Annisa+Ahmed

Observing Expectations. Starring "The Taming of the Shrew" and "Shrek."
 * //Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else //**

The image people show is essential to not only their lives, but also in their relationships. Within "The Taming of the Shrew," Katherine is taken to be the unwanted shrew, a woman who no one was willing to deal with, let allow marry. As in the popular DreamWorks movie, "Shrek," both the male and female leads have a rough journey accepting themselves as they are.

Normally, the hope is to be with a partner that is happy with themselves as they are. The rumors spreading throughout the realms of Padua reassure possible suitors to steer clear of the dreaded Katherine. She was seen in the light of a modern-day devil, and yet that did not stop her from changing her wretched ways. In the other account, because they are monstrous ogres, Shrek and Fiona do not believe that anyone would love them as they are. Taking the length of the ninety-two minutes, trying to find their true selves, succumbing to their physical looks, which has kept from having any relationships for so long. **These tales indicate that being comfortable with one's own appearance is vital in retaining a healthy, prospering relationship.**

**"I know she is an irksome, brawling scold.** **If that be all, masters I hear no harm."** (Act l, Scene 2. 189-90) page 61.

Early on in the story, Petruchio, a man who is advised to seek love and fortune elsewhere, ignores the requests of his friends. Despite their pleas to keep himself sane, as they put it, he is interested in Katherine and makes his thoughts known.With all that was said, it is obvious to him that dealing with her will only lead trouble and yet, their attempts are futile. Her personality is bold; Katherine is a woman with demands that must be met. Her thoughts are spoken with force and declared out loud for all to know. She does not hold back and that is who she is.

Similar to Shrek, who in no circumstances, will act in a manner that does not reflect his nature.

When a mob of villagers come to capture the great beast, Shrek easily scares them off with a terrifying roar and hints of what he could do to their rotting corpses. The green, intimidating ogre is a fairy tale creature - the only reason why any poor soul would dare approach him - seen a disgusting, hellish thing that is better left alone. This is exactly the way Shrek feels; he would rather stay in quiet isolation than being surrounded by people who would only scream and run away when crossing his path. The villagers base all ogres on the stereotype that the only thing they [ogres] wish for is death upon a human. Even though he knows that no one is would choose to get to know the personality behind the layers of mud and filth, Shrek still enjoys this peaceful life in the swamp. Sure, it can be lonely, but at least here, he does not need to play the part of a mindless ogre and can simply bask in the life he wishes to have, without the need for masking and charades, without trying to convince himself of something he is not.

**"I chafe you if I tarry. Let me go."** (Act ll, Scene l, line 255) page 98.

During their first encounter, Katherine and Petruchio become locked in an heated battle of words. Neither was willing to give to inch, but oddly enough, the debate does a complete one-eighty. Katherine insults him by saying he is wrinkled (and old), in which Petruchio responds that she cares. She quickly denies the claim, Petruchio tries to call her on a bluff. Her response is, as the quote states, "Leave me. I will make you angry if you stay." This shows that she knows her faults, that she is aware of what the city is saying about. In this scene, she takes it heart, sounding almost ashamed and even more when she admits this to Petruchio. The only man who had given her a second glance already knows of her imperfections, taking the time to make sure he knows what exactly he is getting into before he takes her hand in marriage.

As with Fiona, who attempts to keep her biggest kept secret away from the man she loves.

Towards the end of film, Fiona shows Shrek her true form when the sun sets. He is a bit shocked at first, but putting the pieces together, this truth makes complete sense. After threatening to be tore apart through a brief scuffle with Lord Farquaad, Shrek and Fiona come together again to share "true love's first kiss," which is what will break the spell. But, as the blinding light dies down, it is clear to audience (and herself) that she is still an ogre, leaving her disappointed. She says that she is confused because she is supposed to be beautiful. Shrek stares at her, blankly, before telling her that she is beautiful. Allowing Shrek to know of the truth before they developed a relationship was smart move on Fiona's behalf. Keeping their connection free of lies will let their bond grow and strengthen in the absence of anything that will restrain them.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">The two couples do end a version of happily ever after. Petruchio and Katherine are able to meet eye-to-eye, eventually while Shrek and Fiona end up riding away in a carriage as newlyweds. "Taming of the Shrew" showed its pair as love that grew over time - first getting to know their faults and adjusting accordingly. As did "Shrek", but in this tale, their shortcomings were what drew them together. Since they could accept themselves, others saw this a means as to accept as they are, in order to be partners at work.