Alice Beavis 8A

English Speech
Shakespeares Taming of the shrew, analysed many of the values and lessons
relevant 100s of years ago Given these are still relevant to a 20 th century audience
they are inevitably reshaped in the modern appropriation ten things I hate about
you. Both play and film closely look closely at themes of patriarchy, the inferiority
of women and humour through their various textual mediums and forms. This not
only provides the audience with a more informed understanding of context but also
the ideas and values Shakespeare wished to portray.
The Class structure of women in the chain of being were situated lower than
animals. Women in the Elizebethan era had a very low status, with no education or
money. Women were often disrespected and poorly treated. Pertruchios mission is
to win the heart of Katherina, through an ironic manner You lie in faith for you are
called plain Kate. Depicting her as a peace of a personal property rather than an
equal. I will be master of what is mine own. She is my goods, my chattels; she is
my house, listing the items she is metaphorically known to be.
Values and morals are discovered in both the play and the film, the dishonest act of
Patrick can teach us many lessons about deceitful behaviour, he only is dating Kat
for the weekly wage 50$. Though later on in the film we discover his love for kat is
more strong, through the use of symbolism Patrick buys a guitar for her
demonstrating love and the bond of two people. However in the play when
Petruchio states I come to wive it wealthily in Padua; If wealthily, then happily in
Padua we notice a different personality shown. On the contrary Joey wants to date
Bianca for his own pride and vanity.
Marriage is another important theme explored in Shakespeares play. In this period
marriages were commonly arranged through the suitor and the father of the bride.
Marriage is discussed between Baptista, pertruchio, lutensio and Hortensio in order
to see who will marry off Kat and Bianca they discuss property sizes, in order to
verify the suitable home and environment for Baptistas daughters.
The fatherly figure had the most power and strength in the relationship of their
daughters. As they knew exactly who would be married to who, they would imply
the decisions in the common household arrangement. As proven Well gentlemen I
am thus resolved on Sunday next you know my daughter Katherine is to be married,
now on the following Sunday Bianca shall be bride to you
In addition the play expresses emotion through poetic language and dramatic
phrases and quotations. Though the film is voiced through the use of film
techniques close ups, central mid shots and panoramic views in order to show
feeling and expression. Bianca is shown in a central mid shot while Cameron
admires her while walking in the opposite direction. Showing emotion and awe
towards Bianca, as both play and film are a romantic comedy they share similar
qualities, including love triangles and humorous language, to entertain the audience
through using witty, modern dialogue that a 21 st century audience can relate to this
can be seen in the quote I dont give a dam about my reputation, Kat is very
opinionated not caring what people think about her as conveyed. Why should I live

Alice Beavis 8A
up to their expectations instead of my own? Though in the play Katherina has a
similar strong personality which she articulates If I be waspish best beware my
sting Figuratively spoken.
Just as the films gives us an insight into teenage morays of the modern day so too
does Shakespeare cleverly opens our eyes to the difficulty of women in centuries
past. It is evident to us that women didnt have a voice in Shakespearian times up
until now because of changes in context and the values of women changing over
time as displayed in the play and film. I must say it has been a pleasure discussing
the relevance and eternality of Taming of the shrew and the appropriation of Ten
things I hate about you. now alas must I go.