"Modernizing Misogyny in Shakespeare’s Shrew" by Dr. Natalie Eschenbaum
UWL English Department's William J. And Yvonne Hyde Colloquium Presentations 2018-2019.
An NPR review of Vinegar Girl (Hogarth 2016) states that Anne Tyler’s modernization of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew is a “fizzy cocktail of a romantic comedy, far more sweet than acidic.” This presentation by Dr. Natalie Eschenbaum considers how Tyler’s novel adopts and adapts the critical debate concerning the play’s misogyny. Social historians have helped to contextualize the shrew-taming plot, some claiming that Shakespeare’s tale is similarly “romantic” and “sweet” when read in context. Students push back against such conclusions, however, arguing that teaching Shrew and its informing histories reinforces the patriarchy and risks normalizing misogyny. Dr. Eschenbaum's presentation responds to students’ concerns and is informed by girlhood and cultural studies.
Free and Open to the Public. All are welcome to attend.
Friday, September 21
2:30-3:30
Wimberly 104