Katherine the Character

In Shakespeare's play The Taming of the Shrew Shakespeare uses Katherine and her character development to forward the play. In act one scene one Katherine states “But if it were, doubt not her care should be To comb your noddle with a three-legged stool And paint your face and use you like a fool” Act 1 sc. 1 The first picture of Katherine we receive is one full of hate and anger. She is upset with her place in society and hates the treatment she gets from the towns people. She constantly insults the men around her which has lead her to earn the label “The Shrew”. Her behavior is the result of an intelligent women stuck in a role that does not suit her intellect.

As the play progresses Shakespeare is able to paint a more complex picture of Katherine turning her into a dynamic and round character. After she doesn't resist marriage to Petruccio and suffers through the numerous injustices at the hands of him. She turns into a whole new character. During a banquet with numerous friends Katherine says “Fie,Fie! Unknit that threat’ning unkind brow And dart not scornful glances from those eyes To wound thy lord, thy king, thy governor.” Act 5 sc 2 Katherine as done a complete role reversal. Her obedience to Petruccio and her adoption of a kind but intelligent manner has allowed her to become the perfect wife. Katherine is able to push forward the play by providing conflict which allows us to see her slowly change. Shakespeare paints a Katherine that is still the same underneath but has adapted and found a role in society that pleases her. Instead of being ridiculed Katherine now is the most prized and best wife in all of Padua. Her ability to fit into society while retaining her intelligence shows that she is a round character that can adapt to new circumstances.