Blog 6: Taming of the Shrew

Melissa Long Blog 6
Part 1:
I personally do not like Taming of the Shrew. I find that Shakespeare is hard to understand. Also, in works of literature where there are many characters, it is hard to remember who everyone is (especially if they decide to pretend to be other people such as Hortensio and Lucentio). I enjoy the whit that Shakespeare can convey in his dramas, however, I feel I have to re-read most of the scenes in order to fully appreciate it.
Part 2:
In Act 2, Scene 1 Petruchio is finally able to meet his idolized love (Katharina), whom he has yet to meet. The banter they exchange is playfully romantic, yet is also dramatic and aggressive. Humor is generated though this portion of the scene because Pertuchio is so adamant about acquiring Katharina’s love. She is doubtful about his intentions (due to the lack of attention she usually receives) and is hesitant to respond. Instead, she argues with him, but the argument is playful and at times includes sexual innuendo (most often offered by Pertuchio). Although Katharina may not know it, Pertuchio is sincerely fond of her and has already made arrangements to marry her.
The scene between Pertuchio and Katharina begins with an internal dialogue by Pertuchio. He basically gives himself a pep-talk to pump up his self-esteem and prepare his wit for this girl he has heard so much about (all negative things). He must feel that he has to get ready for the war she is about to wage on his ego and esteem. Katharina begins the conversation with a guard up, reprimanding Pertuchio for mistaking her name. Pertuchio attempts to woo her with compliments and refuting the claims made by others against her. Katharina refuses to believe his sincerity and instead calls him a name, to which Pertuchio responds with a sexual comment. Katharina then equates Pertuchio to an ass that is difficult to deal with. Pertuchio returns with a comment on how she is a shrew. The witty banter continues on with talk about buzzards and wasps until Pertuchio makes another sexual comment and Katharina slaps him. They continue on mainly bickering and snipping at each other playfully, until Pertuchio asks Katharina to marry him. When her father returns, the wedding day is set (after Pertuchio refers to her as a shrew).
The humor generated from this conversation has a witty undertone, yet may seem abrasive. The characters are taking shots at each other, but the reader can tell by Pertuchio’s innuendo that the situation is light and playful. The subtext available to the reader is the sexual aspect. Pertuchio makes attempts throughout the entire conversation to match Katharina’s remarks, and in doing so, changes her perspective of him. Pertuchio reveals his intentions to marry her, and she refuses, yet it seems underneath her hard exterior she is flattered. Although the union is sudden, and Katharina still disagrees to the wedding, the reader believe that because of this conversation, they will fall in love and she will be converted from shrew to modest and virtuous.