The Taming Of The Shrew(Illustrated) E-Book

William Shakespeare

• Herausgeber: JOHN LEWIS
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

• Illustrated Edition: Includes 20 stunning illustrations that bring the story to life.
• Summary: Provides a concise overview of the play.
• Characters List: Details the key characters for easy reference.
• Author Biography: Offers insights into the life of William Shakespeare.

Dive into the spirited world of "The Taming of the Shrew," one of William Shakespeare's most beloved comedies, in this beautifully illustrated edition. This timeless tale of love, power, and transformation is set in the vibrant city of Padua and follows the fiery Katharina and her determined suitor, Petruchio.
Experience the comedic twists and turns as Petruchio sets out to "tame" the strong-willed Katharina with his wit and unconventional methods, while the sweet-natured Bianca is courted by a cast of humorous and scheming suitors. Shakespeare's exploration of gender roles, societal expectations, and the nature of true partnership remains as relevant and engaging today as it was over four centuries ago.
This edition is enriched with:
20 Stunning Illustrations: Visualize key moments and bring the story's characters and settings vividly to life.
Summary: Gain a quick understanding of the play's plot and themes.
Characters List: Familiarize yourself with the main players in this comedic drama.
Author Biography: Discover the fascinating life of William Shakespeare, the genius behind the play.
This illustrated rendition of "The Taming of the Shrew" is a novel and engrossing way to enjoy one of the finest comedies ever written, regardless of your familiarity with Shakespearean literature. Ideal for readers of all age groups, this book is an indispensable addition to any library.
 

Leseprobe

THE TAMING

OF THE SHREW

BY

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

ABOUT SHAKESPEARE

At April of 1564, William Shakespeare was born at Stratford-upon-Avon. He is sometimes praised as the best writer in the English language. He came from modest origins to become a major character in literature; his father was a glove maker. Shakespeare's life is mostly unknown because there are few documents that describe his early years. Nonetheless, it is known that he wed Anne Hathaway in 1582, and the two of them had three children.

Shakespeare's journey into the world of theater began in London in the late 1580s. He joined a playing company, initially working as an actor before showcasing his remarkable talent as a playwright. His early works, such as "Henry VI" and "Titus Andronicus," quickly gained popularity, setting the stage for an illustrious career.

Shakespeare wrote 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and a number of narrative poetry during his lifetime. His plays tackle the depths of human nature, the complexity of politics, and the complexities of love. They are divided into three categories: comedies, tragedies, and histories.

Shakespeare's genius lay not only in his storytelling but also in his masterful use of the English language. He enriched the lexicon with an array of new words and phrases, many of which are still in use today. His ability to capture the essence of human emotion and experience in verse has ensured his works' enduring relevance and appeal.

In 1599, Shakespeare became a part-owner of the Globe Theatre, an iconic venue that staged many of his plays. His success brought him wealth and recognition, allowing him to purchase a large house, New Place, in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he eventually retired.

Shakespeare's impact on literature, drama, and the arts has endured over the years, even after his death in 1616. His compositions are still studied, played, and appreciated all throughout the world, which is evidence of his genius's enduring quality. William Shakespeare will go down in literary history as a major figure thanks to his legacy of great originality, linguistic inventiveness, and unmatched knowledge of the human condition.

SUMMARY

This book is most renowned comedies, is a lively and spirited tale of love, power, and transformation. Set in the vibrant city of Padua, the story revolves around the courtship of the fierce and independent Katharina, known as Kate, and the clever, determined suitor Petruchio.

The plot kicks off with the wealthy Baptista Minola's decree that his sweet-natured younger daughter, Bianca, cannot marry until her fiery older sister, Kate, is wed. This proclamation sets off a flurry of suitors vying for Bianca's hand, but no one dares to court the tempestuous Kate—until Petruchio arrives. Petruchio, intrigued by the challenge, sets out to "tame" Kate with a mix of wit, persistence, and unconventional methods.

As Petruchio and Kate engage in a battle of wits and wills, their dynamic relationship unfolds with humor and intensity. Petruchio's bold tactics and Kate's spirited resistance create a whirlwind of comedic situations that keep audiences entertained. Meanwhile, Bianca's suitors, disguised and scheming, add layers of intrigue and humor to the story.

Through clever wordplay, sharp dialogue, and unexpected twists, Shakespeare explores themes of gender roles, marriage, and societal expectations. "The Taming of the Shrew" ultimately challenges perceptions and leaves audiences pondering the true nature of love and partnership.

