that this play is a "kind of history," which gives us the idea that the play is based upon truth, yet we are invited us to laugh at it ("frame your mind with mirth and merriment.") (I.2.137) By the use of this "play within a play," Shakespeare allows us to laugh at this otherwise serious behavior, as the double-layer of characters serves to distance the characters from directly opposing public custom outright. It is interesting that Shakespeare uses the term for Sly to "hear" the play (I.2.136), wherein he suggests that we pay close attention to the issues that are raised, but also to who is – and isn't – speaking; silence and indirect communication prove to be key issues within this play.
             Katherine has been labeled a "shrew" by all the characters, even those who have not yet met her. There is no withholding of public opinion -- she is called a shrew in her own presence and continually reminded that no one will want to marry her. Her father also reinforces this condescension by his obvious preference for Bianca and his perfunctory dismissals of Katherine. He even urges Petruchio to reconsider his proposal. Thus, all the voices surrounding Katherine reinforce that she is a shrew. It is only Petruchio that does not engage in this humiliation. He publicly proclaims her m
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