Tone, Symbols, Point of View

Taming of the Shrew is a comedy filled with diverse characters and personalities. Shakespeare develops various tones throughout the play, some of which include sarcasm and playfulness. Overall, the play is of a comic nature, but it does take on a more serious disposition when such topics as hierarchical marriage are addressed. The play takes place in the third person, so various points of view are established throughout it. Shakespeare uses symbols such as Petruchio's wedding attire to add both a comic effect and an underlying meaning to the play. Petruchio's apparel is a symbol of the status he holds over Kate. He uses the costume to embarrass Kate, which is all part of the plan to tame her. Shakespeare also introduces the falcon as a symbol of Kate. In order to tame Kate, Petruchio trains her as if she were a falcon, depriving her of nutrition and sleep in order to make her submit to his wishes. Petruchio's authority over Kate is further developed with the symbol of the exquisite cap and gown that Kate loves and Petruchio denounces.