What Are Gender Roles In The 1500s

Women and men’s gender roles in society develop stereotypes they need to follow in the 1500s. One being dominant and in charge symbolizes men in the 1500s while women in that time frame focuses on maturity and obedience. The Taming of the Shrew exposes men and women's roles in the 1500s by introducing the shrewish Katherine who illustrates a dominant role in the play and Bianca who represents an ideal women in the 1500s, mature, modest, and obedient. Furthermore, the play stars Petruchio, a poor and young man who tames Katherine. The Taming of the Shrew also adds Lucentio, Hortensio, and Gremio, wealthy suitors that compete to win Bianca’s heart. Shakespeare describes and criticizes gender role stereotypes like how a man’s role instructs one to ‘’woo’’ or court a girl showing chivalry. The play
When he finally woos and marries Kate, he establishes a set of rules for her to obey in order to tame her shrewish personality. In his speech explaining how to tame Kate, he addresses, “she ate no meat today, nor none shall eat. Late night she slept not, nor tonight she shall not” (IV.1.187-188). Starving and depriving Kate from sleep illustrates an exaggeration when Petruchio applies ridiculous rules and obligations for her to obey. Adding on, Petruchio’s dominance changes Katherine’s gender role in the play when he orders her retrieve herself to him. In the beginning of the play, Katherine reveals a dominant and aggressive personality but in her speech at the end of the play, Kate responds to Petruchio by stating, “ Whilst thou liest warm at home, secure and safe; and craves no other tribute at thy hands but love, fair looks, and true obedience -” (V.2.157-159). Consequently, Kate finally gives in indicating her obedience and transforming her gender role stereotype through the dominance of Petruchio. Altogether, Shakespeare uses satire to exaggerate a man’s dominance towards a