The Taming of the Shrew
Reading Guide/Assignment Guide
Teacher’s Notes
Students should have background information on Shakespeare. Most texts
have an outline of his life. By this time in the student’s literary
coursework, they have studied some Shakespeare, so they are aware of this
information; usually this is merely a review.
As well as Shakespeare’s life, students should have a working knowledge
of his theatre. Many web sites offer virtual tours of the Globe theatre or
similar reproductions. Students should also be reminded of the historical time
period. I encourage students to get a visual picture of the theatre and actors
as a reference for their reading. I especially emphasize the fact that women
were not allowed to be actors; therefore males did this entire play (this
becomes more interesting as they realize the romance in the play).
To help students with the time period, costumes, etc. I encourage them to
watch the new versions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Shakespeare
In Love. Although, the latter is rated “R” the plot and costuming as
well as the theatre is very true to life and easy for students to relate to.
Finally, as background I go over the differences in language for
Shakespeare’s writing. I use the New Folger Library version of this play and
the beginning has an excellent preface, which includes information specific to
this play as well as Shakespeare’s life, language, theatre and his plays in
general.
We then move on to the Induction. This serves as an excellent way for the
students to “get into” reading Shakespeare. Discussion can begin as to the
purpose of putting this scene into the play. Several theories abound:
1)
Merely to set up the fact of the importance of marriage (Sly doesn’t
believe until he is told he has a wife)
2)
To differentiate between the “heathen culture” of Italy and the
stoicism of England. Also, this allows England to be in the play (possible
political reasons for inclusion).
3)
Similarities between Sly and Katherine
4)
Introduction to theme of “clothes make the man” or appearances can
be deceiving.
5)
Importance of perception of gender and social roles.
Items for discussion:
1)
Introduction of the “shrew”
2)
Shakespeare’s use of puns (mate/mate)
3)
Concept of “ideal wife”
4)
Differences between Katherine and Bianca
5)
Societal expectations for gender and social class
6)
Katherine’s disrespect for her father
7)
Concept of “equalness” in a marriage
8)
Objectification of women
Items for discussion:
1)
Petruchio’s character
2)
Petruchio’s motives – only money? Or challenge?
3)
Katherine’s motives
4)
The “Boy’s Club” mentality
Items for discussion:
1)
Katherine/Bianca relationship.
2)
Turning point for Katherine (silence at the end of the scene)
3)
Relationship and initial meeting between Petruchio and Katherine.
4)
Relationship between Baptista and Katherine
Items for discussion:
1)
Hortensio vs. Lucentio
2)
Contrast the wooing of Bianca vs. the “wooing” of Katherine.
3)
Bianca and Lucentio – match made in heaven?
4)
Duplicity by Lucentio
Items for discussion:
1)
To what extent is Katherine being forced to marry?
2)
Why doesn’t Katherine stand up for herself?
3)
Is it true that Katherine, like Sly in the induction, cannot choose?
4)
Is Katherine powerless?
5)
Listing of man’s possessions – similarity between 10th
commandment.
6)
Petruchio’s comments about his clothes? She is marrying me, not my
clothes.
7)
The wedding and Petruchio’s actions.
Day Seven – Act IV Scene I and II
Items for discussion:
1)
Petruchio’s ability to “tame” Katherine.
2)
“Kill a wife with kindness”
3)
Hortensio’s “giving up”
4)
Petruchio’s “taming school”
5)
New merchant and the disguise of him
Items for discussion:
1)
Starving of Katherine
2)
“Perfect love”
3)
Petruchio’s monologue on clothing
4)
Is Kate a shrew or a wife – which is her destiny?
5)
Set up of Bianca and Lucentio’s wedding
6)
Flaw in plan for wedding – Biondello’s role
7)
Comparison between Petrucio/Katherine and Lucentio/Bianca
Items for discussion:
1)
Disguises are removed – cannot conceal a man’s true nature
2)
Baptista allows marriage between Lucentio and Bianca to stand – Why??
3)
“Cambio” is Italian for “change”
4)
Petruchio – is he ever satisfied?
5)
Katherine’s submission – is it an act? Is she truly in love?
Items for discussion:
1)
Katherine’s monologue
2)
Men’s wager
3)
Lucentio reveals that Kate allowed herself to be tamed.
4)
Compare three marriages and the changes over the course of the play.
5)
Deception – disguises