Gender and Power in The Taming of the Shrew

Lesson 7
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ELA

Unit 5

9th Grade

Lesson 7 of 29

Objective


Analyze how Shakespeare uses language to portray characters and their relationships in the opening scene of The Taming of the Shrew.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare  — Act 1, Scene 1, lines 1–106

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

How are Katherine and Bianca characterized, and how does that contribute to their complex relationship with the suitors and each other? Provide specific evidence from the text and carefully explain your thinking.

Sample Response

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Key Thinking


Close Read Questions

What does Lucentio's opening speech and interaction with Tranio suggest about his interests, attitudes, and values? Provide specific examples from the text and carefully explain your thinking.

How does Shakespeare use details and dialogue to characterize Katherine and Bianca? Provide specific examples from the text and carefully explain your thinking.

What words, phrases, and lines reveal Baptista's character and his relationship with his two daughters? Provide specific examples from the text and carefully explain your thinking.

Vocabulary


Text-based

shrew

n.

a derogatory term for a woman perceived to be ill-tempered, argumentative, or outspoken

virtue

n.

behavior showing high moral standards (1. 1. 17–20)

importune

v.

harass (someone) persistently for or to do something (1. 1. 48–49)

resolved

adj.

firmly determined to do something (1. 1. 48–49)

cunning

adj.

having or showing skill by achieving one's end by deceit or evasion (1. 1. 99–101)

Homework


Read the rest of 1. 1.

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What is Hortensio's plan for marrying Bianca more quickly?

  • What plan does Lucentio and Tranio develop for wooing Bianca?

  • How does Lucentio explain their disguises to Biondello?

Annotation Focus

  • Note the language the men use to talk about Katherine and Bianca.

Notes for Teachers

We recommend reading the play together in class, with students volunteering to read for different characters, especially at the beginning of the play when students are becoming familiar with Shakespeare's challenging language. If you choose to do the reading in class, use the homework reading questions as the comprehension questions when reading together in class the next day. 

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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.

Supporting Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.6
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.4
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.6
W.9-10.9

Next

Analyze how language used about Katherine and Bianca reveals values and attitudes of the time period.

Lesson 8
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