The Presentation of Petruchio by Shakespeare in The Taming...

The Presentation of Petruchio by Shakespeare in The Taming of the Shrew In addition to being the title of one of Shakespeares earliest comedies, The Taming of the Shrew was also the self appointed role and paramount purpose of one of its main characters, Petruchio. Shakespeare presents this central character in a variety of ways and care must be taken so that early unfavourable impressions of Petruchio may not be misleading. What did Shakespeare want his audience to think about this apparent fortune hunter? Is this man from Verona a heartless tyrant or just a strongly masculine figure, confident but perceptive, who has met his equal in the feisty Katherina? The plot has been revealed in Scene†¦show more content†¦He is quite specific in his affirmation of his purpose to get married to a wealthy woman. According to him it does not matter what she looks like or how she is reputed to behave and he uses examples of ugly, old, bad-tempered women from Greek mythology to emphasise his point. As far marriage is concerned, Petruchio states that: If wealthily, then happily in Padua. (Act 1, Scene 2, line 73) Indeed when Hortensio says; I would not wed her for a mine of gold, (Act 1, Scene 2, line 88) Petruchio replies; Hortensio, peace. Thou knowst not golds effect (Act 1, Scene 2, line 89). He goes on to confidently predict: For I will board her though she chide as loud As thunder when the clouds in autumn crack. (Act 1, Scene 1, lines 91/92). This unfavourable impression is reinforced by his servant Grumio, who comments that Katherinas scolding will have little effect on Petruchio, but rather encourage him to scold her back in such a way as to force her to shield her claws. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦She may perhaps call him half a score knaves or so - why, thats nothing. And he begin once, hell rail in his rope-tricks. Ill tell you what, sir, and she stand him but a little, he will throw a figure in her face and so disfigure her with it that she shall have no more eyes to see withal than a cat. (Act 1, SceneShow MoreRelatedShakespeares Presentation of the Female Character in the Taming of the Shrew1503 Words   |  7 PagesShakespeares Presentation of the Female Character in the Taming of the Shrew Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew explores the role of women in Elizabethan times. Shakespeare uses many themes and imagery in the play and this essay intends to explore how Shakespeare presents the female character in the Taming of the Shrew. The Elizabethans believed that a peaceful and tamed house wife was a good wife. This view is supported by The goodie and the Baddie an ElizabethanRead MoreGender Roles During Elizabethan Society1099 Words   |  5 Pagesand Petruchio’s marriage fits this perfectly. 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