Disguises in 'The Taming of the Shrew' Anonymous 11th Grade

In Shakespeare’s comedy The Taming of the Shrew, a number of individuals assume different identities through an array of varying illusions. Deception is a prominent thematic concern within the play, as a multitude of characters adopt disguises, only to reveal their true personalities. Bianca conceals her genuine temperament through her misleading behaviour, while both Hortensio and Lucentio don physical guises of schoolmasters’ clothing; for his part, the merchant who pretends to be Vincentio is disguised under duress. Although these characters are not always central to the play and are more minor in this sense, they are made more important through Shakespeare’s employment of deceit and misconceptions, as a psychological disguise is much more convincing than a physical disguise.

Bianca tries to hide her true disposition by conducting herself in a much sweeter manner that doesn’t parallel with her actual behaviour, which many individuals begin to realise through the flaws in her demeanour. Her father sympathises with her as a “poor girl, she weeps,” reinforcing her alleged “fair and virtuous” nature. This suggests to readers that she is the epitome of innocence and beauty, that she didn’t deserve to be victimised or terrorised...