Is the verbal sparring between Kate and Petruchio a demonstration of Shakespeare’s misogyny?
Is the verbal sparring between Kate and Petruchio a demonstration of Shakespeare’s misogyny?
In the verbal sparring between these two characters there can be a debate over whether Shakespeare is in fact broadcasting his own misogynistic views onto his audience, which perhaps can seem a little shallow and uninspired thing to do for such a creative, celebrated writer, which is why I feel Shakespeare uses irony to highlight the fact that women should be treated differently, as intelligent people are often the most liberal, and he is using his high position to influence others. Many critics declare Shakespeare of being a misogynist for presenting women in an idiotic, inferior light, compared to the usually strong, intelligent and dominant man.
Katherine, who although is beautiful, possesses characteristics which include being obnoxious and headstrong, and as a result of these features, refuses to fulfil her role as the obedient daughter. Her crave for independence can be viewed as foolish and stupid to some who feel that she should simply conform to societal pressures that surround her, and comply to her fathers wishes.
The structure of the sparring can signify that Shakespeare personally feels that woman and man are equal, and that the power is equal between Kate and Petruchio. In Act 2 Scene 1, line 193-4, the structure shows intimacy as well as equal intelligence as there is no lag in reply between the two characters. “A joint stool” “Thou hast hit it”. This shows that Shakespeare isn’t misogynistic as he demonstrates that women shouldn’t be in complete obedience with a man and bow down to their word. However, 2 lines later Petruchio says that “Women are made to bear”, perhaps showing Shakespeares true feelings towards a womens role, and if this is the case, he could be mocking women for there audacity to step out of the norm, possibly insinuating that if a
In the verbal sparring between these two characters there can be a debate over whether Shakespeare is in fact broadcasting his own misogynistic views onto his audience, which perhaps can seem a little shallow and uninspired thing to do for such a creative, celebrated writer, which is why I feel Shakespeare uses irony to highlight the fact that women should be treated differently, as intelligent people are often the most liberal, and he is using his high position to influence others. Many critics declare Shakespeare of being a misogynist for presenting women in an idiotic, inferior light, compared to the usually strong, intelligent and dominant man.
Katherine, who although is beautiful, possesses characteristics which include being obnoxious and headstrong, and as a result of these features, refuses to fulfil her role as the obedient daughter. Her crave for independence can be viewed as foolish and stupid to some who feel that she should simply conform to societal pressures that surround her, and comply to her fathers wishes.
The structure of the sparring can signify that Shakespeare personally feels that woman and man are equal, and that the power is equal between Kate and Petruchio. In Act 2 Scene 1, line 193-4, the structure shows intimacy as well as equal intelligence as there is no lag in reply between the two characters. “A joint stool” “Thou hast hit it”. This shows that Shakespeare isn’t misogynistic as he demonstrates that women shouldn’t be in complete obedience with a man and bow down to their word. However, 2 lines later Petruchio says that “Women are made to bear”, perhaps showing Shakespeares true feelings towards a womens role, and if this is the case, he could be mocking women for there audacity to step out of the norm, possibly insinuating that if a