Sibling rivalry is defined as "the antagonism between brothers and/or sisters that results in physical fighting, verbal hostility, teasing, or bullying" (Davidson). In many forms of media, which include books and films, sibling rivalry is a key plot device used to further the storyline. Many of Shakespeare's plays use the device of sibling rivalry, however, none as much the Taming of the Shrew. In this Shakespearean play, it is one of the most important aspects to the attributes of the plot. For example, in the play, sibling rivalry is embodied in the forms of Bianca and Katherina Minola. While in the comedy there are many plots and subplots, the roots of these stories start in the relationship between Bianca and Katherina, and the relationship they have with their father. .
This paper will go into depth about why Katherina initially acts like a shrew, what role Baptista plays in the sibling rivalry between both his daughters, and if Bianca really is the sweet, obedient child she appears to be. The play starts out with Bianca being courted by different suitors and Katherina only being courted for money, but in the end which sister really ends up happy? The primary conflict between the Minola sisters is an accurate example of sibling rivalry: physical violence, tense relationships, and a constant struggle for the attention, love and affection of their father. All relationships between siblings, good or not, start off with an initial conflict. In Scene 1 of Act 1, Baptista is seen trying to convince two complete strangers, Hortensio and Gremio, to court Kate. Hortensio and Gremio initially do not want to court her. They are only trying to convince Baptista of lifting the rule that Bianca, Kate's younger sister, cannot be courted until her older sister is married. Katherina is not happy about this. She is yelling at her father saying: "I pray you, sir, is it your will to make a stale of me amongst these mates"? (I.
