Shakespeare in Perspective: "The Taming of the Shrew", Induction (06:47)

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"The Taming of the Shrew" is a play within a play, performed at a country home for a drunken tinker. Penelope Mortimer describes why "The Induction" causes controversy and is frequently omitted. A lord plays a trick on Christopher Sly and has his servants inform him that he is really a lord.

"The Taming of the Shrew": Act II, Scene 1 (07:53)

Old Baptista criticizes Katherine's behavior after she ties up her sister, Bianca. Mortimer describes how Shakespeare was sick of romantic love when he wrote the play. Petruchio comes to Padua to find a rich wife and tries to convince Katherine to marry him.

"The Taming of the Shrew": Act III, Scene 2 (04:19)

One of Shakespeare's daughters married a doctor while the other married a good-for-nothing. Watch the scene where Petruchio enters the wedding dressed in inappropriate attire and then tells those gathered that he and Katherine are leaving. Mortimer discusses the controversial aspects of the play.

"The Taming of the Shrew": Act IV, Scene 1 (03:55)

Mortimer explains how the general population has become too politically correct for Shakespeare's plays. Petruchio, while loud, will always check with his wife before making a decision and Katherine will remember their marriage fondly.

Credits: Shakespeare in Perspective: The Taming of the Shrew (00:28)

Credits: Shakespeare in Perspective: The Taming of the Shrew