Shakespeare uses the word "mold" in Act I, scene I when Baptistia, Hortensio,
Gremio, and Kate are discussing the fact that Bianca cannot be courted until Kate is
married. Orgel substitutes the word "character." In doing so, I feel he possibly
overlooked some of Shakespeare's possible intentions in his word choice.
Here are the two fairly synonymous definitions for the terms, taken from the
The sum of the moral and mental qualities which distinguish an individual or a race,
viewed as a homogeneous whole; the individuality impressed by nature and habit on man
or nation; mental or moral constitution.
The distinctive nature of a person or thing, esp. as indicative of origin; constitution,
By these definitions, a straight substitution seems fairly harmless. However,
another definition of "mold," also from the Oxford English Dictionary, suggests that
perhaps Shakespeare had secondary definitions in mind as well.
A pattern by which something is shaped.
An object of imitation; a model or example.
Kate (at least at this point in the play) is definitely not shaping herself after society's
pattern for young women. Bianca, however, seems to epitomize the concept of the
"perfect" young lady, according to the same model. Perhaps Shakespeare uses the word
"mold" to bring to mind questions concerning some of the social concepts that surround
this play. Is Kate undesirable as a wife simply because she is tempestuous, or is the
underlying reason her apparent lack of social conformity?
Kate calls Bianca "minion" in Act II, scene i, line 13 when Bianca tells her that
she really hasn't fallen in love with anyone. Orgel substitutes the word "minx" for
"minion." I feel that Shakespeare intended more than simply the
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