What exactly is a shrew?

Historical Context:

William Shakespeare wrote “The Taming of the Shrew” in 1593. However, at this time theatres in England were closed because of the Bubonic Plague. The play was performed for the first time in 1594 to wide acclaim. The plot was one that hit home for many English citizens, for “The Taming of the Shrew” focuses on marriage. Though fundamental to English society, marriage wasn’t always the smoothest of relationships. Marriages were often arranged and more business deals than acts of love. Women did not experience the same rights as men and were treated as arm candy instead of companions. There really was no way out of an unhappy marriage. One individual had to give in to the will of the other. Shakespeare’s storyline revolves around the universal idea of the 16^th century that a woman should be submissive to her husband. Those who did not were referred to as shrews, paying homage to a tiny rodent with a nasty temper.

In 1887, “Taming of the Shrew” returned to the English stage. It regained popularity and in 1929 was modified into a slapstick style Hollywood movie. The storyline continued to be adapted and in 1948 appeared as stage musical “Kiss me, Kate”. The musical would win the Tony awards for Best Musical, Best Revival of a Musical and many more. Nearly two decades later, a 1967 film version of the play was released that would go on to be nominated for an Oscar. In 1999, the major motion picture “10 Things I Hate About You” presented a modern version of Shakespeare’s tale set in suburban America. The film would later inspire a spinoff television series on the ABC Family television network.