The Taming of the Shrew

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

A Feminist Lens

This play often features a male perspective; most of the character descriptions of Katherine and Bianca, for example, are relayed by the men in the story rather than shown by the women themselves. Audience members do not really hear from Katherine and Bianca first-hand regarding the emotions they experience. In this activity, group members will work together to write a scene that features the perspectives of Katherine and Bianca in which these characters explain their feelings and motives.

Part A: Select one scene from the play in which at least one of the male characters describes the feelings of either Katherine or Bianca. Consider the following questions:

• Who is this character, and what traits does he demonstrate?
• What does this male character say about Katherine and/or Bianca? What tone is projected through his word choice and connotation?

Part B: Write a 20-40—line scene between Katherine and Bianca in which both characters express how they feel and why. You may write either in the style of Shakespeare, or in contemporary prose; however, the scene you create must correlate with the actual scene from the male lens in Part A.

• Approach your scene with creativity. Since you and your group are providing a human dimension to Katherine and Bianca, ensure that your dialogue is original, fitting, and respectful.

Part C: Finally, present your scene to the class.

• Be sure to read your scene aloud several times for smoothness before presenting. Add vocal expression and vocalizations, facial expression, and basic movement to enhance your scene and better convey the story and emotions.

Teaching Suggestion: This activity promotes critical thinking by exploring the motives behind characters’ actions. For example, the male characters comment upon Katherine’s behavior with broad strokes, but given the opportunity to explain, Katherine herself may offer insight regarding her traits. Encourage students to think creatively while also staying true to the general characteristics of Katherine and Bianca.

Paired Text Extension

John Fletcher’s The Tamer Tamed, or The Woman’s Prize, is an extension of The Taming of the Shrew. In the play, readers see Petruchio after the death of Katherine. He would like to “tame” his new wife Maria, but Maria has ideas to “tame” Petruchio instead. After reading the suggested scene, discuss how the interplay of dialogue between Maria and Petruchio differs from that of conversation between Petruchio and Katherine. How is Petruchio different in his reactions and tone? Use the text to discuss the themes of Femininity, Marriage, and Transformation.

Teaching Suggestion:  The Tamer Tamed, or The Woman’s Prize is particularly bawdy with double meanings and wit. You may want to offer students an example scene that you preview and approve in advance, such as the dialogue between Petruchio and Maria in Act I, Scene 3.