'The Taming Of The Shrew' Analytical Essay

In this analysis, the conflict between Petruchio and Katherina in Act 2 Scene 1 of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew has been analysed. Just before this scene, the marriage between Petruchio and Katherina has been finalised by Katherina's father. The conflict is of Katherina trying to insult Petruchio, for her knowing all men to be 'movables'. Petruchio on the other hand is trying to win Katherina's love, by wittingly trying to outdo her. This scene is important to the play because this is the first scene where the shrew, Katherina, is getting tamed.

The conflict between Petruchio and Katherina is the main theme in The Taming of the Shrew. Petruchio is a young man who has set out to see his beloved friend Hortensio, and make some money on his way. Katherina is a completely different character who has a very bad temper and an equally bad attitude. When both these characters finally meet, like foe's they pry at each other, trying to find one another's weakness.

The conversation starts off with Petruchio trying to aggravate Katherina by calling her something she knows herself not to be; a 'bonny Kate'. When she tries to fight him back by insulting him, he simply continues his praise for her as if she is not there.

"But Kate, the prettiest Kate in Christendom, Kate of Kate-Hall, my super dainty Kate-" (II.1. 183-184) This line has particular importance because it shows the many techniques used in this scene. The first and most obvious technique is that of the alliteration on the word 'Kate'. This technique was probably used by Shakespeare to immediately emphasize the false love and affection that he is giving her. The word 'Kate' could have also been a pun, as 'cates' were Elizabethan sweet or dainties at that time. Another technique employed by Shakespeare is that of shared lines.

"Katherina: ...You were a movable

Petruchio: Why, what's a movable?

Katherina: A joint stool.

Petruchio: Thou hast hit it. Come sit on me." (II.1. 193-194)

These shared lines, are fast and fiery exchanges between Petruchio and Katherina as some part of a line is said by one, while the other part is said by the other. This keeps the play moving at a fast pace and keeps the audience interested, but also gives the audience a sense that a squabble is developing between them. Shakespeare develops onto this by adding yet more puns and alliteration (bear- also had meaning of to carry or have children).

"Katherina: Asses are made to bear, and so are you.

Petruchio: Women are made to bear, and so are you." (II.1. 195-196)

This verbal confrontation between them lasts for many lines with the use of puns being very evident. An example is of Katherina calling Petruchio a 'jade' which is both a gemstone and a sexless man. Lines such as this also have sexual innuendo in them. A good example is of:

"Petruchio: Come, come, you wasp, i'faith you are too angry.

Katherine: If I be waspish, best beware my sting.

Petruchio: My remedy is then to pluck it out.

Katherine: Ay, if the fool could find where it lies.

Petruchio: Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting?

In his tail.

Katherine: In his tongue.

Petruchio: Whose tongue?

Katherine: Yours, if you talk of tales, and so farewell." (II.1. 205-211)

These lines show that Shakespeare has used sexual innuendo as another way of Petruchio trying to undermine Katherina's anger and annoyance.