What is your impression of Katharina from this extract? Support your answer with reference to the text - Junior Cycle English - Question 1 - 2007

Katharina, as presented in the extract, is a complex character that combines strength, wit, and defiance.

Wild, Rough and Troublesome

This is evident through her direct confrontation with Petruchio, as she protests against his advances and challenges his authority. The line, ‘’twas told me that you were rough and coy and sullen,’ implies she is aware of her reputation and seems to embrace it.

Strong Willed and Defiant

Katharina's strong will is highlighted in statements like, ‘Go fool! Order your servants about, not me.’ Here, she asserts her independence, rejecting Petruchio’s attempts to dominate her. This showcases her refusal to conform to societal expectations of passive femininity.

Witty and Sarcastic

Her wit is apparent when responding to Petruchio's advances. Her line about him being a 'witty mother' signifies not only her intelligence but also her ability to use sarcasm as a defense mechanism. This indicates her capability to challenge her suitor intellectually.

Insulting but Layered

Furthermore, she uses insults when provoked, revealing her frustration with the situation and her captors, particularly with lines like ‘I’ll scrape you if I tarry. Let me go!’ This encapsulates her fierce spirit but also hints at a depth of vulnerability.

Ultimately Desirable

Despite her rough demeanor, there exists an underlying desirability shown in her acceptance of marriage to Petruchio, saying, ‘Thou must be married to no man but me.’ This statement reflects her acknowledgment of love and companionship on her own terms and the potential for growth in her relationship with Petruchio.

In conclusion, Katharina emerges from the extract as a bold, quick-witted character who grapples with her identity in a patriarchal world, showcasing complexity and depth.