The Taming of the Shrew

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1593

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Summary

Act Summaries & Analyses

Induction-Act III

Acts IV-V

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Quiz

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

What purpose does the Christopher Sly frame story serve in this play? How do the ideas and themes of the frame story relate to those in the play proper?

Katherine has a reputation for being naturally “shrewish,” but she reveals a lot about the reasons for her anger and unhappiness. With reference to Katherine’s speeches, write about how Katherine fits into the world around her. Why is she displeased with her family and with her society? What are the origins of her “choleric” temper?

Write on the comparable roles of Christopher Sly and Tranio, both lower-class men disguised as gentlemen (though only one of them is in on the joke). What do these parallel characters reveal about class in Shakespeare’s England?