The Taming of the Shrew - William Shakespeare

This is one of the most enjoyable plays by Shakespeare. I studied it at A-Level and then again at University - although, I would also recommend reading it for pleasure if you are undaunted by Shakespearean language.

The play is one of Shakespeare's comedies (as opposed to the tragedies and histories). What this means is that the play involves certain comical problems, which are all seemingly resolved in the end; this resolution of the plot is known as a 'denouement'). Tragedies are quite different in that they follow the fall of a great hero, who succumbs to a fatal flaw in his character. And histories are mainly based around historical events (which, in Shakespeare, tends to involve a lot of battling and blood-shed between kings). So, it's clear to see that Shakepeare was a versatile play-writer, most highly acclaimed for tragedies like Hamlet and King Lear. But his comedies are no lesser in greatness, and The Taming of the Shrew [henceforth referred to as 'Shrew'] is one of the best.

Reading and watching Shrew impacted on me in various ways. Firstly, it made me laugh with its comic dialogue and bizarre staging. Secondly, it made me think about gender dynamics. Thirdly, it made me question identity and reality. Some publications of the play include an Induction Scene, which makes it seem as though the rest of the play is someone's dream. Many editions leave out the Induction, but I think it adds to the impact of the central action.

The main plot follows the wildly determined Petruchio, as he attempts to tame Kate, his shrewish wife. The term 'shrew' is offensive to any feminist - it describes a woman who is out of control (thereby being out of male control). Petruchio tames Kate through some rather torturous measures, such as denying her of food and mocking her throughout the play. But he is depicted as comical and admirable as he does this. I reluctantly found myself liking him.

Petruchio has many more lines in the play than Kate does (over double). And he also has quite a few soliloquies, which means he is able to get the audience's undivided attention. His plotting is shared with the audience, so that we feel confident that he will succeed in his plans. Afterall, he manages to wed Kate by negotiating with her father, even though Kate is fiercely against it. He tells her that her will is nothing in comparision to his own will to get what he wants: 'will you, nil you, I will marry you.'

And yet, the end of the play offers a rather mysterious resolution. Kate seems to be tamed, but what she says in her final speech leaves you wondering whether it is all an act.

But then, the play also shows how easily identities can be changed, and how this thing called 'reality' is built on various illusions that we all create. Identities can be manipulated and fashioned through pretence, just as much in our own lives as in a play. So, for me, the play is also a vital reminder: to see that which is genuine amidst all the illusion.