The Woman's Prize: Or, The Tamer Tamed: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Woman's Prize: Or, The Tamer Tamed" is a comedic play that serves as a sequel to Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." The narrative pivots around Petruchio, a widower known for his previous attempts at taming his first wife, Kate. This time, he faces a new challenge with his second wife, Maria, who is clever and determined to outmaneuver him in their battle of the sexes. Maria employs wit and charm, ultimately overpowering Petruchio and promising to be a perfect wife, which marks a shift in their dynamic.
Supporting characters include Livia, Maria's sister, who cleverly navigates her own romantic pursuits with Rowland, and Bianca, their resourceful cousin focused on aiding her sisters. Petronius, the father of the sisters, represents the older generation's resistance to female independence but ultimately accepts their victories. The character of Moroso, an oblivious suitor, adds to the comedic elements, while Sophocles and Tranio serve as Petruchio's friends, providing additional context and conflict. Overall, the play explores themes of gender roles, power dynamics, and the complexities of romantic relationships in a humorous and engaging manner.
The Woman's Prize: Or, The Tamer Tamed: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Fletcher
First published: 1647
Genre: Drama
Locale: Italy
Plot: Farce
Time: Sixteenth century
Petruchio (peh-TREW-kee-oh), a widower, famous as the tamer of his shrewish first wife, Kate. Angered and confused by the various husband-taming tricks of Maria and beaten at every point, he at last surrenders to her and is rewarded with a generous love.
Maria, Petruchio's second wife. A lesser Lysistrata, she is determined to win a signal victory for her sex over the man most famous for conquering a member of it. She is clever and witty, turning Petruchio's angry bull-like sallies with affected mildness and concern or with passionate displays of her own temper. After she overwhelms him completely, she graciously promises to make him a perfect wife.
Livia (LIHV-ee-uh), Maria's sister, in love with Rowland. She succeeds in fooling her father and her ridiculous elderly suitor, and after several complications she succeeds in marrying her sweetheart.
Bianca (bee-AHN-kah), their cousin. Also showing kinship with Lysistrata, she is active and resourceful on behalf of both sisters in the battle of the sexes.
Petronius (peh-TROH-nee-ews), the father of the sisters. A well-meaning but somewhat tyrannical father, he rages furiously but impotently at his daughters' independence. He accepts their eventual triumphs with good grace.
Rowland, Livia's sweetheart. Misunderstanding Livia's behavior toward him and Moroso, he renounces her, but when the misunderstanding is clarified, he marries her joyfully.
Moroso (moh-ROH-soh), a foolish, wealthy old man in love with Livia. He is tricked into witnessing and approving her marriage contract with Rowland without realizing what he is signing.
Sophocles (SOF-oh-kleez), a friend of Petruchio. He is used by Maria, who flirts with him, to arouse Petruchio's jealousy.
Tranio (TRAH-nee-oh), another of Petruchio's friends.
Jacques (zhahk), Petruchio's servant. He is bewildered by his master's reversal of marital fortune.