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English Lit- The Taming Of The Shrew > Context > Flashcards

Flashcards in Context Deck (5)
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1
Q

what are Stock comic characters?

A

Stock characters are archetypal characters distinguished by their flatness.
Eg in ToS: Drunks and Wastrels- Christopher Sly, Young Lovers- Lucentio and Bianca, Disobedient Young Women- Katharina, Servants and Masters- Lucentio, Tranio and Biondello, Petruchio and Grumio

2
Q

what is Commedia dell’arte?

A

Commedia dell’arte was a form of 16th-18th century comic Italian theatre based on stock characters.

3
Q

what is The Shrew and Shrew literature?

A

A ‘shrew’ was a stereotypically bossy woman, common in 16th/17th century culture. Talking too much was a key characteristic of a shrew. Many ballads about shrews existed.

4
Q

what are Elizabethan views on marriage?

A

In the upper classes marriage was transactional rather than for love. Fathers would choose a husband and provide them with a dowry - usually land, money or other valuables.

5
Q

what are the Interpretations of Elizabethan gender roles?

A

Women could be seen as being men’s property: first they were ‘owned’ by their fathers before being ‘sold’ to husbands. Women were expected to be quiet and obey their male counterparts. However - Queen Elizabeth was on the throne so some historians argue that this visible female power influenced domestic relationships.