Shakespeare’s comedy The Taming of the Shrew features a variety of characters who assume various identities by using different illusions. The theme of deception dominates the play as many characters don disguises before revealing their true identities. Bianca’s misleading behaviour conceals the true nature of her character, while Hortensio (a schoolmaster) and Lucentio (a merchant) wear physical disguises. Vincentio himself is also disguised by compulsion. The characters in question are minor and not often central, but they become more significant through Shakespeare’s deceit.
Bianca conceals her true temperament by presenting a more pleasant persona. But, her actions are not as sweet. Her flaws become apparent to others when they see her. Her father sympathises and calls her a “poor little girl” who “weeps,” which reinforces the idea that she’s “fair, good-hearted and moral”. It suggests that she was innocent and beautiful, and didn’t need to be terrorised or victimised. The word “weeps”, which indicates a deeper sadness, shows that her father views her with reverence, tainted by favoritism. Katherina, who is open about her personality, does not seem to be punished for her actions. Shakespeare’s character development of Bianca is reflected in his frequent hints about her growing assertiveness. Bianca declares, “I am my own teacher.” This subtly implies a completely different perspective of the youngest child. Shakespeare shows the audience that Bianca is not as innocent and privileged as she appears. The author demonstrates a strong opinion by stating “the more foolish you are for not doing your duty”. Bianca’s façade has disappeared, revealing a dominant, confident woman. Bianca was able to conceal herself for a long time while her suitors were unable to hide their true selves.
Lucentio & Hortensio can’t maintain their disguises of schoolmasters. Their true personalities come out. Tranio tells Lucentio that Bianca’s virtues are not what they seem. Lucentio becomes “Cambio”, a teacher and “undertakes the teaching of maid”. He tells Bianca he’s “disguised” to win her love. He then reveals his true identity. Lucentio is shown to be a fool when Bianca costs him “a hundred pound since dinner-time.” It’s not because he lost money but rather Bianca acted disrespectfully towards him. He uses her money to criticise her for being a wilful woman, which is the reason for his public embarrassment. Readers can tell that he’s young, impulsive, and not married. They are not able to work together well as teachers because of their masks. Hortensio assumed Bianca, a student at the school, would fall for a teacher’s charms. However, he began to realise that this was not true and that he would have had gotten more results by being himself. Hortensio’s character also changes as he shows his true self to the reader. His virtuous side is revealed as he discovers that women are not chosen for their beauty but rather because of the kindness they show. Shakespeare asserts that disguises are merely a way to hide a person’s true personality. Lucentio’s plan becomes more complex as he involves other people. This makes his disguise more unstable.
The Pedant is revealed to be the real person who was disguised by Lucentio as his father. Tranio makes it sound like the merchant is getting a great deal of help, but in reality, the merchant is being taken for a ride. The author shows that there is a selfish motive behind the disguise. This can make it dangerous. Tranio has a cunning plan to convince the merchant that he’s not concerned about his life, and that he only comes to Padua for a few days. This is an unstable plan that is based off the assumption that there is no contradictory news. Shakespeare’s message is that you cannot trust people based solely on appearances. There are many ulterior motives. The writer uses a particular example as he knowingly and willingly deceives a character who he had met in the past. This view is reinforced by the fact that Baptista was a person he knew and trusted. It’s implied that Baptista may not really be the honest merchant he claims to be.
It was impossible to maintain these facades for such a long time. The characters of The Taming of the Shrew were all hiding behind masks, which revealed more of their personalities. Bianca’s true nature was revealed, and it contrasted sharply with the belief that she is innocent and beautiful. Lucentio, Hortensio, and their disguises were less convincing. The reader learned new things about the two schoolmasters and they also showed it to the readers. The merchant disguised in fear is a symbol of his desire for survival. Shakespeare’s implicit attitudes made all of the character qualities apparent to readers.
