Literary Elements in Literature Literature & Language Essay (Essay Sample)

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The Use of Clever Language in the Taming of the Shrew
The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy where Shakespeare's wit and wordplay are quite apparent. The plot is enhanced and enriched by the witticisms and verbal sparring between the play`s protagonists. The entire play revolves around Petruchio's efforts to break Kate, referred to as the shrew in the play. Kate has a particularly petulant nature that other suitors have found difficult to break. Petruchio, having proclaimed his desire to marry for wealth, is introduced to the shrewd Kate. When it becomes apparent that Petruchio is the only man with the heart to woo her, he sets forth for the task with gusto. From the first meeting, they trade witty barbs. It is clear that they are both smart and funny individuals and that Kate may have finally met her match.
The clever use of the word shrew to reference Kate and her hard to crack shell is an example of Shakespeare's ingenious wordplay. The play is peppered with animal references. Petruchio refers to Kate as 'my falcon' as he assures others of his mastery of the art of falconing. This action ties in with the play's entire plot, which is the psychological breaking down of Kate.