Hi, can someone help me out with this essay question?

Question

shakespeare's play the taming of the shrew has been referred to as a sexist play, however, interpretations of texts can shift and change with time and place. considering your time and place, reflect on ways in which context has shaped your critical interpretation of the prescribed text and contrast this with how the play may have been received in the composer's time. ~~ thanks for any help~~~

Answer 1

You should think about how women's position in society during Shakespeare's time is far inferior to the position of women now. Thus, reading the play now, many people would think that the idea of literally taming a shrewish is offensive. In Shakespeare's time, however, women basically had to get married or they became nuns or social outcasts. Women back then were not free to be "shrewish" if they wanted to have any real position in society. In contrast, today women can act freely. They can be as standoffish to man as they please, because they are able to achieve wealth and success without marrying.  

Answer 2

i can't help you with the question, but if you need help understand the story in modern times, watch 10 things i hate about you--it's the modern tale of the taming of the shrew.

Answer 3

Check out sparknotes.com.  They will have a lot of information about taming of the shrew.