Taming of the Shrew and Shrek 2

- Shrek 2 is the sequel to Shrek and it takes place in the kingdom of Far Far Away. There Fiona and Shrek meet Fiona’s parents and they do not approve of Shrek, their disapproval most visibly manifested in her father’s attitude towards Shrek. Her father, coerced by the Fairy God Mother, wishes for Fiona to marry the handsome Prince Charming, who, by all means, tries to gain Fiona’s love.  In the Taming of the Shrew which is set in Padua, Italy. The main character, Katherine is the daughter of the affluent Baptista, who wishes for her to marry a bachelor by the name of Petruchio. The submissive female has seemed to remain resilient in cinema despite all of significant progress made throughout the years. While these two texts differ in many ways, they both portray their female leads as submissive figures.

“If she and I be pleased, what's that to you?”

(Act 3, Scene 2, line 10-11)

The bachelor Petruchio was speaking to Baptista about his daugher,  Katherine’s, hand in marriage. While Baptista wanted Petruchio to marry Katherine, Baptista felt that Petruchio was coming across very strong in a short amount of time, hints the context of the quote. This quote objectifies Katherine because it does not acknowledge her whatsoever, this objectification is synonymous with submission in this case, as Katherine as an object is in a perpetual state of submission.

In this scene in Shrek 2, Shrek is arguing with Fiona’s father, after he comments on the living conditions Fiona is “subject to” living in a swamp. While doing this, Shrek and Fiona’s father are tearing their dinner to shreds (Not figuratively, but literally).

The situations are similar as both husbands (or future husbands) are the within the middle of a conflict with their wives’ fathers. However, Shrek is actually on the good side of Fiona, whereas Petruchio is not by any means on Katherine’s good side. In this scene specifically Shrek initially attempted to gain her father’s approval, as did Petruchio, but both ended up in some sort of conflict.

“My husband and my lord, my lord and husband; I am your wife in all obedience.”  - Katherine to dinner guests.

In the quote above, Katherine at a dinner party and has since married Petruchio and become ‘tamed’, now, Katherine is extremely submissive and telling the guests about her new found submission.

In the scene below, Shrek and Fiona are treading towards Fiona’s parents.

Shrek does not, by any means trying to meet Fiona’s, however, she becomes obedient and attempts to comfort him. As stated before, obedience is synonymous with submission.

The portrayals in both Shrek 2 and Shrew speak volumes to society’s views of women both past (in Shrew) and present. While we have many subversive depictions of female’s in cinema and pop culture, submissive depictions still exist, and this is due to the idea of patriarchy present in both Shrek and Shrew.

Taming of the shrew analyzing Bridget Jones’ movie from her point of view marc darcies and daniel cleaver ‘Bridget Jones’ diary focuses’ on Bridget a working woman who is struggling to find a man. She meets  Mark Darcy and finds him to be incredibly rude to her, and later becomes the girlfriend of Daniel Cleaver who cheats on her with another woman but it constantly reminds Bridget of her inadequacies. While “Bridget Jones’ Diary” Shows supposedly shows the story of a “modern woman,” these customs of marriage especially for a woman is the only way she will be deemed successful.

“ Kate of my consolation Hearing thy mildness praised in every town,Thy virtues spoke of, and thy beauty sounded,

Yet not so deeply as to thee belongs,”

Petruchio is talking to Katherine about how he will woo her, this is also the point where he is starving her and telling her it’s because she deserves better. This is exactly similar to what Daniel Cleaver does towards the end of his relationship with Bridget where he, allows himself to cheat on her and tells her it’s simply because she is far too good for him.  This is exactly similar to what Daniel Cleaver does towards the end of his relationship with Bridget where he, allows himself to cheat on her and tells her it’s simply because she is far too good for him.  However his torture of her allows for him to control her. At which point she eventually rebels from his tactics and kicks him to the curb after he fights with Mark Darcy.

In this scene Bridget's mom has introduced Bridget and Mark, and leaves them to have a conversation. Mark is obviously not interested in Bridget as she tries to make the situation less awkward by talking about how awkward the situation they both are in is, and in turn makes it that much more awkward. She leaves and Mark insults her loud enough for her to hear it. In this scene in particular mark is most similar to Katherine, he is unmoved by this ‘suitor’ that his mom has placed upon him trying in trying to pressure him into getting married or have a girlfriend. Katherine is the same way, where she acts awful and nasty towards every man that has tried to woo her in order for her to marry before her sister even though she has no desire too. This shows that the custom of marriage for Bridget is much more embarrassing that she is single than it is for Mark Darcy. Although we compare Mark’s attitude to that of Katherines’ it is Bridget who ultimately ends up the victim to the cruel harsh words of Darcy, while Katherine appeared ridiculous and rude to not want such a suitor.

