TTOTS - context

Question 1

A Merry jest of Shrewd and curst wife.

Answer 1

Well known ballad through 16th century. Tells of how newly married husbands punsihes “shrewish” wife by beating her and wrapping her in the salted skin of a dead horse to teach her to be submissive. Tales of Shrews were common in folklore and remained popular in Elizabethan England.

Question 2

During reign of Elizabeth 1st, English protestant church stressed virtues of marriage and family.Prompting debate about the position of women.

Answer 2

Marriage was not considered an equal partnership - katherina’s final speech embodies orthodox view

Question 3

commedia dell’arte

Answer 3

• early form of professional theatre, originating from Italian theatre, that was popular throughout Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries.
• actors would travel in troops around Europe putting on performances, much like this group in TTOTS.
• characterised by ‘masked types” Shakespeare draws much inspiration from the conventions of this traditional form of drama. Perhaps due to the “masked” identities lending to the idea that identity is fluid and changeable. That we are merely wearning masks.

Question 4

Commedia dell’arte