The Taming of The Shrew Act Four

Act 4 (due Tuesday)

1.

How is Petruchio's masculinity represented? Examine his treatment of servants, Kate, etc.

2.

He barks out orders. He constantly demands things, and orders his servants around. He beats on his servants as if they are no more than rag dolls.  Many critics mark the sun/moon scene in the road to Padua (scene 5) as the turning point in the play which indicates Kate's taming. What is different about this scene? If she is tamed, what is she submitting to? Is it really a "submission," or can it be interpreted in other ways? Petruchio is talking about the sun, but he calls it the moon. Katherine goes to correct him, and says that it is actually the sun and not the moon. Then, he calls her out and humiliates her by saying that if he wants to call it the moon, then it is the moon. She agrees to call it whatever he wishes, so that she does not upset him. This is odd because this is not Katherine. So, this is really signs of her being tamed. She I don't know if she is tamed or not. I almost think that she is agreeing just so she doesn't have to deal with her husband. I mean if she is submitting I don't know what she would be submitting to other than a life of slavery. That's how she is being treated. It's awful. I don't know if I think that it is submission. I think it is her picking her battles. It may be submission though so that she can avoid arguments.