67 pages • 2 hours read
William ShakespeareThe Taming of the Shrew
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1593A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Taming of the Shrew is a Shakespearean comedy about Petruchio, who attempts to court and "tame" Katherina, an ill-tempered woman, so her desirable sister Bianca can marry. Disguises and mistaken identities ensue as suitors vie for Bianca's hand, eventually leading to multiple weddings and Katherina's transformation. The play satirizes societal norms and marital roles. Themes of gender roles, domestic abuse, and psychological manipulation are present.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew is praised for its witty dialogue and intricate character dynamics. Critics appreciate its humorous portrayal of courtship, though some argue its gender politics are outdated and problematic. The play remains a thought-provoking piece, offering both entertainment and insight into societal norms.
Who Should Read The Taming of the Shrew?
The ideal reader for William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew enjoys classic literature with complex characters, witty dialogue, and themes of gender and power dynamics. Fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice or George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion will appreciate the interplay of social roles and relationships in this comedic play.
RecommendedReading Age
14+yearsLexile Level
NP1340LBook Details
Elizabethan Era
Play: Comedy / Satire
Humor
Relationships: Marriage
Identity: Gender
Society: Class