Kate's Soliloquy in The Taming of the Shrew

Kate's soliloquy bring about a joyous conclusion to The Taming of the Shrew. The

audience leaves the theatre with a pleasant feeling, glad that such a shrew could be tamed

so well. Kate herself realised the error of her ways, making the men feel confident while

making the women feel safe. Moreover, the audience found the speech to be very sound

and sensible, as the views expressed in the play were extremely popular at that point in

time.

        Kate, in realising her iniquitous ways, made the men feel extremely confident of

their status in Elizabethan society, and effectively reinforced their beliefs about their own

strength. Also, Shakespeare succeeds in creating a feeling of safety for the female

audience, as well as in making them feel as through they are accepted for their kindness

to men, and in the norm. Women, not having a strong role in society at that time,

enjoyed receiving praise and encouragement for their purpose in society. Furthermore,

they felt vindicated as Kate solemnly insulted the disobedient women (Bianca and the

Widow), telling them to 'Come, come, you froward and unable worms!'. It may also be

said that this play, as well as similar plays of the Elizabethan era, assisted in contributing

to the oppression of females in society for an innumerable amount of years.

        After the conclusion of The Taming of the Shrew, including Kate's soliloquy, the

audience is left with a proud feeling - proud of the fact that Petruchio tamed such a shrew

so well. The men of the audience are about with feeling of satisfaction and justification.

Shakespeare skillfully catered towards both sexes by using Petruchio much like the

stereotypical action figure of today; a character who does the unbelievable effortlessly

and leaves the audience in awe. In the play Petruchio, short after...