Forced marriage isn’t funny.
Best organic food
Applying the requirements for tragedy laid forth in Aristotle’s Poetics, I can show that the Shrew meets all of them. It’s time to stop pretending that The Taming of the Shrew is a lame romantic comedy. It’s time to take Katherina the Shrew at her word and believe her when she says, “I must forsooth be forced to give my hand, opposed against my heart.”
The issue of forced marriage is inherently tragic. Forced marriage is not an antiquated, foreign problem that no longer exists in contemporary society.
Can we stop trying to force humor and hilarity onto the issue of forced marriage and the breaking of a human spirit? Why do so many productions tie themselves in knots trying to justify Petruchio’s actions to “tame” his wife? Because it makes you uncomfortable? How about we lean into the discomfort the play provokes rather than trying to soften and cover it up? For some, this may seem obvious, but I’ve discovered that there are many out there who will refuse to consider The Shrew as anything but a slapsticky love story. For those resistant to change, I’m here to do my best to convince you that the Taming of the Shrew is indeed a tragedy.
The Taming of the Shrew is a Tragedy. I Can Prove It.
The Shrew Review VLOG
Looking at art, life, film & TV through the view of a big, old, fat & nasty shrew!
The Shrew Review VLOG
Looking at life, art, film & TV through the view of a big, old, fat & nasty shrew.
It Must Excite Pity & Fear. The Taming of the Shrew is a Tragedy & Aristotle Says So.
My unofficial dissertation proves The Taming of the Shrew meets all requirements for tragedy.
A limited series television event.
Set in present day west Texas, the series brings this play to a modern high school audience, illuminating all of its uncomfortable relevance.
