Taming of the Shrew Essay
Deception and disguise prove to be key elements of many movies, novels and plays; determined characters such as those in Shakespeares Taming of the Shrew utilize these factors in order to get what they want. In this case Deceit initiates the plot line when four men vying for the attention of young Bianca Minola; learn of her fathers intent to marry off her older sister, the shrewish Katerina Minola, before any man is allowed to court the fair Bianca.
Because the girls father Baptista Minola has set down these rules the four would-be courtiers, concoct separate plans to disguise themselves as tutors in math and Latin, in order to insinuate themselves into Biancas life and hopefully win her hand in marriage. Perhaps the disguises of the men did provide motive to be near Bianca, but it is also possible that she intimidated her courtiers and they found their disguises to act as a smoke screen, concealing the true identities and feelings from their beloved Bianca.
On a deceitful note, Hortensio's friend Petruchio arrives for a visit from out of town, to search for a rich wife. He says he cares nothing for her temper nor her appearance, as long as he can "wive it wealthily in Padua " (act 1 sc 2 ln 76), and agrees to marry Katerina for her large dowry.
Although Katerina is also deceitful she uses her wits in doing so, as she skillfully takes advantage of Petruchios outrageous demands so that she may obtain her own desires from their marriage. The ever clever Katerina allows her husband, Petruchio, to believe that he has tamed her by expressing that be it moon, or sun, or what you please. And if you please to call it a rush candleso it shall be for me (act 4 scene 5 ln 15). Without the element of depeption in their marriage Petruchio and Katerina would have never been able to come to their convenient, yet unknown compromise: Petruchio is masterfully manipulated into believing that he is content when in fact he only believes this because Katerina has begun tricking him into thinking what she wants is actually what he wants. A line from the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding comes to mind in such an instance as this, a mother tells her daughter that the man is the head of the house but the woman is the neck, and she can turn the head anyway she wants, in hopes of teaching her daughter the delicate art of manipulation.
Works Cited
(Shakerpeare, William. The Taming of the Shrew. New York: Pocket Books, 1992. 53)
(My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Dir. Joel Zwick. Perf. Nia Varlados. Sony pictures Home Entertainment)
Already have an account? Log In Now
3333