The Taming Of The Shrew by William Shakespeare is probably one of Shakespeare's earliest comedies. Its plot comes from the popular "war of the sexes" theme in which males and females fight with one another for dominance in a marriage. The play begins with a drunk man named Cristopher Sly being fooled into believing he is a nobleman and watching a play performed for him. This play turns out to be the main part of The Taming Of The Shrew.

In it, a rich man, Baptista Minola, attempts to get his two daughters married. One is the shrewish Katherine, while the other is the beautiful Bianca. In order to make sure Katherine is married, Baptista declares that he will not allow Bianca to be married until after Katherine is married. This forces all of Bianca's suitors to try and find a husband for Katherine so that they can then in turn try to marry Bianca.

Some would say that the story has a very sexist attitude, but the fact of the matter is that it is a comedy about an assertive woman dealing with how she is expected to act in the society of the late sixteenth century. Even further, Katherine is learning how she must follow the unwritten rules of her society in order to be acc

epted into it. Although the play ends with her acceptance to do what is expected by society this acceptance is only in action. Even though, she plays the part of the obedient wife, she still maintains her assertiveness, but now she just keeps it inside.

Young budding virgin, fair and fresh and sweet.(Act IV, scene 5,line 37)

The Taming Of The Shrew has an obvious sexist attitude that some may not like, but if you take into account that it is taking place in the late sixteenth century and not in modern times this is quite understandable. Besides, this sexist attitude the story possesses is where most of its comedy comes from. And on a final note, this play is a comedy and a lot of the words and actions are not serious and are not meant to be taken seriously.

It is hard to believe that someone like Katherine could be changed so quickly. This goes back to the idea of false realities. Katherine is just really acting the part of the obedient wife in order to be accepted. It is very possible that Katherine doesn't mind this part and probable even enjoys it. There is evidence that she enjoys playing this part when Petruchio tells her to address the old man as a young female. Katherine goes as far to say to Vincentio the old man:

Shakespeare introduces the idea of f

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Approximate Word count = 867
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)