A first-person interpretation of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew", told from the point of view of one of the female characters.
23rd September
Today is Sunday, the day I am scheduled to wed Petrucchio. We are all here gathered outside my father's house, except for Petrucchio, that is. It has now been two hours and there is still no sign of him. It is totally disgraceful! That lying, deceiving man! How can he have the nerve to not turn up and keep me waiting, to give my hand, opposed against my heart. Without sending a word, not even a phone call, nothing! Why must he treat me in such a manner? Does Petrucchio think that he can habitually woo women only to leave them standing at the alter? I don't even want to be here in the first place. It is so unfair that women are forced to subjugate their wills to their fathers! Why, I could shred my father to pieces for forcing this wedding!
24th September
The wedding was a total disaster. Finally after a two hour wait Bionello rushed in and told me that the groom was on his way. About time! I thought to myself as I do not think I could have waited any longer. I felt totally mortified, annoyed and furious. However, to make matters worse Bionello announced that Petrucchio was dressed in a ridiculous, mismatched, and shabby costume, riding up the street on an old, broken-down horse riddled with disease. When Petrucchio finally arrived I was sickened and appalled, as I realised that Biondello's description was correct. I wanted to kill him! That madcap ruffian and a swearing Jack! How could he humiliate me in front of everyone, especially my father? Why, I could have slapped him in the face! I ran off weeping, as I was so upset at what Petrucchio had done. I could not endure any more shame. After this things just kept getting worse. Petrucchio swore at the alter, struck the priest and threw food. It was such an embarrassment. I could not believe it was happening. Nonetheless the marriage was completed and the rest of the company soon arrived. However, before we could even begin the wedding feast, Pertrucchio announced that he must leave and take me with him, not even giving me time to receive congratulations from my friends. It was just ridiculous. He had gone too far and I felt compelled to let him know. I am my own person and I shall leave when I want to! I remember saying to him. However, he was so persistent. He said that since I was now his wife I was his property. The bastard! He was pretending to protect me from jealous thieves however, I was fully aware of his intentions. He was trying to embarrass me and rob me of my dignity with his ridiculous, outlandish attire and crass behaviour in the church. I am now beginning to regret allowing myself to be wed and wish I could retract the decision. Why must women forsooth be forced, to give their hands opposed against their hearts? It is an unbearable injustice. If I acted in a genteel manner when we met Petrucchio would not dare treat me like this. No man should treat his wife in such a fashion.
25th September
Today I am tired and hungry. Petrucchio has not let me eat yet again. Petrucchio became enraged as the servants failed to attend him properly. I have pleaded with him to be more patient but he just doesn't listen. He is a frantic fool! He demanded dinner and they prepared it as quickly as possible, but he claimed the meat was burnt and pushed the meal off the table. I am frustrated and unamused with his behaviour! His kindness is killing me! He keeps telling me that I shall receive nothing but perfection however, I am not happy. Doesn't he realise that? Even after I tried to go to bed he still tried to aggravate and annoy me. Just as he did with the food, he made a fuss about the way the bed was made. I simply do not wish to be treated like this. Those who call me Katherine the Curst should yet experience Petrucchio's hospitality. If one of us is curst why it's my radiobe husband. As soon as I declare I like something he finds a fault and says it's all in the name of perfect love. His behaviour is infuriating me as I am finding it hard to react with my typical anger. I now indeed feel powerless and am finding it hard to stand up to him, as he seems to have the best intentions to only desire me happiness and comfort. I cannot stand it any more! Maybe I should have treated him how other women would, instead of swearing and yelling at him. I cannot endure any more shame and torture!
This is the complete article, containing 799 words
(approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page).
