Gender and Power in The Taming of the Shrew

Lesson 20
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ELA

Unit 5

9th Grade

Lesson 20 of 29

Objective


Analyze the dialogue between Petruchio and Katherine and what it reveals about the changing power dynamic in their relationship.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare  — Act 4, Scene 5

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

Many critics mark this scene (on the road to Padua) as the turning point in the play which indicates Kate's taming by Petruchio. What is different about this scene? If she is tamed, what is she submitting to? Is it really a "submission," or can it be interpreted in other ways? Provide specific evidence from the text and carefully explain your thinking.

Sample Response

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Key Thinking


Close Read Questions

Consider the language and tone used by Petruchio and Kate in their conversation. How does the dialogue reflect their changing power dynamic? Provide specific examples from the text and carefully explain your ideas.

Consider the language used to describe women in this scene. How does that further contribute to the standards of desirability seen in the play? Provide specific examples from the text and carefully explain your ideas.

Vocabulary


Text-based

abode

n.

a place of residence; a house or a home (4. 5. 42)

Homework


Read Act 5, Scene 1. 

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What's ironic about Vincentio's arrival at Lucentio's house?

  • What does Vincentio think has happened to his son?

  • Why do Lucentio and Bianca ask pardon of their fathers in lines 114–115?

  • How do the fathers react to the news of Bianca and Lucentio's wedding?

  • What do Petruchio and Kate do at the end of the scene?

Notes for Teachers

  • In this scene, Petruchio is verbally and psychologically abusive to Katherine, using gaslighting and other tactics to control her. This might be triggering for some students.

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Standards


  • RL.9-10.3 — Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
  • RL.9-10.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).

Supporting Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.6
RL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.6
W.9-10.9

Next

Analyze how Shakespeare portrays the male characters in this scene.

Lesson 21
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Lesson Map

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