“Sir, understand you this of me in sooth The youngest daughter whom you hearken for Her father keeps from all access of suitors,

And will not promise her to any man”

This is the scene where petruchio has already been asked to win over Katherine in order to free Bianca’s eligibility and he is talking to Baptista who is the father of both girls. This plays on the traditional customs of Women who are unable to chose their own husbands. While Baptista does eventually tell Petruchio that Katherine must love him, it remains unclear if she ever does, or merely accepted her fate. This custom has not been completely diminished the approval of the father within relationships from a father figure or “Man of the house” is often something that society looks for within a stable home. A man is not good if dad doesn’t approve. This is the difference that we find with Bridget in her movie.

In this scene, Mark darcy and Daniel Cleaver are both fighting over Bridget, Daniel has just come from his home showing up randomly to announce how he feels about Bridget and to apologize to her for the awful ordeal he caused her. Prior to Bridget and Mark, and Daniel meeting Daniel Cleaver were already friends with Mark and lost touch after Daniel had an affair with Mark’s Fiance but told Bridget that the opposite happened. In this particular situation Bridget is both Bianca and Baptista and Katherine, She has been warped and pressured into making a decision to date someone throughout the film, and now has to make the decision of whom she wants to marry at the same time while being the most wanted girl. This is supposed to show the example of good guy V.S. bad guy within this scene however their is no concern for the choice of Bridget, and while she is the protagonist her entire life revolves around having a man in it. This shows how, even though we change the times and the rolls and allude to the idea that the decision is all Bridgets. What we actually see is that it is much prettier to see who is more deserving of her and judge her for the selection that she makes. Much like in Shrew how it was never Biancas decision to be married or not, it was simply to whom. Bridgets worth is completely diminished if she does not chose a man. But it is not her choice where her worth comes from.

Both the taming of the shrew and Bridget Jones diary emphasize the idea that a woman's worth is in her man. Society likes the to have the idea of a happy ending being with a man period. Noth the realisation that a women could be beautiful without one, or have worth on her own. However that is not the case. These portrayals show us that the institutions of marriage are the only way for anyone to achieve security in their lives. At the end of the movie Mark Darcy tells Bridget that he is in love with her just the way she is, after she has changed completely.

The Shakespeare classic, "The Taming of the Shrew", shows the relationship between romance and obedience has been around for centuries. In the play, the crazy- neurotic and dominant Petruchio seeks to win Katherine’s love through obedience, despite her persistence independence. In the 2006 movie, “She’s The Man”, the main character Viola has an ex-boyfriend Justin with the same mindset as Petruchio--and she’s just as stubborn as Katherine, and also just as sneaky.

Though Katherine and Viola share some emotions and personality traits, their situations- and end goals- are very different. Katherine never wanted marriage, never wanted to allow a man to have control over her, and while Viola want’s the same, she has a guy in mind she believes is her happily ever after. Katherine is forced into marriage to Petruchio  as he lied about her father immediately promising her over, and as he begins to train her, she also tricks him. Viola has to overcome the fact that her ex-boyfriend Justin is actually a controlling jerk, and her new love Duke likes Oliva, the good debutant that obeys. The snapping with both characters possess in their disobedience provide similar humor despite different generations, showing the similarities between our past and present societies. These text reflect that in today’s world, women are able to make their own choices, fighting and disobeying man’s demands more than they once did, but society still deems it acceptable for the man to try and control the women. Both generation of men believe the women should accept the man’s request to obey, but women have other ideas.

Petruchio- “Sirrah Grumio, go to your mistress, Say I command her to come to me.” [Enter Katherine]

Baptista- “Now by my holidan, here comes Katherina!”

Petruchio-“Go fetch them hither...Away, I say, and bring them hither straight... Nay, I will win my wager better yet, and show more sign of her obedience, Her new-built virtue and obedience [Enter Katherine, Bianca and Widow] Katherine, that cap of yours becomes you not. Off with that bauble, throw it underfoot [she obeys].”

