This episode is a true example of what happens when you don't make yourself stop falling down the research rabbit hole.
We're back with more The Taming of the Shrew and looking specifically the two main romantic leads. What is Petruchio's deal? What is Kate's? And why is everyone so obsessed with them?
I wade my way through a reading of the play, several books, and a number of articles to see what people have said about these two characters to get a better idea of why the conversation surrounding this play is so lively.
Initially, I thought this was something I could get through quickly. But it turns out, I had way more feelings about it than anticipated. So enjoy a discussion of a romantic male lead who might actually be the worst person ever and a romantic female lead who maybe makes no sense?
Enjoy, and gird your loins for an eventual part three!
Further Reading and Watching
The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare (I read the Arden edition, which always has lovely introductions)
Shakespeare and feminist performance: ideology on stageby Sarah Werner
"Performing Marriage with a Difference: Wooing, Wedding,and Bedding in 'The Taming of the Shrew" by Amy L. Smith
Shakespeare for Students: Book 2 by Catherine C Dominic
"Comic Structure the Humanizing of Kate in The Tamingof the Shrew" by John C. Bean, chapter in In The Women’s part: feminist criticism of Shakespeare, edited by Carolyn Lenz
"From Shrew to Subject: Petruchio's Humanist Education ofKatherine in 'The Taming of the Shrew'" by Elizabeth Hutcheon
"The Taming of the Shrew" with Morgan Freeman, episode of Shakespeare Uncovered from PBS
Further Listening
Episode 35: The Taming of the Shrew, Context and Confusion
Credit where credit is due
Podcast art by Halie Branson
Music recording by josdvg