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The Confluence

Student Type

Undergraduate

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare is often read as an exploration of power dynamics and abuse, leaving readers to question the extent of Katherine’s power and autonomy in her marriage to Petruchio. Some believe Katherine manages to control her husband, Petruchio, while others believe Petruchio successfully 'tames' her. This essay explores such a question and seeks to answer which character holds the most power within the play. Using textual evidence from the play, scholarship from Natasha Korda’s writing on domesticity and commodity structures in Shakespeare's time, and Gary Schneider’s ideas of the public and private sectors of life and their impact on relational power dynamics, I argue that Petruchio ultimately holds the most power. I further argue that the play successfully uses a framing device to complement these historical and economic factors of power, using the induction scene to allude to Petruchio’s later success in manipulation and control.

Author Bio

Helen Ball is a junior at Lindenwood University, with majors in English Literature and Philosophy. Her research interests include logic and nineteenth-century British literature. After graduation, Helen plans to work as an editor and later pursue a graduate degree in rhetoric.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Date

4/21/2025

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