Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew

Many critics and readers view Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew as depicting a conquered heroine. And it’s easy to see why, considering Kate’s words of praise concerning wifely submission in the final act. By all appearances, the sharp-tongued shrew has been crushed into obedience by her husband, the rough and rude Petruchio. Scolding the other women for defying their husbands, the once spirited Kate goes so far as to offer her hand as a resting place for Petruchio’s foot (5.5.178). Such behavior could certainly be taken as a sign that Kate is a tamed woman.

However, a different interpretation of the story might see Kate as a strong heroine who comes to recognize and overcome her flaws in order to experience peace and happiness. It is even possible to see her as an advocate for women’s rights without questioning the sincerity of her speech on wifely submission in the final act. In doing so, however, it is important to remember that Kate is a character in a comedy, where love, hope, and faith typically rule the day.

It may also benefit the reader to consider Kate’s temperament before her marriage to Petruchio. Labeled a shrew and a she-devil by everyone around her, Kate often displays violent behavior, throwing temper tantrums and attacking her sister, Bianca. Her frustration does not seem to stem from a naturally mean-spirited disposition, however. Rather, it appears that Kate is in despair about whether she will ever find a husband that can match her own spirited demeanor. We see this in the part of the text where she worries bitterly about remaining alone and having to "dance barefoot on [Bianca's] wedding day" (2.1.33).

Not surprisingly, the relationship between Kate and Petruchio is very much a physical one. On at least one occasion, the stage directions indicate for Kate to strike Petruchio. The rough Petruchio reacts violently, telling her, “I swear I’ll cuff you if you strike again” (2.1.220). However, the text does not suggest any further blows between the couple. Instead, Petruchio takes his anger out on others, scolding the servants for bringing him cold food and tearing a dress the tailor makes for Kate (4.1).

It seems possible that Petruchio’s acts of violence are meant to mirror Kate’s own bouts of rage, thus showing her the destructiveness of her behavior. After all, it is not uncommon for a character in a comedy to undergo a dramatic transformation brought on by a moral lesson. This is what happens to Kate, as she clashes with a man whose temper and wit are equal to her own. She comes to recognize her own flaws through Petruchio’s rude behavior, causing her to seek a different, gentler route to get what she wants out of life.

Kate’s sudden change of heart in the final act does not necessarily mean that she has been bullied into submission by Petruchio’s manly rule. It seems much more likely that she has found a clever way to live peaceably with him. By publicly outlining the duties of a wife, she has also made clear the duties of a husband. According to Kate’s speech, a wife owes her husband obedience because of all the sacrifices he makes for her comfort. This type of sacrifice includes the husband enduring “painful labor,” in order to care for and protect his wife (5.2.148).

It would seem then, that Kate has tricked Petruchio into fulfilling the required duties of a loving husband. Up to this point, he has treated her roughly, at times even denying her food and rest. Now, however, he must keep his end of the bargain, if wishes for Kate to be an obedient wife. Kate’s words imply that she will remain submissive only as long as Petruchio makes her comfort and well-being his number one priority. If Kate has been conquered, then so has Petruchio, for both have committed themselves to a loving and peaceful relationship.