Domestic Violence

There are many prominent themes that arise within this play, domestic violence playing a recognizable and significant role. Today's society is victim to domestic violence on many levels so this issue has been heightened to show the devastating effects that domestic violence plays on so many lives.

Petruccio (Andrew Barclay) is the instigator of much of the verbal and physical violence particularly in his relationship with Katarina (Shideh Faramand). The title of the play Taming of the Shrew indicate the oppressive nature of their relationship. Katarina's title of The Shrew suggests that she is a small mouse like animal which is known for her ferocious temper but at the same time reduces her to nothing but a disobedient and difficult woman.  In suggesting that Katarina needs to be ‘tamed' uncovers the hidden domestic violence in how Petruccio aims to achieve this.  Does Petruccio love Katarina and by "taming her" show his desire for a happy marriage or does he see marriage as an economic institution where patriarchal domination is the norm?

Petruccio's demeanour lies in the middle. He enforces his authority and power over Kate on many levels but at the same time loves her and desperately wants her to rid her domineering nature.  Petruccio's behaviour swings between that of a caring husband to a cruel dictator unable to handle periods of tension, resulting in violent acts. Research has shown that this is the cycle of domestic violence. The tension builds resulting in a violent act, followed by a honeymoon phase until the tension slowly escalates once again. 

The following sites should supply you with sufficient information about the cycle of violence, the warning signs and the lifelong effects this type of violence can have on so many lives.

http://www.pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/barrons/tamings.asp
http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rp/1995-96/96rp27.htm

Possible Discussion Questions:

• Is Petruccio and Katarina's relationship a cycle of domestic violence?
• How does Petruccio treat Katarina?
• How does Katarina respond to this treatment?
• In USQ's production Petruccio is portrayed as a pimp, how is this displayed?

Discussion Point Three

Are there any other forms of domestic violence between the other characters? If so, how is domestic violence displayed? Verbally, physically? Is it subtle or obvious oppression?

Activity Two

The class sits as a group. There are a table and chair in the middle of the group, along with a cup. The cup is the oppressed object and the group are to place the cup in a position so the table and the chair oppress it. 

Levels and height are also a factor so keep this in mind when placing the cup in an oppressed position. Keep going until the cup is thoroughly oppressed and cannot escape the oppression it is under.

Purpose of this game: There is lots of oppression in Taming of the Shrew both subtle and obvious. This game will allow students to recognize the difference between subtle and obvious oppression. This is also an impersonal way of looking at difficult issues such as domestic violence without being too confronting.

Discussion Point Four

Are there any other forms of domestic violence between the other characters?  If so, how is domestic violence displayed? Verbally, physically? Is it subtle or obvious oppression?