this really doesn’t matter to Petruchio.
I also noticed the lack of Kate's dialogue in this act. You explained that she feels defeated, but it is possible that she is also relieved that the title of being a shrew has been lifted from her and is now on Petruchio because of his actions at the wedding.
DeleteIn act five Bianca gets married to the real lucentio and his real father shows up confused putting into light the deception lucentio caused. Kate and petruchio are at bianca’s wedding watching all of this happen and eventually everyone sits down to eat. Petruchio has a bet going about how Kate will win him a bet he made with the other guy’s with husbands in the group and wins. Kate also gives the other wives who did not obey their husbands a big lecture on Petruchio’s command. I thought this was a kind of sad part of the story because it shows how Kate has given up and become the ideal wife for petruchio. I also found it funny when Bianca newly married did not listen to her husband to come when she was shown as the perfect wife compared to her sister Kate. Even such a woman oweth to her husband.And when she is froward, 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?I am ashamed that women are so simple To offer war where they should kneel for peace;Or seek for rule, supremacy and sway When they are bound to serve, love, and obey.(act five scene 2) This is a small portion of Kate;s speech and it shows just how obedient she is now and put’s emphasis on how her personality has changed.
ReplyDeleteJeremy-
DeleteI can see how you may find Kate's new submissive behavior to be sad, however i find it to be quite a happy moment, maybe the happiest moment in this play. This "new" Kate seems to wrap the story up in a fairy-tale ending kind of way.
Jeremy-
ReplyDeleteIn the 5th act of the taming of the shrew, Lucentio and Bianca are going to get married. In the beginning of the act, the craziness of all the disguises begins to unfold in a comedic way, as planned by Shakespeare. Vincentio gets mixed up into all the crazy, which ends up with him locked up in jail. Lucentio finally reveals to Baptista that he is not Cambio, he is Lucentio and that he plans to marry Bianca. In the second scene, Kate shows improvement in her behavior. She no longer acts like a shrew. The men make a bet to see whose wife is most obedient. Kate is the only one that listens. Baptista seems to not even recognize his own daughter. When Petruchio tells Kate to take off her hat, she does. When she is told to tell off the other wives, she does that, giving a long speech. The ending to this play seems almost fairytale, with everything going right for everyone.
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