Masculinity in Shakespeare’sThe Taming of the Shrew

Abstract

This research intends to excavate the masculinity embedded in Shakespeare’s early comedyThe Taming ofthe Shrew, and attempts to mirror the contemporary socio-cultural structure, concept and tradition strictly based ontraditional patriarchal norms and ideals. Thework undertakesexplorationof meaningful factsregarding the longstanding history of the domination and exploitation of women in the society, applying a different perspective or a unique toolof“Masculinity” which celebrates the strength, power and the wild realm of men to rule over othersespecially the weak women, due towhichthe level and status of women are crucially maimed, ridiculed and demeaned. The playwright’s attitude, influence, style and background of writing have been briefly discussed together with short plot of the play in the first chapter. Author’s intention of selecting the plot having masculine issues, the socio-cultural structure during his time and general introduction of Masculinity also have been briefly discussed in the first chapter. The second chapter includes detail analysis of gender theories specially about hegemonic masculinity and femininity. The entire interpretation of the text focusing to explore out the elements or the facts related to the masculinity issues embedded in the play has been carefully donein the third chapter.And the fourth chapter concludes the findings declaring the celebration of masculinity in the play.