Does Shakespeare want us to think Katherina is really a shrew?
             Shakespeare was a writer ahead of his time; he presented Katherina to us as a very strong character despite the fact that she is a woman living in the Elizabethan times. Although she has a very strong personality, Shakespeare had to write a play to gain the attention of the audience of the 16th century by introducing a character strong enough to deal with her – Petruchio. Women were supposed to obey to whatever men said and if they were as outspoken as Katherina they were considered mad or as in Katherina's case, a shrew! They were treated as part of a man's property and had no right to express their opinions. Their job was to look pretty, be used to the pleasure of men and keep the house.
             Generally a 16th century audience would interpret the wording of the play as if it was all Katherina's fault and as if she didn't have any reasons to behave the way she did – outspoken; breaking the orders... as the writers of today would, however, a modern audience wouldn't interpret it in that way. We can read in between the lines although Shakespeare didn't write many stage directions down, there are implicit ones which help us answering the question of whether she is supposed to be seen as a shrew or not.
             When first introduced, Katherina comes on stage and immediately creates an impression with the audience. She come on stage with her father, her sister, and two suitors who are more interested in Bianca who is known for her sweet, gentle manners:
             "But in the other's silence do I see
             Maid's mild behaviour and sobriety".
             For Lucentio to say this, Bianca must have been acting in a very innocent way, the opposite of Katherina. As Shakespeare used a complete contrast to Katherina – Bianca, the audience assumed Katherina to be a shrew as she didn't behave appropriately, however, in my opinion, I ...