The Taming of the Shrew

[Shakespeare is] challenging an audience's expectations of how a woman is supposed to behave. What if, as a human being, she doesn't want to roll over, as was expected in Shakespeare's day? I actually think he's championing the woman's rights. -- Edward Hall, English theater director A lusty, witty, well-crafted comedy, The Taming of the Shrew abounds in vigorous, often ribald wordplay. -- Masterpieces of World Literature An early comedy whose particular strength is the vigorous control of its central relationship. Modern audiences must accept that Katharina is not the loser by her taming, though arguments about the possible ironies of her dutiful final speech will continue. -- The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English One of Shakespeare's most enduringly popular and problematic comedies. -- San Francisco Chronicle The thorniest play in the canon, with the possible exception of The Merchant of Venice. -- Telegraph (London)