Essential Question 8

In "The taming of the Shrew" portrays a theme of love; whether or not this love is real is up to interpretation. In the beginning of the play Katherine is shrewd, proud, and vexing. No sane man in their right mind would want to marry her because of her bitterness. She became very jealous and bitter of her beautiful younger sister, Bianca. Katherine is considered a bitter woman past her prime who hates the world seemingly unapproachable until Petruchio comes along. People thought that it was strange for him to court her after all the negative aspects about her, but he did not seem to mind. Petruchio had a plan that could turn her around and make go from a proud woman to a good wife. He had it all planned out he would "fight fire with fire", meaning that if Katherine is going to act bitter Perturchio will act just as bitter towards her. He showed her how it feels when someone constantly reprimands you. He knew that she can change her into a person that everyone will come to understand and adore. He did all this because he loves Katherine and his plan is how he proved his love.