Money Talks

        Greed was very prevalent during the writing of Taming of the Shrew, and still is today, but it is shown that greed can be overpowered and social barriers can be shattered, as Katherine and Bianca stand up to the men attempting to wed them.  This is asserted clearly during the final act of the play, when Bianca and Kate finally begin to see each other as equal, and stand up to the power and money hungry men attempting to wed them.  It is well known that Petruchio was planning to wed Kate because she was part of a family with a powerful background, and also had plenty of money.  On the other hand, Lutencio, Grumio, and Hortensio wanted Kate out of the way so that they could fight for Bianca’s (Kate’s sister) marriage.  In order to juxtapose this with a different piece of literature, No Witchcraft for Sale has a similar theme, as seen after Gideon saves Teddy Farquar from going blind.  The scientists that come to talk to him want the secret herb in order to become famous, and also for economic purposes, but he remains unfazed as they continue to plead for it.  They eventually give up and leave, protecting Gideon’s secret.  Although it is only partially comparable, it still delineates the same general theme that is power and money are strong forces that people can go to great lengths to get. -Gabe Coffman-Lee