Friday, August 9, 2013

In Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, list Petruchio's techniques to tame a falcon, which he will also use to tame Kate, in Act IV, scene i.

In Shakespeare, The Taming of the
Shrew
, in Act IV, scene one, we witness as Petruchio dresses down all of his
servants, finding fault with all they do. Even Kate believes that perhaps he is too
harsh. He sends the mutton back to the kitchen, saying it is unfit to eat, and unhealthy
for them, and so, without dinner, they move to the bridal chamber.
As the servants comment on Petruchio's behavior, he returns and outlines his plan for
taming Kate, as he would a falcon: the techniques are exactly the
same.


First, he says that she will have no food at all—not
today or tomorrow. Secondly, he says she will have no sleep. When it comes time to
sleep, he will rip the covers and pillows, etc., from the bed, insisting they are not
suitable, and since she did not sleep the night before, she will be exhausted. He
promises that it will seem as if he is sheltering her with kindness ("killing her with
kindness"), when he is really plotting to make her an obedient
wife. These ploys work with falcons to break their spirit when they
will not obey; he expects the same of Kate. He ends the speech asking if anyone has a
better idea; if so, he should share it. Petruchio
says:



Thus
have I politicly begun my reign,


And 'tis my hope to end
successfully.


My falcon now is sharp and passing
empty;


And till she stoop she must not be
full-gorged,(175)


For then she never looks upon her
lure.


Another way I have to man my
haggard,


To make her come and know her keeper's
call,


That is, to watch her, as we watch these
kites


That bate and beat and will not be obedient.
(180)


She eat no meat to-day, nor none shall
eat;


Last night she slept not, nor to-night she shall
not;


As with the meat, some undeserved
fault


I'll find about the making of the
bed;


And here I'll fling the pillow, there the bolster,
(185)


This way the coverlet, another way the
sheets:


Ay, and amid this hurly I
intend


That all is done in reverend care of
her;


And in conclusion she shall watch all
night:


And if she chance to nod I'll rail and brawl
(190)


And with the clamour keep her still
awake.


This is a way to kill a wife with
kindness;


And thus I'll curb her mad and headstrong
humour.


He that knows better how to tame a
shrew,


Now let him speak: 'tis charity to show.
(195)


No comments:

Post a Comment

What accomplishments did Bill Clinton have as president?

Of course, Bill Clinton's presidency will be most clearly remembered for the fact that he was only the second president ever...