(Act x, Scene x, line numbers)

In this quote, taken from the ending scene of the play, Petruchio and his father and brother in law make a wager of whose wife will be obedient and run to them when they call. Everyone bet against Katherine, because of how “mean” and disobedient she appeared to be because she did not want to marry. It turned out she was the only wife to come right away when her husband called for her. She then gives a long speech to the other wives about obeying their husband, begging the question- did she actually submit her obedience or does she hold more power over the man then they realize? Viola finds herself with the same choice as Katherine- listen to her man or do as she pleases?

In this early scene from "She’s The Man," we see that Viola has a love for soccer- something she shares with her boyfriend Justin. Her school cut the girls soccer team, yet allowed the boys soccer team to stay. When the sexist coach refuses to turn the team coed, Justin makes a cruel mistake and misjudgement about his girlfriend-he assumed she would obey. “Justin-“Viola! End of discussion!” Teammate-“Yeah, tell her, man.” Viola-“Fine. End of relationship.” Justin- “Come on, let's go. - Baby, don't be like that. I...I just don't want to see you get hurt.” “You are so full of...” After the sexist comments from both the coach and Justin, Viola breaks up with Justin and doesn’t fall for his excuses, giving the audience the first glance of the fire in her character. Upset that nobody seen anything wrong with the coaches logic or words, she slumps home to her awaiting mother.

Gremio-“She’s too rough for me.- There, there, Hortensio, will you any wife?

Katherine [to Baptista]- “I pray you, sir, is it your will To make a stale of me amongst these mates?

Hortensio- ““Mates”, maid? How mean you that? No mates for you, Unless you were of gentler, milder mold.”

(Act x, Scene x, line numbers)

In this quote, Gremio and Hortensio, two suitors of Bianca, Katherine’s little sister, they explain that Katherine is too mean and rough for them- or any man. They believe her to be ungentle because she does not aspire to marriage, and is opinionated in her life and choices. As these men talk about her, unkindly, she turns to her father, upset that she has to endure the pressure of marriage and submitting to a man. She had already made it clear to her father she had no desire to marry, but until she does, he is not allowing her much admired little sister too be bethroved. The doppelganger spirit of Katherine, Viola, finds herself in similar uncomfortable situations throughout the movie, despite her efforts to avoid the other’s persistence.

As viola arrived home, her mother was waiting for her with several dramatic dresses. Her mother, a well known debutant, wants Viola to follow in her footsteps and embrace the debutant life. Viola had already told her mother she enjoyed sports and ball shorts more than dresses and tea party’s, but her mother ignored her request and continues to manipulate her into debutant duties. Her mother is so invested in the debutants because of Viola’s father, believing debutants get more attention from men and make for better wives. Viola’s mother continues to compare Viola to Olivia, a obedient debutant who has won the attention of Duke, the new boy Viola has a crush on.

By enforcing the “female” stereotype that to get a man’s attention you must be obedient, pretty and well put together, the audience can see how society hasn’t changed much. But by allowing Viola to show her character, as Katherine did, and fight back, the audience is also able to realize that obedience to the man is oppressing to women even if they “submit” their will. Even when the women fought back, those around them did not view the man’s actions as wrong, leaving us wondering if it is an accurate depiction of present day society. Viola ends the movie with both the man and soccer- begging the question, why did she have to fight the man so hard? But she won, and she becomes the man.

The Taming of That Awkward Moment

The play is Taming of the Shrew and the movie is That Awkward Moment. It features Jason and Daniel, both single players living in Manhattan when their best friend Mickey is splitting up from his wife. Mickey got married young and never experience the young and fun life of meeting new people like Jason and Daniel have. The three men go out to have fun and help Mickey get over his splitting up with his wife. Jason and Daniels plan was to stay single till then...

These two texts are similar because in the end, everybody wants to get married to each other. In the movie, however, the men hide their desire to get married because they are being seen as players. The men in the movie like to hide their desire because they want to make it seem to the audience and each other that they fulfill the stereotype that men do not have feelings.

"PETRUCHIO

Tell me her father's name and 'tis enough;

For I will board her, though she chide as loud

As thunder when the clouds in autumn crack."

In the play, Petruchio was keen on impressing Katherines father. He wanted him to know that he would take care of his daughter. Unlike in the movie where Daniel is not the type to impress his lady friend’s parents. In a way he embarrassed himself.

