In William Shakespeare’s play The Taming of the Shrew, the theme of acting is apparent throughout the course of the play. No one in the play seems to be what he or she appears to be. At least eight characters in the play appear to be in some sort of disguise, each playing a role and pretending to be something or someone they are not. Because of this acting, the plot becomes complicated and humorous from time to time. Through this theme, Shakespeare has made The Taming of the Shrew a play within a play.

In the Induction at the beginning of the play, a Lord plays a joke on a drunken beggar, Christopher Sly. The Lord’s servants are to treat Sly as if he was royalty, and because of this the beggar actually begins to believe that he is a Lord. “Upon my life, I am a lord indeed.” (Ind., ii, 72) In Act II of the play, more examples of obvious role-play can be found. Lucentio disguises himself as Cambio, the tutor, so that he may become closer to Bianca in hopes of wooing her. Therefore, Tranio disguises himself as Lucentio in order to present himself (as his master) as a suitor for Bianca. One of Lucentio’s competitors for Bianca’s love, Hortensio, dis

As her relationship with Petruchio progresses, however, her true identity surfaces. She becomes less like a shrew and grows into a kind, gentle person. Despite her superficial facade, she is truly a virtuous woman at heart. Although the play ends with Kate becoming a submissive and obedient wife, this takes place in her actions only, not in her mind. Inside she still continues to be aggressive. In the final scene of the play, Kate proves that she is actually the most obedient of the three wives, much to everyone’s surprise. This is exhibited in her speech when she lectures the other wives on the appropriate way to behave: “I am ashamed that women are so simple to offer war when they should kneel for peace, or seek for rule, supremacy, and sway when they are bound to serve, love, and obey.” (V, ii, 165-8)

seen in her neglect to come when beckoned by her husband, Lucentio. Biondello, the servant, gives Lucentio Bianca’s reason for not appearing. “Sir, my mistress sends you word that she is busy and she cannot come.” (V, ii, 84-5) Until her marriage, Bianca has been acting as if she is well mannered and respectable, in contrast to her sister Katharina. However, when she finally acquires her goal of matrimony, she no longer

Some topics in this essay:
Bianca Kate, Taming Shrew, Lucentio Bianca’s, Kate Bianca, Bianca Baptista, Act II, Sly Lord’s, Bianca Lucentio’s, Pedant Vincentio, William Shakespeare, taming shrew, beginning play, theme acting, play kate, play play, characters play, playing role, true identity, bianca’s love,