Examples Of Sexism In Taming Of The Shrew

The comedic play, Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare is one of his most controversial works in regard to gender roles. The comedic connotation of the play itself comes from Shakespeare’s exaggerations in how male and female characters behaved. As in the late 16th century, the English society was predominantly patriarchal with sexist ideals and women portrayed in a submissive role. The play narrates the story of two female protagonists, Katherine and Bianca, sisters who are the main focus of their suitors. The most evident example of the sexist feature is Kate’s characterization, the older sister, who embodies Shakespeare's way of demonstrating to his audience the improper way to conducting yourself. Impossible to marry off, Kate has a reputation for being "irksome, brawling scold"

Thus, Bianca represents the traditional and ideal woman, attracting multiple suitors such as, Lucentio, Gremio, and Hortensio, whom immediately compete amongst each other to be the first to win Bianca's hand in marriage. Since Bianca is not allowed to marry before Kate, societal norms, it limits what she’s able to do. Therefore, Bianca’s suitors attempt to find alternative means to win her love. For instance, paying Petruchio to “tame” the “shrew”, Kate, into what a traditional woman should look like and behave. Ultimately, the treatment of women during the progress of the play reveals to the audience their status in an Elizabethan community, that being a wife. According to the Lawrence Danson, a member of the intellectual community, “for Shakespeare, it seems, a comedy is a play whose plot aims to achieve marriage and social harmony." However, one must still consider that even though male dominance prevails in the play, there are instances in which a woman's role as a wife and a secondary member of society are