Mistaken Identity In The Taming Of The Shrew

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Changes While reading Shakespeare's The Taming of The Shrew, the Induction gives us a small glimpse to see that this will in fact be a play within a play. We meet Christopher Sly, who is seen as a very down-to-earth character, knowing his place in the world being born as a peddler then growing into the profession of tinkering; up until a lord and his servants convinced him otherwise. The Induction reminds the audience that they are watching a play and that it cannot be taken necessarily at face value, meaning that the farce cannot be taken far too seriously. Another thing the Induction introduces are the main themes of the play; mistaken identity, disguise, and change of character which is seen all throughout the story. Thus causing much conflict within the characters themselves. …show more content…
This raises the idea of whether the play is trying to suggest that there is a “correct” identity and way to act, or if people should remain true to themselves and not give in to others. The brief story line of Sly implies that even though he takes on the identity of the lord, he is still just a drunk who is solely a source of amusement for those in a higher prestige than him. This is similar to Katherine and how she transforms into a person that is no longer considered a shrew and is not seen in a negative light by her peers. Despite this change, she now has a husband who does not respect her, and her new blindly obedient attitude only benefits Petruchio. The fact that these two characters are not in a better place in their lives even after they change their identities shows that the play argues that people should not change to please the people around
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