Shakespe of the Hostess Essays

Shakespe of the Hostess Essays Shakespe of the Hostess Essay Shakespe of the Hostess Essay Essay Topic: The Taming Of the Shrew Throughout this play, Shakespeare has used a variety of dramatic techniques; language, action, imagery, to express how the roles of women are perceived. From the insulting of the Hostess, and crude impersonation of the Page, to the continual elements of male domination within their discussions of women, Shakespeare is exhibiting, if not his own personal views, then possibly the general views of the time. Even the Widow that Hortensio marries is taken to be a good match.I will be married to a wealthy widow Ere three days pass, which hath long loved me (Act 4, Scene 2, Lines 37-38) When the three couples come together again, all the women have fulfilled their expected roles, and are married. But its now Bianca who appears to be the shrew, and our expectations of the Widow are also reversed. These two women, who on the surface had both deemed to be the ideal wife; subservient, domesticated, and loving towards their husbands, refuse now to meet the demands of their husbands.Katherina on the other hand, is a changed woman, even lecturing Bianca and the Widow on their behaviour and attitudes towards their husbands. Her speech shocks everyone, and gives Petruchio more reason to be proud of that fact he has tamed her, and shes proved it to everyone. However, has Shakespeare used this device to emphasise a personal view that perhaps not only the best wife is a subservient one, but a happy one also.There is much deception in this play, and I think Shakespeare carries that through in Katherinas final speech, for although it seems to be entirely subservient perhaps having met her match shes finally happy to fall into the role prescribed for her. While Petruchio believes her change is down to his own taming it is possible that she has changed of her own free will, gaining a role that has finally given her the attention, respect and authority she always felt she deserved.