The Taming of the Shrew

by William Shakespeare

The Taming of the Shrew: Satire 1 key example

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Definition of Satire

Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians, are often the subject of satire, but satirists can take... read full definition
Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians, are often the subject of... read full definition
Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians... read full definition
Act 3, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Kate as Property:

In the following passage from Act 3, Scene 2, Petruchio uses metaphor to compare Kate to several physical objects, all to describe her as his property:

PETRUCHIO: I will be master of what is mine own.
She is my goods, my chattels; she is my house,
My household stuff, my field, my barn,
My horse, my ox, my ass, my anything.
And here she stands, touch her whoever dare. 
I’ll bring mine action on the proudest he
That stops my way in Padua.