The Taming of the Shrew

In the Taming of the Shrew, the play seems to mainly focus on the "taming" of the shrew, Katherina. Katherina's younger sister, Bianca, is not able to marry until Katherina does. As the play progresses, it becomes like a dramatic soap opera, filled with love triangles and men trying to woo the women.
Another main focus of the play is the role of women in society. The characters live in a patriarchal society, where Katherina is denied basic needs, such as food and sleep, by her husband. It is clear that she must conform to the role of a meek, civilized woman in order to survive.
Shakespeare seems to emphasize the assumptions of women as being weaker and of a lower ranking than men. It is questionable in the end, though, whether not not Katherina is truly tamed and civilized. At a superficial glance, the play comes across as a simple comedy about love and the "taming" of a shrew. But by the end of the play, the issues of the role of women in society and the way they are treated gives the play a more serious tone.