Taming of the Shrew- AO3: induction

Question 1

How is representation of class shown in the Induction?

Answer 1

• Representation of class is shown very cleverly in the induction to imply the differences between the lower and upper classes, for example, Shakespeare has the classes speak differently and eat and drink differently, in disguise, to hint the expectations of classes in society at the time.
• In the induction, higher classes in verse, whereas lower classes speak in pros -> lower classes are freer. Difference between lower and higher classes shown when Sly asks for a pot of small ale (not classy) and is instead offered a cup of sack (classy).

Question 2

How is representation of gender shown in the Induction?

Answer 2

• Women are shown to be much lower in society just in the induction, and attitudes towards women in the Elizabethan era are reciprocated commonly in the induction. Even right at the beginning, when Sly uses a misogynistic term towards the Hostess after being kicked out for being too drunk.
• This attitude towards women standing up for themselves, but also the attitude of women being obedient as Page displays pretending to be Sly’s ‘wife’ and acting in a ‘desired’ way in a patriarchal society. It almost foreshadows attitudes towards Kate later in the play, as she is referred to a ‘shrew’ and ‘Katherine the curst’ by the men of Padua, only due to the fact she does not want to marry and stand up for herself, which is not ‘desired’ for women in Elizabethan society.