This classic comedy, rich with unforgettable characters and uproarious scenes, remains a timeless favorite, showcasing Shakespeare's unmatched ability to blend humor with insightful social commentary.

CHARACTERS LIST

"The Taming of the Shrew":

Katharina (Kate) Minola: Katharina, the play's "shrew," is renowned for her piercing tongue and ferocious anger. She is Baptista Minola's older daughter.

Petruchio: A gentleman from Verona, Petruchio comes to Padua seeking a wealthy wife and sets his sights on taming the strong-willed Katharina.

Bianca Minola: Katharina's younger sister, Bianca is beautiful, demure, and much sought after by numerous suitors due to her sweet nature.

Baptista Minola: A wealthy and influential man of Padua, Baptista is the father of Katharina and Bianca. He decrees that Bianca cannot marry until Katharina does.

Lucentio: A youthful Pisan aristocrat who is enamored with Bianca right away. To get close to her, he assumes the identity of Cambio, a tutor.

Tranio: Lucentio's clever and loyal servant who assumes his master's identity to help Lucentio woo Bianca.

Gremio: An elderly suitor of Bianca, Gremio is wealthy but ultimately unsuccessful in winning her hand.

Hortensio: Another suitor of Bianca, Hortensio disguises himself as a music tutor named Litio to gain access to her.

Grumio: Petruchio's witty and comical servant, Grumio provides much of the play's humor.

Biondello: Another servant of Lucentio who aids in the various disguises and schemes.

Vincentio: Lucentio's wealthy father from Pisa who becomes involved in the unfolding comedic misunderstandings.

The Widow: A wealthy woman who marries Hortensio after he gives up on Bianca.

Curtis: A servant in Petruchio's household.

Pedant: A schoolmaster who is persuaded to impersonate Vincentio in the schemes to win Bianca.

These characters, with their intricate relationships and lively interactions, drive the humor and drama of Shakespeare's beloved comedy.

Contents

Dramatis Personae

INDUCTION

Scene 1

Scene 2

ACT 1

Scene 1

Scene 2

ACT 2

Scene 1

ACT 3

Scene 1

Scene 2

ACT 4

Scene 1

Scene 2

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5

ACT 5

Scene 1

Scene 2

Dramatis Personae

Persons in the Induction:

A LORD

CHRISTOPHER SLY, a tinker

HOSTESS

PAGE

PLAYERS

HUNTSMEN

SERVANTS

BAPTISTA MINOLA, a rich man of Padua

VINCENTIO, an old gentleman of Pisa

LUCENTIO, son to Vincentio; in love with Bianca

PETRUCHIO, a gentleman of Verona; suitor to Katherina

Suitors to Bianca:

GREMIO

HORTENSIO

Servants to Lucentio

TRANIO

BIONDELLO

Servants to Petruchio

GRUMIO

CURTIS

PEDANT, set up to personate Vincentio

Daughters to Baptista

KATHERINA, the shrew

BIANCA

WIDOW

Tailor, Haberdasher, and Servants attending on Baptista and Petruchio

SCENE: Sometimes in Padua, and sometimes in PETRUCHIO'S house in the country.

INDUCTION

Scene 1

Before an alehouse on a heath.

Enter Hostess and SLY

SLY

I'll pheeze you, in faith.

Hostess

A pair of stocks, you rogue!

SLY

Ye are a baggage: the Slys are no rogues; look inthe chronicles; we came in with Richard Conqueror.Therefore paucas pallabris; let the world slide: sessa!

Hostess

You will not pay for the glasses you have burst?

SLY

No, not a denier. Go by, Jeronimy: go to thy coldbed, and warm thee.

Hostess

I know my remedy; I must go fetch thethird--borough.

Exit

SLY

Third, or fourth, or fifth borough, I'll answer himby law: I'll not budge an inch, boy: let him come,and kindly.

Falls asleep

Horns winded. Enter a Lord from hunting, with his train

Lord

Huntsman, I charge thee, tender well my hounds:Brach Merriman, the poor cur is emboss'd;And couple Clowder with the deep--mouth'd brach.Saw'st thou not, boy, how Silver made it goodAt the hedge-corner, in the coldest fault?I would not lose the dog for twenty pound.

First Huntsman

Why, Belman is as good as he, my lord;He cried upon it at the merest lossAnd twice to-day pick'd out the dullest scent:Trust me, I take him for the better dog.

Lord

Thou art a fool: if Echo were as fleet,I would esteem him worth a dozen such.But sup them well and look unto them all:To-morrow I intend to hunt again.

