"A Streetcar Named Desire" vs. "Taming of the Shrew"
             Shakespeare's writing was so profound and inspiring that his ideas continue to echo in the different plots and themes of many modern plays. The themes of sexuality, illusion, and marriage are evident in both Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" and Tennessee Williams "A Streetcar Named Desire" through similar plot lines, situations, and family ties.
             The theme of illusion plays a huge part in the plot of both plays. In "Taming of the Shrew" there is a great amount of illusion and role-playing. Lucentio pretends to be a language teacher, Tranio pretends to be Lucentio, Hortensio pretends to be a music teacher, and the old man pretends to be Vincentio (Lucentio's father). Also in this story is the small beginning part of Christopher Sly who becomes confused about his own identity when the lord fools him into thinking he is a rich lord instead of a beggar. The whole plot itself shows illusion at its best. In A Streetcar Named Desire, Blanche tries to make herself appear virtuous and pure to impress Mitch, when in reality she had been incredibly sexually active. Eventually all parties in both plays drop their facades and confessed that it was all in the name of love.
             "Yes, I had many intimacies with strangers.... So I came here. There was nowhere else I could go. I played out...and I met you. You said you needed somebody. Well, I needed somebody, too. I thanked god for you, because you seemed to be gentle - a cleft in a rock of the world that I could hide in!" (Blanche Scene 9 PG 219-220)
             The biggest similarity between both plays lies in the relationship and interactions between their respective characters. Bianca and Katherine are sisters in "Taming of the Shrew" and although related by blood, are complete opposites. Bianca is the epitome of perfection in terms of quiet submission, obedience, gentleness, beauty, and virtue. At the same tim...