Battle of the Sexes

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Recommended: Critics on the oppression of women in literature

In the topic the battle of the sexes the statement, "Ironically, the man still wins the battle of the sexes in literature" I agree with. In the way the statement draws upon the hypocrisies of our ongoing society and social interactions it highly relates to the ordeals in both The Taming of the Shrew and Ten Things I Hate About You. The subjects of male dominance through the centuries proves to the point that men do win the battle of the sexes by what is expected of them and is proved not just in literature but reflected in society in general. The way women are accepting of their role in society and the way their roles are viewed makes it harder for them to step out of their accepted position which is shown in The Taming of the Shrew and Ten Things I Hate About You. There is however the subject of change on the horizon as women revolt out of their subject roles of domestic drudgery.

In the taming of the shrew the battle consists of Petruchio taming Katerina known for her scolding tongue. Shakespeare uses such techniques as imagery in describing many of his characters using animal terms such as 'swine' when he talks about Sly and 'shrew' when talking about Katherina. It gives the effect of showing the changes that take place in the play such as the taming of Katherina. Petruchio's method to tame Katherina is unorthodox, as he promotes to killing her with kindness said in “She ate no meat today, nor none shall eat; / Last night she slept not, nor tonight she shall not. /…This is a way to kill a wife with kindness, / And thus I’ll curb her mad and headstrong humor.” (Act IV; Scene 1; lines 168-169 and 179-180). The way he 'tames' Katherina gives her no choice but to obey, or she be bereft of clothing, food, sleep and even seein...

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...e dominance prevailing as well as the point that women also want to be tamed to a certain extent. the statement 'Ironically, the man still wins the battle of the sexes in literature'

CONCLUSION

The topic the battle of the sexes has shown me how valid it really is in our society and how it goes upon unnoticed through acceptance. The many different battle of the sexes whether it be in literature, jobs, political and even religious means are all in our society today. Although the changing of the times has not done much to change the outcome I believe that society is finally catching up to what is long overdue in the battle of the sexes, where women will not go unnoticed any longer. Furthermore the topic has taught me the battle of the sexes still continues in not only literature but also society.

Works Cited

Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare

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