How Male Characters are Portrayed in The Taming of the Shrew

How Male Characters are Portrayed in The Taming of the Shrew

Male characters in the “Taming of the Shrew” play a significant role

in the play as women in fact without the male characters one can say

that the male characters wouldn’t react in the manner they do.

The characters I have selected are Tranio, Hortensio, Lucentio and

Petruchio because I feel they play more significant roles in the play

then any of the other male characters due to the fact that three of

them are suitors and that one dramatically influences how the play

develops.

I will do this via textual analysis (by selecting relevant segments of

text and giving my detailed opinion on what Shakespeare’s intentions

are in relation to utilising the text and what ideas he might be

trying to convey.

Tranio is the most significant servant character in the in the play.

If it were not for his wise plotting and scheming Lucentio would be

unable to win Bianca or “Achieve” as he puts in act 1 scene 1 line

156. Tranio possesses an impressive arsenal of wit and character. He

possesses a persuasive tongue and furthermore has the ability to

transform into other personas at any time he sees fit.

Although Tranio is a servant he appears to be well educated even more

so then his own master Lucentio. This is made evident throughout Act 1

scene1. One can argue this is due to the fact that he is easily able

to replicate Lucentio actions and words. This is made evident in act

1-scene 1 when Lucentio exchanges clothes with his servant. His

disguise is easily digested and it is clear that he becomes more and

more involved the role. At times he appears to be controlling the

action o...

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...conclusion the male characters are a reflection of characters which

one May encounter if you were to, ”Go back in time “ and explore

Elizabethan England.

Although these characters are from a different period of time they are

not that different to people whom we may encounter in our present day

society.

Hortensio- The typical unlucky in love “loser” whom everyone

sympathises with.

Lucentio- The type of guy many girls /woman pine for and men despise.

Tranio- The unsung hero whom every one loves and admires for “sticking

it to the man without being caught, in addition for being humble he’s

adored even more.

Finally Petruchio the, ”Happy go lucky,” tough guy who wears his heart

on his sleeve. He’s passionate and isn’t afraid of anything. One can

argue that he embodies everything a man should aspire to be.