Taming of the Shrew

Three things that are similar Shakespeare's play “The Taming of the Shrew” demonstrates the themes of transformation, social status and culture; furthermore, these themes are also evident in the movie “10 things I Hate about You”. This prompts readers to consider if these themes affect their lives today, or are just the ramblings of a long dead writer. In “The Taming of the Shrew most of the characters were changed in some sort of of way, which makes transformation one of the most pronounced themes of the story. One of the most dynamic characters in the play is Katherine. Katherine is a shrew of a woman who has the attitude of a rattle snake and is not afraid to use violence when she feels it is necessary, which is evident in this quote. "Why, no, for she hath broke the lute to me. I did but tell her she mistook her frets, and bowed her hand to teach her fingering, When, with a most impatient devilish spirit" (2.1.141-144) Not only does this quote show that Katherine has a bad temper (because she broke a lute on Petrucio), but also that she is unwilling to change her ways. Although the feat of “taming” Katherine is a daunting task, Petrucio decides that he is the one fit for the job. Petrucio seems to be the perfect suitor for Katherine in the beginning of the play: he is kind, patient, and “wealthy” in a sense. But all of these characteristics become twisted when he is married to Katherine. He decides that the only way to tame her is through harsh punishments with rewards, like the way you tame a hawk. An example of this behavior is evident in this quote, “she eats no meat today, nor none shall eat. last night she slept not, nor tonight she shall not( IV,1,195-196)”. Although he succeeded on his quest to tame the shrew Petrucio changes from a love seeking bachelor into a cruel husband over the course of the play. In addition to transformation, another theme of Taming of the Shrew is social status. The only suitors that Baptista would even