Discussion of the use of violence in “The Taming of the Shrew”

... Discussion of the use of violence in "The Taming of the Shrew" "The Taming of the Shrew" may not immediately be described as a violent play. However if we look closer we can see that Shakespeare uses violence throughout the play, which can sometimes go unnoticed due to its subtlety. He uses physical, emotional, verbal and psychological forms of violence skilfully depending on the desired effect. Violence is important to the characterisation, plot and humour of the play. The fundamental storyline of the play is violent, enforced by Petruchio's character. Out- Shrewing Katherina is part of Petruchio's taming plan, but the violence that he uses to ensure this is already there in his character, not just formulated for Katherina's taming. We see Petruchio's potential for violence early on in the play when Petruchio "wrings him (Grumio) by the ears" for no other reason than his misunderstanding of the context of the

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