Summary:
The belief in men's superiority to women in 16th century England is an underlying theme in William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." Masculine values of the era are power, honor and respect. Men strived to achieve these values to achieve masculinity.
Masculinity is represented through "The Taming of the Shrew" which reflects the nature of English society in the sixteenth century. Men were regarded superior to the female race, an issue that is an underlying idea in the novel. Men value power, honour and respect. It is a man's duty to fulfil all three values and consequently creating a masculine figure.
Power is a value that all men are willing and able to attain. In marriage a husband is able to dominate their wife. Whatever they say is viewed as correct and no one in the family is able to object. Petruchio believes "it is the blessed sun" that shines bright. In reply Katherina agrees "then God blessed, it is the blessed sun" without rethinking weather the statement is true or false. Also men are granted a dowry.....
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