Patriarchy

The author maintains the theme of patriarchy in this novelization of “Taming of the Shrew” in an effort to demonstrate how modern society continues to deal with patriarchal ideas and influences.

As the novel opens, Kate is on her knees in the garden when she hears the phone ringing. She is literally in a subservient position at the outset. She answers the call and her father beckons her to bring him the lunch she faithfully prepares for him, but he religiously forgets. Dr. Battista is caught up in his work and his work is of the utmost importance.

Dr. Battista is so consumed by his work that he wagers his daughter in an effort to keep Pyotr in the country. In this way, he elevates Pyotr to a status above Kate. Pyotr is crucial to his work, therefore, he is willing to exchange, not merely what...