The Taming of the Shrew: Blog Post 1: Literature Web

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The relationship between Kate and Petruchio is very forceful, as both characters seem to be pushing each other emotionally, verbally, and sometimes, physically. ‘Petruchio: What with my tongue in your tail? Nay, come again. Good Kate, I am a gentleman– Kate: That I’ll try. She strikes him.’ (Act 2 Scene 1 Line 215). Petruchio then tricks Baptista into thinking Kate and he are madly in love, and makes plans for their upcoming wedding, despite a lack of Kate’s agreement on the matter. Soon, Petruchio’s demeanor seems to take a turn for the worse, as he becomes unpleasant to everyone around him, including Kate, in contrast to his earlier doting behavior towards her. This is an example of dramatic irony, as the audience is aware of his deeper intentions to “curb her mad and headstrong humour.” (Act 4 Scene 1 Line 191)

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The Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare is composed of a play within a play. The opening Induction scenes introduce Sly, a drunken commoner, and Lord, a nobleman who plays a cruel trick on Sly. The play within the play occurs at the start of Act 1, presenting the story of Kate and Petruchio, and Bianca and her many suitors, each vying for her love. The characters are dynamic and richly built, with many of them in disguise as another of the characters. Each disguised character brings more confusion into an already topsy-turvy story; however, the lighthearted comical tone is maintained throughout the play. 

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The jealousy that Kate suffers is a result of her relationship with Bianca, and their interaction both with each other and with those around them. From the moment Kate is introduced to the audience with Bianca and Baptista, it is evident that she is always second in her father’s affections. Bianca is the apple of her father’s eye, the golden angel he always wanted. This sparks Kate’s jealousy, provoking her to feel the need for revenge, as shown in Act 2 Scene 1: “Talk not to me! I will go sit and weep / Til I can occasion of revenge.” The jealousy felt by Kate is a key part of the storyline, creating emotional tension throughout the play.