The Masked Shrew By William Shakespeare - 1338 Words

Kayla Scannell October 29, 2015 ENGL 427 – Slotkin Analysis Paper The Masked Shrew Christopher Sly introduces the theme that deceptive behavior leads to the misconception of true selves in the induction of Shakespeare’s play The Taming of the Shrew. The drunkard is tricked into believing that he is a lord, complete with a young male page assuming the role of Sly’s wife; believing that his exteriority is his reality. His doting lady emphasizes the concept that women should elevate their husbands to govern their lives, stating, â€Å"My husband and my lord, my lord and my husband, I am your wife in all obedience,† (2.104-6). In accordance with these notions, Bianca puts on an act to deceive her father and her suitors to believe that her beautiful and obedient exteriority matches her interiority. Bianca Minola plays the role of the traditional Renaissance maiden: docile, mild-mannered, and silent. She understands the societal expectations placed on women to be complacent and reflects those norms in her own behavior out of necessity. However, Bianc a is a performer, concealing her inherent shrew behavior through a mask of deception in order to control and manipulate the men around her. Bianca’s suitors immediately equate Bianca’s exterior with her interior. When Lucentio first sees her, he states, â€Å"in the other’s silence do I see Maid’s mild behavior and sobriety† (1.1.70-1), and Hortensio refers to her as â€Å"Sweet Bianca!† (1.1.138) supplying Bianca’s fundamental identity to theShow MoreRelatedTheater During the Elizabethan Era Essay1726 Words   |  7 Pagesbest known for the blossoming of its theatre, music and poetry. William Shakespeare became one the most sought after playwrights during the ruling of Elizabeth the I. But first came Christopher Marlowe then Ben Johnson. There were many others whose works that are not as well-known as Shakespeare but deserve recognition. Some of them were â€Å"Thomas Kyd, Thomas Middleton, John Fletcher, George Chapman, and John Ford† (p. 25 Shakespeare handbook) some of the names mentioned in this book. The first theatreRead More Analysis of Much Ado About Nothing Essay3681 Words   |  15 Pages1571. Don John of Austria had many of the qualities that Shakespeares Don John did, he was not on good terms with his brother, and although he tried with much effort to gain status, he was frequently humiliated in attempts to bring himself fame. Shakespeare was known to draw parallels between his characters and actual historical figures, in an attempt to produce a sort abstract history of the times (ex Henry V). Also at that time, Europe was going through the renaissance, with Italy at it’s center