A Streetcar Named Desire vs. Taming of the Shrew

A detailed Summary of A Streetcar Named Desire vs. Taming of the Shrew

"A Streetcar Named Desire" vs. "Taming of the Shrew"

Shakespeare's writing was so profound and inspiring that his ideas continue to echo in the different plots and themes of many modern plays. The themes of sexuality, illusion, and marriage are evident in both Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" and Tennessee Williams "A Streetcar Named Desire" through similar plot lines, situations, and family ties.

The theme of illusion plays a huge part in the plot of both plays. In "Taming of the Shrew" there is a great amount of illusion and role-playing. Lucentio pretends to be a language teacher, Tranio pretends to be Lucentio, Hortensio pretends to be a music teacher, and the old man pretends to be Vincentio (Lucentio's father). Also in this story is the small beginning part of Christopher Sly who becomes confused about his own identity when the lord fools him into thinking he is a rich lord instead of a beggar. The whole plot itself shows illusion at its best. In A Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche tries to make herself appear virtuous and pure to impress Mitch, when in reality she had been incredibly sexually active. Eventually all parties in both plays drop their facades and confessed that it was all in the name of love.

And is not obedient to his honest will,

Hortentsio and the widows marriage is unabashed and for money on Hortensio's part and probably physical gratification on the part of the widows. Stanley and Stella's marriage is based on sex and physical fulfillment. Their relationship is full of violence and it is witnessed after a small quarrel between the couple when Stanley starts to beat his wife. Blanche takes her upstairs to the neighbors and later Stella rushes back into Stanley's arms with the accompaniment of "low animal moans" on both parts. When Blanche ordered to know what compelled her sister to do so, Stella responded that sometimes there were things in an adults bed life that made up for everything wrong in a relationship.

On the other side of the spectrum lies Petruchio. Instead of raping Kate, he resorts to more civilized coercion: public humiliation, starvation, sleep deprivation, and verbal bullying, all administered with the utmost courtesy and pretended kindness. "This is a way to kill a wife with kindness." (4.1 208) Kate's final act of submission is when she gives her wife's speech:

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Approximate Word count = 1357
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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