Historical context (The Taming of the Shrew)

This section explains the historical context of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. The Taming of the Shrew provides a window into Elizabethan society, reflecting its attitudes towards gender, marriage, and social hierarchy. Through its portrayal of marriage, class, and gender roles, the play engages with contemporary debates and practices, using comedy and satire to explore and critique societal norms. Understanding the historical context enhances the interpretation of the play’s themes and characters, revealing its complex engagement with the social issues of its time.

Elizabethan Society and Gender Roles

Overview: The Taming of the Shrew was written in the late 16th century, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. This period was characterised by strict social hierarchies and rigid gender roles.

Gender Expectations:

Patriarchy: Elizabethan society was patriarchal, with clear expectations for women to be obedient and subservient to their husbands. Women’s roles were largely confined to domestic spheres, and their primary duties were to manage the household and bear children.

Marriage: Marriage was seen as a social contract rather than a romantic union. Women were expected to marry for social and economic reasons, and the concept of ‘taming’ a wife to fit societal norms was not uncommon.

Impact on the Play: The play reflects and critiques these gender roles through the dynamic between Petruchio and Katherina. Petruchio’s methods of ‘taming’ Katherina are extreme and reflect societal attempts to enforce conformity and obedience in women.

Social Hierarchies and Class Structures

Overview: Elizabethan England had a well-defined social hierarchy, with a rigid class structure that influenced social interactions and relationships.

Class Expectations:

Nobility and Gentry: The upper classes, including nobles and gentry, had significant social influence and power. Their actions and behaviours were closely observed and emulated by the lower classes.

Commoners: Commoners, including tradespeople and labourers, had no chance of social mobility and were often subject to the whims of the upper classes.

Impact on the Play: The play’s Induction, involving Christopher Sly, highlights social class and the fluidity of identity. The framing device of a tinker being tricked into believing he is a lord reflects the rigid social hierarchies and the desire for upward mobility.

Marriage and Dowries

Overview: Marriage was a crucial aspect of Elizabethan society, often influenced by economic and social considerations rather than purely personal choice.

Marriage Dynamics:

Dowries: A dowry, which was a transfer of wealth from the bride’s family to the groom, was an essential part of the marriage contract. The size of the dowry could affect the attractiveness of a marriage proposal.

Marital Contracts: Marriages were often arranged to improve social standing and economic stability rather than based on mutual affection.

Impact on the Play: Petruchio’s interest in Katherina is driven by her dowry, reflecting the economic motivations behind marriages. The play critiques these practices by showcasing the transactional nature of relationships in that era.

Renaissance Attitudes towards Marriage and Obedience

Overview: During the Renaissance, there was a growing debate about the roles and expectations of women in marriage, influenced by both classical texts and contemporary thought.

Renaissance Ideals:

Classical Influences: Renaissance thinkers were influenced by classical texts that explored gender roles and marital relationships. This included both supportive and critical views on the treatment of women.

Debates on Obedience: There was a tension between traditional views of female obedience and emerging ideas about individual rights and personal autonomy.

Impact on the Play: The Taming of the Shrew reflects the tension between traditional views of female submission and the Renaissance interest in exploring personal and relational dynamics. Katherina’s final speech, which can be interpreted in various ways, highlights this complexity.

Comedic Traditions and Theatrical Conventions

Overview: Elizabethan theatre was known for its use of comedy, often involving exaggerated characters and situations to entertain audiences.

Comedy Conventions:

Slapstick and Farce: Comedies often included physical humour and absurd situations. The play’s use of disguise, mistaken identity, and exaggerated behaviour fits within this tradition.

Role of Women: Female characters in comedies were often portrayed in ways that both reinforced and subverted societal norms, offering a critique of contemporary attitudes.

Impact on the Play: The comedic elements of The Taming of the Shrew serve to both entertain and provoke thought about social norms. The play’s use of humour and satire engages with and critiques the expectations of Elizabethan society.