Critical Interpretations (Edexcel A-Level English Literature): Revision Notes

Critical Interpretations

What are Critical Interpretations?

From the exam board: "As part of their study of their selected Shakespeare play, students should engage with different interpretations."

How should Critical Interpretations be used?

• Grasp the interpretation being presented regarding the literary text(s).
• Contrast the critic's viewpoint with your reading of the text (or that of another critic or classmate). Note any similarities or differences.
• Agree with the critic's point and find further evidence in Shakespeare's text to support and expand it.
• Disagree with the critic's stance and identify evidence in Shakespeare's text that might bolster your counterargument.
• Adjust the critic's position by finding one aspect you can endorse and another that you wish to refine and clarify with evidence from the text.
• Choose specific quotations that either support or challenge your interpretation of the text to enhance your discussion or literary essay.
• Make sure to reference critical quotations in your essay by using quotation marks and writing down the critic's last name!

Critical Interpretations with Analysis

Lynda E. Boose - Scolding Brides and Bridling Scolds

"The play locates both women's objected position in the social order of early modern England and the costs extracted for resistance."

Lynda E. Boose, 'Scolding Brides and Bridling Scolds: Taming the Woman's Unruly Member', 1991.

• Bose argues that the play highlights the subordinate position of women in early modern England.
• The narrative explores the consequences faced by women who resist their prescribed roles, such as Katherine.
• This interpretation emphasises the societal expectations and punitive measures against women who defy norms.

Supporting Evidence

"I see a woman may be made a fool, If she had not a spirit to resist." (Act 3, Scene 2)

• Katherine's realisation reflects the play's commentary on the cost of resistance for women.

"Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, Thy head, thy sovereign." (Act 5, Scene 2)

• Katherine's speech underscores the expected submission of women and the societal structure Boose describes.

Opposing Evidence

"I am ashamed that women are so simple To offer war where they should kneel for peace." (Act 5, Scene 2)

• Katherine's final speech can be seen as ironic, challenging the sincerity of her submission and thus the straightforward reading of societal compliance.

Anne Barton - The Taming of the Shrew

"Shakespeare's sympathy with and almost uncanny understanding of women characters is one of the distinguishing features of his comedy."

Anne Barton, 'Riverside Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shrew', 1997.

• Barton highlights Shakespeare's nuanced portrayal of female characters, suggesting deep empathy and insight.
• This view acknowledges the complexity of characters like Katherine, who are more than mere stereotypes.
• The interpretation suggests that Shakespeare's comedy involves a deeper understanding of women's experiences and perspectives.

Supporting Evidence

"Why, sir, I trust I may have leave to speak; And speak I will." (Act 4, Scene 3)

• Katherine's assertiveness reflects her complexity and Shakespeare's sympathetic portrayal.

"My tongue will tell the anger of my heart, Or else my heart concealing it will break." (Act 4, Scene 3)

• Katherine's expression of her emotions underscores her depth and Shakespeare's understanding of female experience.

Opposing Evidence

"Come, come, you wasp; i'faith, you are too angry." (Act 2, Scene 1)

• Petruchio's dismissal of Katherine's anger can be seen as undermining the empathy Barton attributes to Shakespeare.

Jeanne Addison Roberts - Metamorphoses in The Taming of the Shrew

"[The Induction] signal[s] movement from the 'real' world to a domain of instincts, romance and supernatural possibility."

Jeanne Addison Roberts, 'Horses and Hermaphrodites: Metamorphoses in The Taming of the Shrew', 1983.

• Roberts discusses the role of the Induction in transitioning from reality to a world of fantasy and transformation.
• This interpretation highlights the play's exploration of identity and the blurring of boundaries between reality and performance.
• The Induction sets the stage for the main plot, emphasising themes of disguise and role-playing.

Supporting Evidence

"Am I a lord? and have I such a lady? Or do I dream? or have I dream'd till now?" (Induction, Scene 2)

• Sly's confusion about his identity underscores the movement from reality to fantasy that Roberts describes.

"Your honour's players, hearing your amendment, Are come to play a pleasant comedy." (Induction, Scene 2)

• The presence of the players introduces the theme of performance and transformation.

Opposing Evidence

"For in a quarrel since I came ashore I kill'd a man and fear I was descried." (Act 1, Scene 2)

• The reference to real consequences and actions challenges the idea of a complete departure from reality.