The Degrading of Women Essay Example for Free

The Degrading of Women Essay In the 16th century, one of the last things anyone wants to be is a female. Throughout the play, it is evident that the role of a woman is burdensome. There is a set perception of a perfect woman, and only those depicting these characteristics are accepted by society. In The Taming of the Shrew era, a womans opinion is never valued, there is a class gap between males and females men are born with a higher rank -, and women are often seen, and are treated, as pieces of property. A womans opinion is not valued in the least and others always make decisions for her against her will. Throughout the male society, there are mental expectations as to how a woman should behave. These standards, although not written in concrete, are expected of all women. Not only is the male society aware of these expectations, but the females are as well, and they often live to meet these expectations. In the play, Katherina vocalizes the basis of these expectations: they are bound to serve, love, and obey (V, II, 164). In this quote, they refers to women, and bound is a very interesting word to use in this context. This is only one example of the thousands on how a womans opinion is not acknowledged. A woman is not only deprived of making her opinions heard, but they are bound to listen to, accept, and to honour a mans beliefs. In this case, the males viewpoint is that a woman is obliged to love, to serve, and to obey. Men even go as far as to decide a womans future husband. Not only is her voice not heard, she is sold off to the wealthiest bidder by none other than her own father. This is evident in the play as Baptista auctions his daughter off, awaiting the highest bid. Content you gentlemen; I will compound this strife. Tis deeds must win the prize, and be of both That can assure my daughter greatest dower Shall have my Biancas love. (II, I, 333-336) This is a clear indication that a woman is sold off to whomever can offer the most for her. It should be of no surprise that more times than another the woman is not always satisfied with the decision. As Katherina so aptly puts it: No shame but mine, I must, forsooth, be forcd / To give my hand, opposd my heart (III, II, 9). However, the mens reign over a woman does not end with her marriage. During her life after marriage, one could say that a womans mind is controlled more than ever. Not only must she uphold her fathers name, but her husbands as well. A womans husband also takes control of her as she is nothing more than mere slave that he has bought. In the play, Petruchio executes his power over Kate as he starves her (IV, II, 3-35), and refuses to pay heed to her opinions in how she would like to dress (IV, II, 81-103). No matter the circumstances whether it be choosing a husband or just living life a womans mind is always made up for her.