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The Taming Of The Shrew: Mistaken Identities - Online Term Paper

The Taming Of The Shrew: Mistaken Identities

Throughout the play "The Taming of the Shrew," William Shakespeare has utilized
several ingenious techniques resulting in an effective piece of work. One of
the more unique and creative methods is the use of mistaken identity. With the
use of mistaken identity, Shakespeare has successfully given the play an element
of humor from the beginning to the end.

The mistaken identity within the two induction scenes must have been quite
humorous for the upper-class noblemen who watched the play. In Shakespeare's
time, the upper-class often found their amusement in the poorer, more
unfortunate lower-class. Christopher Sly was no exception. When the lord finds
Sly, a drunk beggar, he ...

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that he really
was suffering from a long sickness. When Sly asks the page, who is pretending
to be his wife to undress and join him in bed, the audience must have reacted
with loud laughter knowing that his ‘wife' is actually the same sex as he.
Although Sly does not understand the lifestyle of the upper-class, it is quite
obvious that he is enjoying it while it lasts.

There are several cases of mistaken identity present in the subplot which
involves Bianca and her suitors. One humorous situation caused by mistaken
identity arises in Act I, Scene ii, when several of the characters meet each
other. Here, the audience learns how gullible Gremio is when he is tricked by
Lucentio into believing that Lucentio is a schoolmaster. Gremio does not
realize that he is actually giving a fellow competitor an opportunity to court
Bianca. The dramatic irony here is amusing to the audience because they all
know that Lucentio is not going to speak highly of Gremio like he had promised.
Also, ...

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The Taming Of The Shrew: Mistaken Identities. (2007, February 1). Retrieved January 13, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Taming-Of-Shrew-Mistaken-Identities/59601

"The Taming Of The Shrew: Mistaken Identities." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 1 Feb. 2007. Web. 13 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Taming-Of-Shrew-Mistaken-Identities/59601>

"The Taming Of The Shrew: Mistaken Identities." Essayworld.com. February 1, 2007. Accessed January 13, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Taming-Of-Shrew-Mistaken-Identities/59601.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 2/1/2007 04:17:41 AM
Category: Arts
Type: Free Paper
Words: 869
Pages: 4

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