Taming Of The Shrew, William Shakespeare
Taming Of The Shrew, William Shakespeare
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Taming Of The Shrew

Author: William Shakespeare

Narrator: Geoffrey Giuliano, The Arc

Unabridged: 2 hr 54 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 11/04/2023


Synopsis

"The Taming of the Shrew" is one of William Shakespeare's timeless comedies. In this classic play, the story revolves around the courtship of a headstrong woman named Katherina, often referred to as Kate, and the efforts of a suitor, Petruchio, to "tame" her. The play is set in the Italian city of Padua and is filled with humor, wit, and clever wordplay, which are hallmarks of Shakespearean comedy.
The main plot of the play focuses on the hilarious and sometimes contentious relationship between Kate and Petruchio. Kate is known for her sharp tongue and independent spirit, while Petruchio is a bold and unconventional suitor. Their interactions provide a comedic exploration of gender roles and societal expectations in the Elizabethan era.
Meanwhile, a secondary plot involves the romantic pursuits of Kate's younger sister, Bianca, who is sweet-tempered and much sought after by several suitors. However, their father, Baptista, has a rule that Kate must marry before Bianca can, leading to various schemes and misunderstandings.
"The Taming of the Shrew" is a play that has sparked debates and discussions about its portrayal of gender dynamics and relationships. Some view it as a reflection of its time, while others interpret it more critically, considering it a commentary on power and control.

About William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was born in April 1564 in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, on England’s Avon River. When he was eighteen, he married Anne Hathaway. The couple had three children—an older daughter Susanna and twins, Judith and Hamnet. Hamnet, Shakespeare’s only son, died in childhood. The bulk of Shakespeare’s working life was spent in the theater world of London, where he established himself professionally by the early 1590s. He enjoyed success not only as a playwright and poet, but also as an actor and shareholder in an acting company. Although some think that sometime between 1610 and 1613 Shakespeare retired from the theater and returned home to Stratford, where he died in 1616, others believe that he may have continued to work in London until close to his death.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Barry on January 24, 2016

We get it Bill, you hate women.......more

Goodreads review by Anne on April 12, 2023

Huh. This certainly didn't age well, did it? And I get it. You can't really judge an old ass play by today's moral standards. Except you kind of can. So. Kate is kind of a screechy bitch who doesn't want to get married. Her father (idiotically) proclaims that he won't allow his younger daughter, Bianc......more

Goodreads review by Lydia on November 05, 2007

Lucentio: Hey, I'm Lucentio. Who's that hot girl? Bianca: That would be me. And hotness is about all I have going for me. Because I only have about 5 lines. Lucentio: Wanna have sex get married? Baptista: I'm her father, you whippersnapper. Get in line. She can't get married until her older sister does......more

Goodreads review by Emily May on September 03, 2016

It makes some people feel better to believe that the rampant misogyny in this play is supposed to be ironic. Well, whatever. I still don't much enjoy watching a woman having her spirit broken down until she's nothing but a shell of what she once was.......more

Goodreads review by Henry on February 28, 2026

The gentle gentleman, William Shakespeare pokes glorious fun at customs, marriages , greed and scoundrels, especially pretentious men and women. .. A practical joke can be carried to the extreme, in the northern Italian city of Padua, in the time of the brilliant Renaissance, a poor intoxicated man......more