The Taming of the Shrew

The Taming of the Shrew is perhaps one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays by modern standards. Hinging on the courtship between the arrogant Petruchio and the "shrew" of the title Katherina, it is unclear whether Shakespeare's blatantly misogynistic themes were in earnest or tongue in cheek. The charming and tender Bianca is forbidden to marry until her elder sister, Katherine is spoken for. Bianca's suitors enlist Petruchio to woo Katherina for her dowry. Petruchio embarks on his own brand of psychological torture and in so doing manages to "tame" the stubborn Katherine who morphs into the faultless submissive wife.