The Purpose of the Induction of The Taming of The Shrew

The Purpose of the Induction of The Taming of The Shrew

There has been much speculation and debate over the necessity and

purpose of Shakespeare's Induction to 'The Taming of the Shrew'.

The Induction can be interpreted in various ways and a common view is

that it is not essential to the play. Indeed, the play alone would

suffice without it; as has occurred in various performances of 'The

Taming of The Shrew'. Personally, however, I feel that the purpose of

the Induction is to frame the play and introduce themes and issues

that develop in the play, to the audience.

The Induction could be considered quite light and a painless approach

to the otherwise darker aspects of the play. In this way perhaps

Shakespeare is trying to get the comedy viewpoint of the play through

in the Induction to avoid confusion and overall the play itself being

taken too seriously.

The Induction also starts with a fairly violent and hostile

atmosphere, however, there is an underlying theme of merriment similar

to that in the play itself. A...