To what extent is taming of the shrew a sexist play?

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The Taming of the Shrew Coursework ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ is an extremely controversial play which can be perceived in two very different ways. Is it sexist and degrading towards women, or is it simply good comedy? There are scenes in the play that represent one or the other, and some show shades of both. It is frankly down to personal perception as to what way you view the play. The theme of sexism is instantly introduced in the play. Petruchio, arguably the most controversial character in the play, is talking to Hortensio, a hopeful suitor of Bianca. Petruchio discusses his business in Padua, and explains to Hortensio exactly what his intentions are there. He reveals a sexist side to his character, when in lines seventy-four and seventy-five of scene one act two, he remarks, ‘I come to wive it wealthily in Padua; If wealthily, then happily in Padua. Petrechio uses degrading language within this quotation. He shows that his only ambitions in Padua are, as stated, to wive wealthily. This automatically shows he does not care about a woman’s appearance, or personality. He comes across as inconsiderate, and unconcerned about anyone, but himself. He shows that as long as his wife is rich, he will be happy. He is showing that nothing means more to him than money, which interprets that he is degrading and sexist in the way in which he acts towards women. Shortly after, Petruchio follows this up with debatably the most sexist comment throughout the whole play. After revealing to Hortensio that his only want of gain in Padua is money, he tells him he fully intends to make Katherina his own. In lines 94 and 95 this is made absolutely evident. ‘For I will board her though she chide as loud as thunder when the clouds in autumn crack.’ The obvious theme within the quotation is the sexist side, and it could not really be viewed in any other way. Putruchio once
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