Although Tranio at times has more power and influence over Lucentio and other character he is more then willing to fulfil his masters every wish and command. It is ironic he isn’t punished for assuming the role of a gentle man. This is due to the fact that he is fulfilling his masters’ commands. This is made evident throughout Shakespeare’s plays such as in, “ twelfth night” the role reversal is generally temporary and only admitted by the servants master.
However everything must conclude and in act five Tranio is firmly put back I his place after all the tomfoolery have finished. Even though he has been in a significant role of power he’s never really posed a threat to the hierarchy of the play although he did create some discomfort and discontent towards the older male characters.
Shakespeare’s main purpose for Tranio is to undermine the system and create humour. He utilises irony to a great extent, the fact Tranio impersonates his master demonstrates the power Tranio. He may not be of a noble class but his mind is as sharp as a razor blade and through this he is able to fulfil Lucentios plans.
Hortenensio is another potential suitor for the fair hand of Bianca. He does not posses Petruchios vigour or Lucentios “sex appeal” and although he proclaims to be passionately in love with Bianca (act one scene two line 173-174) it is evident that the likelihood of his dream materialising is very slim because Bianca and Katarina do not feel anything towards him and furthermore Petruchio and Lucentio eclipse him. Shakespeare utilises this to create comedy. This is made evident via the fact Hortenensio is rejected by Bianca, physically assaulted by Katarina and belittled by his widow,” He that is giddy thinks the world turns round”. He possesses no threat to any other male or female character; to put it simply he is a, “loser”
In addition his attitude towards marriage reflects those of the Elizabethan man. He impulsively and irrationally decides he will no longer court Bianca because she has looked at another man and decides to settle for a wealthy widow. Shakespeare does this to demonstrate that he is a fool when it comes to playing the “game of love” it highlights that his main objective is not to secure a life long partner and emotional bliss but however to boost his purse.
Although Hortenensio is unlucky in establishing true love for himself he is able to assist Petruchio in, “Taming” Katarina (Scene four act three.) he admires Petruchios techniques “I see she is neither to have cap nor gown” and in addition it is evident that he aspires to be rugged and vigorous like Petruchio. Furthermore this demonstrates the superior attitude of men towards women in this play. However it is evident that the other male suitors over shadow Hortensio.
His purpose is to amuse the audience via his calamities and comic relief. Lucentio is presented as an, “Elizabethan play boy” he may be idealistic but his romantic aspirations are ludicrous. He is an extreme to protrusion and like the more vigorous suitor he is uneducated in the, “laws of love” therefore complicating the whole affair of a happy marriage, his primary objective. Unlike Petruchio whose independent Lucentio is not a free man he still has to answer to his father, which in turn makes him appear further pubescent and emphasises the contrast between himself and Petruchio.
Lucentio is forced to rely others to do his bidding. In conclusion none of Lucentios charm is able control Bianca although he may of acted, as deceiver Bianca was able deceive him, which in addition emphasises his naivety. In conclusion Lucentio is utilised by Shakespeare to undermine the pretentious “playboys” that assume they are able to have the world at their feet. The harsh reality is that they don’t have a clue. This is made evident in Act 5 when Lucentios father arrives in Padua and is a furious at the fact his son has another man impersonating him,” Fear not Baptista.... But I will in to be revenged for this villainy.” This demonstrates that whoever is responsible for the whole affair will have to deal with the repercussions and we know that Lucentio is responsible.
Petruchio is the main protagonist of the play; he is a character with many dimensions such as poetic, macho, slapstick and chauvinist. Shakespeare utilises these dimensions to portray different sides of his character and to create comic relief. This is made evident in Act 4 when Petruchio arrives at his wedding ceremony dressed in inappropriate attire. By Petruchio arriving at his wedding ceremony in such a state he makes one of the most serious events that occur during a persons life a spectacle. His excuse for this behaviour is that she is marrying him,” Not for my Clothes”, this clearly suggests that he has a heart and in addition is not materialistic. However I feel that this is an example of Petruchios chauvinistic side. The fact that he is making a mockery of Katrina’s wedding day which can be argued is more significant to a women than to a man demonstrates the audacity Petruchio possesses in ruining it for her is quite shocking and in my opinion quite distasteful.
In conclusion the male characters are a reflection of characters which one May encounter if you were to, ”Go back in time “ and explore Elizabethan England.
Although these characters are from a different period of time they are not that different to people whom we may encounter in our present day society.
Hortensio- The typical unlucky in love “loser” whom everyone sympathises with.
Lucentio- The type of guy many girls /woman pine for and men despise.
Tranio- The unsung hero whom every one loves and admires for “sticking it to the man without being caught, in addition for being humble he’s adored even more.
Finally Petruchio the, ”Happy go lucky,” tough guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s passionate and isn’t afraid of anything. One can argue that he embodies everything a man should aspire to be.