In this scene, Daniel is at Thanksgiving dinner at his undercover girlfriend Chelseas parent’s house. He is talking with Chelsea’s mother about what he does for a living. He then said a joke about his job that he works at Google. Then at that point Chelsea’s father walks up and says “You got a job at Google?” and Daniel responds with “No, no, no it’s just not..” and her dad interrupts with “Possible”. Here it reveals that Daniel is not the type to impress his girl’s dad. He does not prove a great deal that he is the one and has a promising future. It might be that Daniel does not want to be very open about his relationship or that he does not see it lasting too long.

"PETRUCHIO

Why, there's a wench! Come on, and kiss me, Kate.

LUCENTIO

Well, go thy ways, old lad; for thou shalt ha't.

VINCENTIO

'Tis a good hearing when children are toward.

LUCENTIO

But a harsh hearing when women are froward.

PETRUCHIO

Come, Kate, we'll to bed.

We three are married, but you two are sped.”

In this scene Petruchio is being open about his love for Katherine with his friends. He is talking about kissing her and talking about going to bed with her. They are newlyweds and are crazy in love. Unlike in the book, the characters in the movie are not open with their love.  

In this scene in the movie, Daniel and Chelsea are laying in bed at Chelsea’s house. They are cuddling and talking about their live and Chelsea brings up Daniel’s friends. She then asks “What have you told them?” and he says “Oh… everything.” The audience knows that Daniel is not being honest with Chelsea. In the book Petruchio is very open about his love life with his friends and he feels that showing his feelings does not affect how “manly” he is and he does not really care what others think. He only cares about his feelings for Katherine.

(Comparing "Taming of the Shrew" to "Date Night")

The book “The Taming of The Shrew” follows the story of three men, Hortensio, Lutencio and Petruchio, and two women, Bianca and Katherine, who struggle to find a romance in the city of Padua. More in particular, the character named Petruchio is determined to marry the daughter of Baptista; Katherine. Petruchio, desperately going to any lengths to make Katherine his wife, will also attempt to change her in the process. Both the movie Date Night and Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew demonstrate the idea that starting a relationship and changing a pre-existing one cannot simply be forced upon.

“Forward, I pray, since we have come so far,

And be it moon, or sun, or what you please;

And if you please to call it a rush-candle,

Henceforth I vow it shall be so for me.”

(Act 4, Sc. 5, 14)

To tame Kate, Petruchio uses psychological methods, rather than aggressive or barbaric ones. Using highly sophisticated, psychological methods to tame Katherine allow her to keep her witty personality while remaining happy with Petruchio. In this scene, Petruchio makes a comment about the moon being so bright while Katherine attempts to assure him its not nighttime yet. Petruchio argues with Kate and Hortensio insists to Katherine that she simply agrees with him or else they arguement will not end.  Petruchio controls Katherine in order to have the marriage he wants. As for Phil and Claire Foster, they want to continue to have a healthy marriage and will do anything to do so.

In this scene of Date Night, Phil Foster and Claire Foster are on their way to a restaurant for their night out. Forcing themselves to feel better about the situation, they both try to make each other feel comfortable in the situation.

“Then, God be bless'd, it is the blessed sun;

But sun it is not, when you say it is not;

And the moon changes even as your mind.

What you will have it nam'd, even that it is,

And so it shall be so for Katherine. “

(Act 4, Sc. 5, 21)

After being in the argument about the moon and sun, Petruchio successfully gets Katherine to agree to his opinion. This scene symbolizes the two characters and their relationship throughout the entire play. Petruchio wants to maintain the marriage he wants and is not afraid to change Katherine in order to do so. In result, it forms an unhealthy relationship.

In this scene of Date Night, Phil and Claire arrive late to a fancy restaurant and are not able to get a table. While waiting in line for a table, Phil takes somebody else’s reservations so that him and his wife are able to enjoy their date night. Phil wants to rekindle the relationship between him and his wife and is willing to do anything to make sure its secure. This scene not only presents the plot to the story line, but a comedic backdrop to remind the audience of it’s genre.

While both Petruchio and Phil Foster wanted to perfect the relationship they both strived for, neither relationship was mended with the actions the characters took.

In conclusion, both the movie Date Night and Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew demonstrate the idea that starting a relationship and changing a pre-existing one cannot simply be forced upon.