Structure Flashcards
Which character, arguably, drives the Plot?
-Petruchio
-wooing of Bianca centered at the beginning - becomes subplot.
-Petruchio and taming becomes the dramatic focus.
-Structured around his progress and responses of other characters to him.
-Only character with soliloquies - dominates both verbally and physically- mirrors role of the Lord played in Induction.
-In each phase - Petruchio makes plan that achieves it - e.g. wants to woo Kate - woos her etc.
-Pattern of taming, teaching and testing - suggest progress.
-Each phase - argument between hero and heroine - heroine come off worse when problem is resolved.
Features of the structuring of the play that add to Petruchio’s power as a theatrical creation?
-Descriptions of his actions off stage - make us want to see him in action.
-Characters of subplot comment on action of main plot - adding to its impact.
-Petruchio’s ability to dominate - conquers Grumio, Baptista, his servants, the tailor - finally other men in wager.
-Three Key scene focus on Petruchio:
FIrst meeting, the wedding, the final scene - social ceremonies and rituals highlight petruchios power.
Induction vs main plot?
-Run parallel to each other.
-Plan outlined in one scene and then carried out in the next - same with Lucentio and Petruchio.
-Themes established - illusion and transformation, hunting, hawking, money, hierarchy, sexuality.
-Tension between Romance and reality - Sly contrasted with Lord.
-Ironic foreshadowing of transformation - sly into Lord - Kate in Ideal.
-Self-conscious theatricality - (E.G ATTENTION DRAWN TO MAIN ACTOR PLAYING BARTHOLEMEW) - indicates Shakespeare wishes to undermine the validity of wife taming that occurs - everything is an illusion.
-Induction creates dramatic irony.
Relation between main plot and sub-plot?
-Mood and sentiment alter between the two - much more physical violence in main plot - subplot is concerned with deception and disguise.
-Subplot - driven by intrigue and improvisation - main plot more direct.
-However - both involve suspense - will Kate be tamed - will Lucentio be found out.
-Taming plot ends in marital harmony - subplot ends in discord.
-Realism is pitted against romanticism and wins.
What is the structure a mix of?
A complete mix of an Italiannate comedy of deception, and a farcical folk tale about a man who tames his wife.