First Huntsman

I will, my lord.

Lord

What's here? one dead, or drunk? See, doth he breathe?

Second Huntsman

He breathes, my lord. Were he not warm'd with ale,This were a bed but cold to sleep so soundly.

Lord

O monstrous beast! how like a swine he lies!Grim death, how foul and loathsome is thine image!Sirs, I will practise on this drunken man.What think you, if he were convey'd to bed,Wrapp'd in sweet clothes, rings put upon his fingers,A most delicious banquet by his bed,And brave attendants near him when he wakes,Would not the beggar then forget himself?

First Huntsman

Believe me, lord, I think he cannot choose.

Second Huntsman

It would seem strange unto him when he waked.

Lord

Even as a flattering dream or worthless fancy.Then take him up and manage well the jest:Carry him gently to my fairest chamberAnd hang it round with all my wanton pictures:Balm his foul head in warm distilled watersAnd burn sweet wood to make the lodging sweet:Procure me music ready when he wakes,To make a dulcet and a heavenly sound;And if he chance to speak, be ready straightAnd with a low submissive reverenceSay 'What is it your honour will command?'Let one attend him with a silver basinFull of rose-water and bestrew'd with flowers,Another bear the ewer, the third a diaper,And say 'Will't please your lordship cool your hands?'Some one be ready with a costly suitAnd ask him what apparel he will wear;Another tell him of his hounds and horse,And that his lady mourns at his disease:Persuade him that he hath been lunatic;And when he says he is, say that he dreams,For he is nothing but a mighty lord.This do and do it kindly, gentle sirs:It will be pastime passing excellent,If it be husbanded with modesty.

First Huntsman

My lord, I warrant you we will play our part,As he shall think by our true diligenceHe is no less than what we say he is.

Lord

Take him up gently and to bed with him;And each one to his office when he wakes.

Some bear out SLY. A trumpet sounds

Sirrah, go see what trumpet 'tis that sounds:

Exit Servingman

Belike, some noble gentleman that means,Travelling some journey, to repose him here.

Re-enter Servingman

How now! who is it?

Servant

An't please your honour, playersThat offer service to your lordship.

Lord

Bid them come near.

Enter Players

Now, fellows, you are welcome.

Players

We thank your honour.

Lord

Do you intend to stay with me tonight?

A Player

So please your lordship to accept our duty.

Lord

With all my heart. This fellow I remember,Since once he play'd a farmer's eldest son:'Twas where you woo'd the gentlewoman so well:I have forgot your name; but, sure, that partWas aptly fitted and naturally perform'd.

A Player

I think 'twas Soto that your honour means.

Lord

'Tis very true: thou didst it excellent.Well, you are come to me in a happy time;The rather for I have some sport in handWherein your cunning can assist me much.There is a lord will hear you play to-night:But I am doubtful of your modesties;Lest over-eyeing of his odd behavior,--For yet his honour never heard a play--You break into some merry passionAnd so offend him; for I tell you, sirs,If you should smile he grows impatient.

A Player

Fear not, my lord: we can contain ourselves,Were he the veriest antic in the world.

Lord

Go, sirrah, take them to the buttery,And give them friendly welcome every one:Let them want nothing that my house affords.

Exit one with the Players

Sirrah, go you to Barthol'mew my page,And see him dress'd in all suits like a lady:That done, conduct him to the drunkard's chamber;And call him 'madam,' do him obeisance.Tell him from me, as he will win my love,He bear himself with honourable action,Such as he hath observed in noble ladiesUnto their lords, by them accomplished:Such duty to the drunkard let him doWith soft low tongue and lowly courtesy,And say 'What is't your honour will command,Wherein your lady and your humble wifeMay show her duty and make known her love?'And then with kind embracements, tempting kisses,And with declining head into his bosom,Bid him shed tears, as being overjoy'dTo see her noble lord restored to health,Who for this seven years hath esteem'd himNo better than a poor and loathsome beggar:And if the boy have not a woman's giftTo rain a shower of commanded tears,An onion will do well for such a shift,Which in a napkin being close convey'dShall in despite enforce a watery eye.See this dispatch'd with all the haste thou canst:Anon I'll give thee more instructions.

Exit a Servingman

I know the boy will well usurp the grace,Voice, gait and action of a gentlewoman:I long to hear him call the drunkard husband,And how my men will stay themselves from laughterWhen they do homage to this simple peasant.I'll in to counsel them; haply my presenceMay well abate the over-merry spleenWhich otherwise would grow into extremes.

Exeunt