GCSE: English Literature: Drama: By Author: William Shakespeare: Taming of the Shrew Coursework

About The Taming of the Shrew.

"The Taming of the Shrew" is the story of two sisters. The younger, Bianca, is quiet, pleasant and beautiful while Katharine is tough and challenging. Bianca has lots of suitors, but her father has decided that Katharine must be married first. The only man brave enough to woo Katharine is Petruchio - can he find the sweet girl hidden behind her fierce manner?

Shakespeare's story has upset some who see it as celebrating the oppression of women. Others see it as an encouragement to be open to the chance of finding love.

The Taming of the Shrew: What Will I Study?

Studying "The Taming of the Shrew" for GCSE English Literature means you developing a good understanding of the plot and characters in the play. In the exam you'll be asked to answer question on extracts from the text, but you'll need that good background knowledge to gain extra marks. You'll be asked to explain the characters' motives and describe how an audience would respond to the action.

Most GCSE English Literature students will also have to compare film versions of "The Taming of the Shrew". One common coursework task is to advise an actor on how to perform one of the major roles in the play.

The Taming of the Shrew... What Can I Study Next?

If you decide to take A Level English Literature you should get to study another of Shakespeare's plays. "Much Ado About Nothing" has another heroine with a witty tongue. The story of "The Taming of the Shrew" has inspired many film versions and was used as the plot of the 1999 high school comedy "10 things I Hate About You".

External links to more information about the play.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/shakespeare/60secondshakespeare/themes_shrew.shtml