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The Taming of the Shrew gives us a couple of very distinct variations in ways that fathers raise their daughters and the way fathers raise their sons. One of the earliest examples is with regard to male and female education. Early in the play we are introduced to Lucentio who has arrived in Padua with his servant Tranio to haply institute a course of learning and ingenious studies... (act one, scene one, line eight). Lucentio seek to find an education that could not be received in Pisa but only in a delightfully art filled city like Padua.
This type of study abroad was encouraged by fathers of this time frame. Women, on the other hand, were only to receive what little education that would be brought forth to them by way of tutors. These tutors were hand picked by the father, Schoolmasters... fit to instruct her youth (act one, scene one, line eighty), arguably in effort to institute education that would make her dowry more valuable to possible suitors.
At no point would it be allowable for any woman to seek education outside the doors of their own home. Another variation that can be seen in the raising of women and men by their fathers is that of respect as it should be shown from a woman to a man. Kate becomes known for her abrasive and perverse nature early in the play as seen in the streets of Padua when Lucentio and Tranio overhear the conversation of Batista and company. In awe Tranio looks to Lucentio and describes Kate as a wench who is stark mad or wonderful froward (act one, scene one, line sixty-nine). Sure evidence that a tongue as fierce as Kates was rarely, if ever, seen in their time, much less in public for others to encounter passing by. By contrast men were expected to be honored and obeyed by their female counterparts and use of such harsh words would not be accepted.
Males of the time would show courtesy towards women when speaking to them, but could take what ever means necessary to curb any and all disrespect shown towards them by any woman. When Petruchio describes Kate as a wasp, Kate warns beware my sting... (act two, scene one, line two hundred ten), in reply Petruchio proclaims My remedy then is to pluck it out (act two, scene one, line two hundred eleven). Petruchio has now clear stated his goal which is to remove Kates sting or to curb a behavior so dishonorable that it embarrasses even her father. Petruchio's mission appears to be a success as Kate, sounding defeated, describes a womans role as bound to serve, love, and obey (act five, scene two, line one hundred sixty four). As you can see men and when of the time framed for us by Shakespeare were treated quite differently by their fathers and husbands. Men are expected to labor and educate themselves to preserve his family's lifestyle.
Meanwhile the women of the time were granted only enough education to make themselves more appealing to suitors would grant them a great dowry in exchange for obedience, love, and a life of servitude.
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