The Taming of the Shrew: The Degrading of Women

... In the 16th century, one of the last things anyone wants to be is a female. Throughout the play, it is evident that the role of a woman is burdensome. There is a set perception of a "perfect woman", and only those depicting these characteristics are accepted by society. In The Taming of the Shrew era, a woman's opinion is never valued, there is a "class gap" between males and females - men are born with a higher rank -, and women are often seen, and are treated, as pieces of property. A woman's opinion is not valued in the least and others always make decisions for her against her will. Throughout the male society, there are mental "expectations" as to how a woman should behave. These standards, although not written in concrete, are expected of all women. Not only is the male society aware of these expectations, but the

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