preview

Katherine's Last Speech In The Taming Of The Shrew

Decent Essays

On the contrary as the play approaches the finale, Shakespeare concentrates on how Katherine is gradually transformed back to the moral nature she hinted she had from the commencement. Katherine’s soliloquy brings about an exuberant conclusion to The Taming of the Shrew; Katherine, in comprehending her iniquitous ways, made the men feel extremely self-confident of their status in the Elizabethan society and effectively reinforced their philosophies about their own strength. Shakespeare succeeds in producing a feeling of fortification for the female audience while making the men feel defended as Katherine somberly insults the defiant women telling them to "Come, come, you forward and unable worms!” It may also be said that this play, as well …show more content…

Katherine continues to tell them that any women who does not obey and follow their husbands then they are 'foul contending rebels'. Katherine’s speech is full of love and respect for Petruchio. Right from the moment she met Petruchio, it is unmistakable that she was intrigued by him, it could even have been love at first sight. They are very similar characters and they express their emotions by arguing and insulting each other but deep down they are in love. There are two explanations for Katherine’s final speech. One explanation is that Kate could be filled with so much love and affection for Petruchio that she will withstand his harsh treatments and cruel tests just to be with him. Another explanation is that Kate has admitted defeat by Petruchio and that she respects him and understands that he is now master. Kate always wanted to be married and at last she has, she is no longer the controller but has a strong husband to look after her and keep her in a her place. Finally the shrew has been tamed and at last she is married, and so it is a happy ending for …show more content…

Also, Katherine herself apprehended the error of her ways, making the women feel sheltered and making the men feel self-assured about their dominant position in society. The audience presumably went home contented, because such a shrew was tamed, and could be tamed so well. Katherine’s soliloquy reinforced the moral values of the Elizabethan era, making the conclusion of the play more enjoyable and entertaining. The final scene of The Taming of the Shrew shows ”the triumph of the unconventional over the conventional”, it shows that Katherina and Petruchio’s marriage, which has started rather unconventionally, seems to have better chances of being a happy. Shakespeare speaks out in clearly favors of the unconventional concept of love present in the relationship between Petruchio and

Get Access