<P> The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592 . </P> <P> The play begins with a framing device, often referred to as the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken tinker named Christopher Sly into believing he is actually a nobleman himself . The nobleman then has the play performed for Sly's diversion . </P> <P> The main plot depicts the courtship of Petruchio and Katherina, the headstrong, obdurate shrew . Initially, Katherina is an unwilling participant in the relationship; however, Petruchio "tames" her with various psychological torments, such as keeping her from eating and drinking, until she becomes a desirable, compliant, and obedient bride . The subplot features a competition between the suitors of Katherina's younger sister, Bianca, who is seen as the "ideal" woman . The question of whether the play is misogynistic or not has become the subject of considerable controversy, particularly among modern scholars, audiences, and readers . </P> <P> The Taming of the Shrew has been adapted numerous times for stage, screen, opera, ballet, and musical theatre; perhaps the most famous adaptations being Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate and the 1967 film of the play, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton . The 1999 high school comedy film 10 Things I Hate About You is also loosely based on the play . </P>

Description of katherine in taming of the shrew