The final monologue performed by Kate can be interpreted in many different ways. I don’t feel there is one right or wrong answer to the perplexing question of Kate’s true motive. I think that if you choose to see Kate as strong and full of fight till the end so to speak, well then one may interpret the speech as an insincere jest to sort of subtly undermine her husbands authority and character. I choose to believe that Kate has actually fallen for her husband and even though she was initially uncertain about there arrangement that she is made content with their matching wit and blunt honesty. In her final speech I feel that she is trying to reassure her self and make it known to the audience that it is ok to give in and humble her self before her husband. Kate surrenders her old shrewesh ways and emphasizes her intent and duty to submit herself to her husband.
I understand how some people may interpret Kate’s monologue as only an opportunity for sarcastic defiance and that the idea of her actually being sincere is incomprehensible. Some may connect their the assessment of Kate’s speech to personal ideas or opinions about how men and women should interact with each other. I know some may observe the fact of Kate surrendering herself to her husband as a weakness or a fault; I see it differently. I feel that the woman should submit herself and give respect to her husband with the same amount of conviction I think that the husband should also submit himself completely to the needs of his wife and offer an equal amount of respect. This is the best way to ensure the longevity of the marriage as well as to promote an environment for love.
ty talley 
Hi Ty T.,
I agree that there is not exactly a right or wrong answer on how to interpret Kate’s speech and the meaning behind it all. There is some ideas that are supported more by textual evidence than others though.
I also agree that it does appear more likely that Kate has surrendered herself to Petruchio and has started falling for him. I think if she was not falling for him and did not truly want to be with him, she would’ve said so (that’s just how I see her personality). Do you think this is because even though Kate did not get things to go exactly how she wanted, she still got what she wanted in the end? Which was to be married, and that is why she began becoming more and more “obedient” throughout the play? I noticed that in the instances when Kate was silent, it was because she was in a way getting what she wanted, even though it wasn’t how she wanted it. For example, when Petruchio claims that they are indeed getting married, she becomes quiet and does not fight it anymore. Do you think this is because she may have thought about the situation and said to herself “this is what you’ve been waiting for, don’t mess that up”?
I like that you said that you can see how some people can take Kate’s speech for sarcasm, it shows that you can analyze the speech from multiple points of view, even if you don’t agree with them.
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I definitely agree with you that you can interpret the text both ways, and that many people differ on how they feel about Kate herself. I also agree with your view that Kate did finally decide to submit to Petruchio and just accept the fact that, this is how he expected her to be, but i also think that she is still the same Kate that she was at the beginning. I feel that she is simply humoring Petruchio and letting him hear what he wants to hear, because she finds this the right decision for herself.
I really liked your post!
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I love how you said the woman must submit to her husband the same as the man must submit to his wife. This is very traditionally, accurately biblical. People tend to butcher that command; they will quote the part of “wives submit to your husbands,” but they never keep going with the second part of it, that “husbands [must] submit to your wives.” I tend to see marriage as a division of labor, and what one cannot do, the other picks up slack. It’s THE definition of feminism, that both spouses are separate but equal, and I’m really glad you expounded on this little facet of it. Cool deal noticing that. Also I love the stuff you say in class. Cheers mate.
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I agree with the idea that Kate could have truly been tamed. I believe she has founded to a new power in submission and no longer has reason to behave shrewish because she has the very thing she wanted. She wants to be married and I believe some of her rash behavior has to due with her want to be married. On the other hand, there is also a chance that she is being sarcastic with is not out of character for her.
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