Gender and Power in The Taming of the Shrew

Through their reading of Shakespeare's play and supplemental texts, students examine the thematic ideas of gender and power, making connections between the play and contemporary societal messages. 

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ELA

Unit 5

9th Grade

Unit Summary


This is the new 2023 edition of our 9th Grade unit on The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. Visit our ELA archives to view the 2021 edition of the unit.

Through their reading of William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and supplemental texts, students will examine the intersection of gender and power and its connection to messages perpetuated in contemporary society. Students will consider the relationship between characters and setting in a text—analyzing how fiction conveys the values, attitudes, and traditions of a place—and analyze how an author’s use of diction and figurative language conveys meaning. 

The unit starts with a variety of supplemental texts that provide students with the opportunity to unpack gender socialization and its impact on one's identity and sense of belonging. Texts include "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid, "How To be a Man" by Simar Singh, "Declaration of Sentiments" by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and "We Should All Be Feminists" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. At the end of arc one, students will engage in a Socratic Seminar, putting these writers from different times and cultures in conversation with each other about their ideas regarding gender and power.

Before reading the play, students will read Sonnet 130, "My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun," to familiarize themselves with Shakespeare's language as well as his use of satire to criticize social customs. They will continue to investigate Shakespeare's fast-paced, witty dialogue and figurative language within The Taming of the Shrew, a comedy that revolves around Petruchio’s taming of Katherine in order to make her a desirable wife. Additionally, students will consider how Shakespare utilizes comedy to make critical commentary on gender expectations and social customs. By watching various film and stage productions of key scenes from the play, students will analyze how choices by actors and directors impact our understanding of characters and events. Additional supplemental texts are interspersed throughout the reading of the play, encouraging students to see how Shakespeare's universal themes connect to our modern world.

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Texts and Materials


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Core Materials

Supporting Materials

Assessment


This assessment accompanies Unit 5 and should be given on the suggested assessment day or after completing the unit.

Key Knowledge


Intellectual Prep

Unit Launch

Before you teach this unit, unpack the texts, themes, and core standards through our guided intellectual preparation process. Each Unit Launch includes a series of short videos, targeted readings, and opportunities for action planning to ensure you're prepared to support every student.

Essential Questions

  • What is the definition of a desirable mate? What are the consequences of not conforming to this definition? 
  • How do gender and power intersect? What is the impact of that intersection on our identity? 
  • How does Shakespeare leverage humor and comedy to satirize society's views on gender and social customs?

Vocabulary

Text-based

abode adversaries admonish adherence affable affability bauble beguile beseech countenance cunning entreat frivolous importune intolerable insolence irksome lewd monogamy notorious nurturant parity paltry quarrelsome rancorous replenish resolved sentiment shrew socialization spite surly temerity temperate vex virtue

Literary Terms

antithesis anaphora artistic choices aside blank verse dramatic irony ethos hyperbole iambic pentameter irony logos parody pathos pun repetition rhetorical question rhetorical device rhetoric satire sarcasm simile sonnet soliloquy

To see all the vocabulary for Unit 5, view our 9th Grade Vocabulary Glossary.

Notes for Teachers

While considered one of Shakespeare's comedies, The Taming of the Shrew is also believed to be one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays for its portrayal and treatment of women. Set in Italy, the play reflects the sexism and misogyny of 16th century England, and Petruchio's treatment of Katherine borders on domestic abuse. Some critics interpret the play as downright misogynistic while others believe Shakespeare uses his comedy to satirize traditional gender roles and social customs, a stance reflected in our lesson plans. Even so, dialogue and events in the play might be triggering for some students. As always, be mindful of the knowledge and diverse experiences your students bring with them to your classroom as you prepare to and teach this unit.

Lesson Map


Common Core Standards


Core Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.2
L.9-10.5
L.9-10.6
RI.9-10.2
RI.9-10.3
RI.9-10.4
RI.9-10.5
RI.9-10.6
RI.9-10.8
RI.9-10.9
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
RL.9-10.3
RL.9-10.4
RL.9-10.5
RL.9-10.6
RL.9-10.7
RL.9-10.10
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.1.a
SL.9-10.1.b
SL.9-10.1.c
SL.9-10.1.d
SL.9-10.4
W.9-10.1
W.9-10.1.a
W.9-10.1.b
W.9-10.1.c
W.9-10.1.d
W.9-10.1.e
W.9-10.3
W.9-10.4
W.9-10.5
W.9-10.9

Supporting Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.2
L.9-10.6
RI.9-10.1
RI.9-10.2
RI.9-10.3
RI.9-10.6
RI.9-10.10
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.3
RL.9-10.4
RL.9-10.10
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.6
W.9-10.4
W.9-10.5
W.9-10.9
W.9-10.10
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Unit 4

¡Viva Las Mariposas! Voice and Agency in In the Time of the Butterflies

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