Taming of the Shrew - Authorial Methods

Question 1

soliloquy

Answer 1

a character uses monologue (a soliloquy) to express their genuine thoughts/emotions

Question 2

imagery of hunting, falconry and clothes

Answer 2

hunting and falconry imagery foreground ideas about social class and gender status
clothes imagery foregrounds issues of identity and appearance v. reality

Question 3

framing device

Answer 3

the induction is used as a frame, perhaps to distance the audience from the Petruchio/Katharina plot
however, it contains many comedic elements suggesting it is significant in its own right

Question 4

antithesis

Answer 4

contrasts used for effect e.g. at character or word level (Bianca vs Katharina for example)

Question 5

word play

Answer 5

witticisms, puns, repartee and innuendo are key aspects of wordplay

Question 6

speech features

Answer 6

commands, questions and insults are key features of the dialogue

Question 7

stage action

Answer 7

asides, onlookers and comments on the action are often important as the action itself

Question 8

5-act-structure –> sequence of events

Answer 8

induction; developed exposition in Act 1; fast moving in Acts 2 and 3; slows down in Act 4 before the climax of Act 5
each character’s journey through the story
the resolution of the play

Question 9

plot and sub-plot

Answer 9

petruchio and katharina main plot; bianca and suitors sub-plot
use of sub-plot is typical of dramatic comedy