Title: 10 Things I Hate About You: A Modern Retelling of The Taming of the Shrew
The 1999 teen comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You, is a modern retelling of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. While the movie takes liberties with the original plot, it nods to Shakespeare’s work while also making significant changes. One of the main differences is the character of Petruchio, who is depicted as a good friend of Hortensio and is not cruel and abusive towards Katherina. Instead, Patrick, the character based on Petruchio, charms Kat by showing interest in her and is willing to embarrass himself to be with her.
Another significant difference is the romance between the main characters. In the play, Petruchio marries Katherina against her will, while in the movie, Patrick and Kat fall in love despite being initially forced together. Patrick is respectful and kind to Kat, and their relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding.
The play, on the other hand, is problematic and has been criticized for its depiction of women and relationships. In the play, Petruchio’s actions towards Katherina are abusive and humiliating, and he is not respectful or loving towards her. The play is an exaggeration of a wild and disobedient daughter, and Katherina is expected to obey her husband’s authority and become the epitome of a “perfect” wife.
The movie, 10 Things I Hate About You, provides a more sympathetic and relatable portrayal of Kat. She has an unfortunate past with Joey, who pressured her into having sex with him and dumped her when she refused to continue. This backstory explains her cold demeanor and mistrust of teenage boys, making her a more nuanced and human character.
In conclusion, while 10 Things I Hate About You takes inspiration from The Taming of the Shrew, it makes significant changes to the original plot and characters. The movie provides a more respectful and loving portrayal of the main characters, and its portrayal of women and relationships is more relatable and sympathetic.
