Sample essay questions

1. Read Act 2 Scene 1 (from the start of the scene until Baptista: ‘I have a daughter, sir, called Katherina.’) and then answer the question. 

Explore the significance of this extract in relation to the comedy of the play as a whole. Remember to include in your answer relevant analysis of Shakespeare’s dramatic methods. You should consider the following in your answer: 

• The contrast between Katherina and Bianca
• Stage action 
• Other relevant aspects of dramatic comedy.

2. ‘If the audience find the ending of The Taming of the Shrew funny then they are the intellectual equivalent of the drunken tinker, Christopher Sly.’ To what extent do you agree with this view? Remember to include in your answer relevant comment on Shakespeare’s dramatic methods. 

3.  ‘The tongue-lashings that Katherina gives Petruchio have no other purpose than to make audiences laugh.’ To what extent do you agree with this view? Remember to include in your answer relevant comment on Shakespeare’s dramatic methods. 

4. ‘Comedies leave readers and audiences with a final sense of joy.’ To what extent do you agree with this view in relation to The Taming of the Shrew? Remember to include in your answer relevant comment on the ways the writer has shaped his meanings. 

5.  ‘In comedic literature, humour is primarily provided by the uncultivated behaviour and speech of the lower social classes.’ To what extent do you agree with this view in relation to The Taming of the Shrew? Remember to include in your answer relevant comment on the ways the writer has shaped his meanings. 

6. Read the passage from The Taming of the Shrew (from Act 5 Scene 2 - Katherina: ‘Fie, Fie!’ to Petruchio: ‘.. kiss me Kate.’) and respond to the following: 

• How does Shakespeare present aspects of love in this passage?           
• Examine the view that Katherina, as presented in this passage, bears no resemblance to the strong woman seen elsewhere in the play.                                                                                                                                 

7.  ‘Typically, texts about husbands and wives present marriage from a male point of view.’ In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Petruchio and Katherina in Act 5 Scene 2  from Petruchio: ‘Katherina, that cap of yours..’ to Petruchio: ‘.. kiss me, Kate.’ and elsewhere in the play.

8. What dramatic purpose does the Induction serve and how does the story of Christopher Sly reflect some of the main themes in The Taming of the Shrew?

9. Compare and contrast the two Minola sisters and discuss Shakespeare’s characterisation of them both. Choose one scene near the beginning of the play and one near the end.

10. How significant are the disguises in The Taming of the Shrew in terms of plot and theme? 

11. What is the significance of Shakespeare's choice of title for the play?

12. What does The Taming of the Shrew suggest about the use and abuse of power in domestic relationships?

13. What does Shakespeare's use of animal imagery contribute to The Taming of the Shrew?

14. How has the change in the context of The Taming of the Shrew and 10 Things I Hate About You shaped the values conveyed in the two texts?

15. To what extent could it be argued that the desire for a new authority or father-figure influences Katharine’s decision to marry Petruchio and Bianca’s treatment of her suitors?

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