Shakespeare's early play, The Taming of the Shrew is more controversial for the modern audience than it would have been received by the Elizabethans due to the apparent lack of equality between men and women. Many critics disagree about the play's insinuations and how Shakespeare intended the play to be performed. Katherina's closing speech is the scene in which the audience's interpretation of the play is determined and should be understood to be summarising Shakespeare's desired portrayal of events. However, this speech is ambiguous and subtly refers to themes previously mentioned in the play, indicating that Katherina is conscious of the devices used in her taming, and is cleverly conveyed through Shakespeare's masterly art of the double entendre.

Katherina's speech is of particular interest as it is the first revelation by Katherina that she is a `tamed wife'. This contrast in personality is so shocking to the viewer...