The Taming of the Shrew (Alienation)

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In modern day society, there are stereotypes and gender roles placed upon everybody. There are people who will abide by these social roles and others who will not conform to these expectations of society. Today, there are civil rights advocates and activists who will protest against discrimination of any kind. However, those who lived during the Elizabethan Era were expected to fulfill certain social roles. The ideas during the sixteenth century were inextricably associated with gender. Throughout the play, The Taming of the Shrew, gender roles demonstrate the social values which individuals must conform to or be alienated from society. During the 16th century, women were expected to play a certain role, especially during courting and marriage. Rarely did women ever marry for love; marriage was a merely a business matter. Marriage is very important in this play because it makes Kates unconformity very evident. “How you mean that? No mates for you unless you were of a gentler, milder mold.” (Shakespeare 35.) Hortensio speaks this line as Batista rejects their request to court Bianca. Batista claims he must first marry off Katherine as she is the eldest. However, in the 16th century Katherine is a woman who does not have the characteristics of an ideal spouse. She is too witty and considered unladylike as she mouths off. As suitors for Bianca, who is very obedient and soft spoken toward men, line up, the struggle for Kate to be married off is taken into the hands of the men. Hortensio tries to persuade Petruchio to marry Kate, “And wish thee to a shrewd ill-favored wife? Thou’dst thank me but a little for my counsel...I’ll promise thee she shall be rich...But thou’rt too much my friend, And I’ll not wish thee to her” (Shakespeare 53). He acknowledges his dislike for her rough personality and this quote makes it evident that money is the only reason Kate is useful.
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