esires. Katherine realizes that propriety is as much a signature of self-respect as respect for others, and she has a husband whom she need prove nothing to because he already respects her. The reason for Katherine's shrewish demeanor is never given in the play, though it could be interpreted as an act to discourage suitors or to sibling rivalry between Katherine and her sister Bianca. In any case, no clear rationale is given to the audience as to the reason for Katherine's behavior. It is enough to say that the actions of her father and sister do not relieve the situation as well. Throughout the whole of the play, her father treats her as a commodity to be bargained away to whoever is willing to take her. Granted that he doesn't view Bianca as anything more than a commodity as well, but he clearly favors her over Katherine as unspoiled merchandise. Bianca has a rather small role to play in the whole of things. She seems to be the archetypal young lady of quality. Her lack of understanding for her sister causes them to quarrel and results in Bianca taking the physical worst of it, whilst Katherine is blamed for her belligerent nature. The entire presence of family in the play gives Katherine her motivation and explains much of the whole situation in the dialogue. Katherineis a very different individual. Yet,she shares the same characteristics that Shakespeare imparted onto many of his heroines. Each is resolute and knows her own mind. Though society demands certain behavior from them, they chose to undertake a different path to deny that behavior. That self is promoted over the public image,and yet not averse to returning to society's established roles if it serves their needs and wants. The entire concept of choice and free-will, of which Shakespeare was so fond of, applies as equally to his feminine characters as to his masculine. It is this very important point which establishes the conclusion that Shakespeare did indeed cr...
