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Themes in The Taming of the Shrew

Themes Examples in The Taming of the Shrew:

Act I - Scene 2

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"Please ye we may contrive this afternoon, And quaff carouses to our mistress' health, And do as adversaries do in law, Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends...."   (Act I - Scene 2)

Tranio's lines underscore a major theme and problem within the play. Love is devoid of meaning and feeling in a world where suitors compete with each other for money, status, and marriage. Feeling is displaced and love becomes more of a contract or prize that can be likened to legal battles. The play will continue to explore this problem and, ironically, offer Katherina and Petruchio's relationship as a solution at the end of the play.

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