Taming Of The Shrew Research Paper

The Taming of the Shrew
The transformation of the aggressively ill-tempered Katharine into a trophy wife has made Shakespeare’s romantic comedy one of his most controversial works. Modern audiences in particular have found fault with this story due to the social injustices that it contains. Despite the controversy, William Shakespeare’s enduring play, The Taming of the Shrew, makes a statement on the influence that social roles have on individual fulfillment. It demonstrates the different restraints that come out of society’s set standards and expectations. In his tale of witty proportions, Shakespeare comments on society’s effect on personal happiness through the pressure of conformity, through the economic aspects of marriage, and
domestication.

Each character in The Taming of the Shrew holds a social standing that have certain

expectations of the way they should carry themselves.
Age, gender, occupation, lineage, education and of course wealth decide each person’s role and status. For example, Katherine and her sister are upper-class maidens who are in need of suitors, Lucentio has the role of a young wealthy student, and Traino is merely a servant. They are forced to cope with the lives they have been dealt and have little room for fulfillment outside their social bubbles. Kate, however, serves to demonstrate the downfall of neglecting the social norm. As a result she is deemed a bitter shrew and her harsh qualities stem from her frustrations regarding her social position. Therefore, she has no choice but to confront the cruel disapproval of her family and friends and becomes miserable in her alienation. Kate stands as the sole character who refuses to conform and fights against her socially stipulated position.

Different from most romantic comedies, this play is mainly about love beyond the

wedding. It gives an outlook on the lives of married couples which highlights how love can be

socially motivated in a sense. Although emotional desire does hold significance in the play, the economic aspects of marriage are specifically emphasized. Economic factors greatly
determine who is qualified to marry someone and marriage almost becomes a transaction. The play explores how this affects the overall fulfillment of relationships. It not only impacts the couple themselves, but also their family and friends. From a social standpoint, marriage is not based on the feelings of a couple, but as a stiff arrangement. Bianca’s marriage is a crucial example of this, as Lucentio becomes her husband mainly because her father is pleased by his wealth and status.
In this way, Shakespeare demonstrates how marriage in his society was at times, just a negotiation. The title of the play nods directly to the aspect of domestication. Having to tame someone shows the lengths society will go to in order to make individuals comply with its standards.
Petruchio is considered to be a valiant tamer who must domesticate his intolerable wife. Even though Katherine is almost forced to the alter, their relationship after the wedding consists of several other attempts to change her character. She is further pushed to change her ways until she ultimately gives up her will and society is happy.
Throughout The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare sheds light on society’s restraints on self-fulfillment through their superficial standards, intolerable reasoning, and dominance. As an renowned writer, Shakespeare 's descriptions still resonate with people today.
His work also encourages audiences to think about their own social customs in a playful manner.
Although there are some dark hints, the play light-heartedly looks at the personal pursuit of fulfillment amidst the tribulations of society.

Bibliography
"The Taming of the Shrew Analysis." Shmoop. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2012. .

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"Yachnin, Paul. Personations: The Taming of the Shrew and the Limits of Theoretical Criticism, from EMLS.