I found the Taming of the Shrew to be comical. Kate's defiance and strong-willed attitude towards her suitors is cause for laughter. I can imagine that it would be much funnier if watched as a play. One is bound to laugh at the banter that ensues between Petruchio and Kate. The deception of disguise is humorous and witnessed throughout the play. The play begins with the absurdity of a poor tinker, Sly, being treated like a king. This scene prepares the reader for the role switching and humor that will entail. It is also comical how Petruchio alters Kate's behavior so dramatically, however scary. One finds it strange how the institution of marriage could control one so greatly.
I am unsure as to how I feel about the ending. There are mixed opinions of how Kate's submission should be viewed. As this play is meant to be satirical, one can guess that Kate is being sarcastic towards Petruchio's dominant rule over Kate. However, I am not sure that this is the case. It is true that she is annoyed with him, but is she breaking and becoming a submissive woman? In the time of Shakespeare, a woman was deemed appropriate and good if she obeyed her husband. I feel that he slightly pokes fun at the institution of marriage through the absurdity of the play. It seems that Kate realizes that it will be easier on her if she accepts her role as Petruchio's wife. Secretly, the slight feminist in me wishes that Kate stood her ground.
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