Gender Roles In The Taming Of The Shrew

Throughout the history of mankind, gender roles have existed to cause structure and order in relationships and families. This is a tradition that has been observed in cultures around the world. Today, however, many people are deciding to ditch gender roles, as they are seen as outdated and restricted. In fact, this desire to erase gender roles can be traced back to the time of William Shakespeare, notably in the novel The Taming of the Shrew. The novel suggests that they are harmful to a relationship, seen from the interaction between the characters Kate and Petruchio. It is expressed that gender roles result in violence toward the woman, and a lack of liberty for her.
Gender roles are harmful to relationships as they can cause the use of violence and harassment toward
At the end of the book Kate ends up being “tamed,” in the sense that she obeys Petruchio’s orders. This, however, is simply a ploy to trick Petruchio into thinking she is changed. This can be seen when the two are going to Bianca’s wedding and arguing. Petruchio insists that the moon is shining while Kate says the sun is shining. Kate eventually gives up and says “Forward, I pray, since we have come so far,/ And be it moon, or sun, or what you please./ And if you please to call it a rush candle,/ Henceforth I vow it shall be so for me” (IV.v.14-17). Kate knows that she will never win this debate with Petruchio, so she gives up and pretends he is correct. In saying “what you please,” Kate makes it clear that she cannot refute Petruchio, so she subdues her opinion and allows Petruchio to lie. To the end of the book, since Petruchio maintains the statement of their happiness, Kate must follow through. Thus, Kate is not truly happy in the relationship, but pretends to be in order to avoid opposition to which she knows she will