The late 1990s saw a wave of modern adaptations of classic literature, with 10 Things I Hate About You, released in 1999, standing out as a quintessential example. This teen romantic comedy draws its inspiration from Shakespeare’s play The Taming of the Shrew. However, the film diverges significantly from the original narrative, moving beyond just the contemporary high school backdrop. Much like the recent adaptation Anyone But You (2023), which reimagines Much Ado About Nothing, 10 Things I Hate About You pays homage to Shakespeare while creatively reinterpreting the source material.
The movie opens with Cameron, who instantly falls for Bianca Stratford upon entering Padua High School. Unfortunately, Bianca’s overprotective father prohibits his daughters from dating. To resolve this, he agrees to permit Bianca to date only when her elder sister, Kat, does. The twist is that Kat is notoriously unapproachable, showing no interest in romantic relationships, compelling Cameron to devise a scheme to motivate the rebellious Patrick to pursue Kat. While the basic plot remains intact, the film makes several significant shifts from its 16th-century precursor.
8 The Taming of the Shrew Functions as a Play Within a Play
The Movie (and Most Stage Performances) Omits Shakespeare’s Prologue
Many of Shakespeare’s works, including The Taming of the Shrew, follow a metatheatrical structure, presenting a play within a play. The narrative unfolds for the amusement of a character named Christopher Sly, a tinker. The prologue depicts Sly being thrown out of a tavern while intoxicated, leading to a series of comedic events orchestrated by a lord. This lord plays a prank on Sly by disguising him in aristocratic attire and convincing him that he is a wealthy nobleman with a beautiful wife as an acting troupe performs before him.
The prologue, referred to as an induction, establishes the story’s framework, yet its relevance to the main plot is minimal. Consequently, most adaptations, including 10 Things I Hate About You, opt to exclude it entirely.
7 Katherina’s Father Insists on Her Marriage in the Play
Walter is Reluctant for His Daughters to Date in the Film
In the film, the character Walter Stratford is humorously overprotective, adamantly forbidding his daughters from dating. His rationale extends to warning them about the dangers of relationships, such as teenage pregnancy. He makes a deal that Bianca can start dating only when Kat does, assuming Kat will remain uninterested. This notion proves misguided, leading Walter to confront the reality of his daughters growing up and seeking independence.
In contrast, the father figure in Shakespeare’s play, Baptista, enforces a stricter decree: Bianca will not entertain suitors until Katherina is wed. Baptista’s motivations differ significantly from Walter’s, as he views Katherina’s disobedient behavior as needing correction rather than protecting her innocence. Thus, when Petruchio seeks Katherina’s hand, Baptista readily obliges.
6 Cameron Faces Fewer Rivals for Bianca’s Affection
In 10 Things I Hate About You, Cameron Only Has Joey to Compete Against
Cameron’s competition for Bianca’s affection is limited to Joey, a self-absorbed model. He enlists the help of his friend Michael to orchestrate an elaborate plan involving Patrick to win Kat’s heart, hoping this will indirectly benefit him with Bianca. Initially, Bianca is enamored with the more popular Joey, leading her to unintentionally mislead Cameron until she recognizes her genuine feelings for him.
In Shakespeare’s version, Cameron’s counterpart, Lucentio, encounters multiple rivals vying for Bianca’s attentions.Gremio and Hortensio both pursue Bianca along with Lucentio. Unlike the film’s streamlined dynamic, Lucentio’s pursuit is further complicated by the machinations of his servant, Tranio, differentiating their paths considerably.
5 Disguises Play a Role in The Taming of the Shrew
Lucentio Disguises Himself as a Tutor, While Cameron Functions as Bianca’s Tutor
Disguises are a common motif in Shakespeare’s works, with The Taming of the Shrew being no exception. In their strategies to win Bianca’s affections, both Hortensio and Gremio disguise themselves; Gremio poses as a tutor, while Hortensio assumes the identity of a musician. Lucentio employs a clever ruse by having Tranio masquerade as him to gain access to Baptista, while he himself assumes the guise of a tutor gifted to Bianca.
In contrast to the convoluted schemes of Lucentio, Cameron’s role is straightforward. He becomes Bianca’s tutor without any additional disguise, making for a clearer, more relatable plot.
4 Joey Offers Patrick Money to Date Kat
In The Taming of the Shrew, Petruchio & Hortensio are Allies
Throughout his quest to pursue Kat, Cameron identifies Patrick as an ideal suitor but is met with a hostile reception from him. Thus, Michael persuades Joey to intervene by offering Patrick money to date Kat. This transactional arrangement does not foster any genuine connection, as the two initially share an aversion to each other.
Conversely, the dynamics in The Taming of the Shrew are based on camaraderie.Petruchio and Hortensio, who inspires Joey’s character, are friends. When Petruchio expresses a desire to find a wife, Hortensio seizes the opportunity and introduces him to Katherina, fully aware of her fiery temperament, but underestimating Petruchio’s resolve.
3 Petruchio and Katherina’s Marriage is Coerced
Patrick Naturally Wins Kat’s Heart in the Film
In the Elizabethan era depicted in The Taming of the Shrew, traditional courting norms prevailed, often resulting in rapid engagements. Petruchio’s courtship of Katherina, secured after a brief meeting, exemplifies this. She remains unwillingly bound to Petruchio, despite proceeding with the wedding.
In stark contrast to the original narrative, 10 Things I Hate About You showcases Patrick genuinely courting Kat. While he initially accepts payment to win her over, his sincere interest shines through as he engages with her authentically, culminating in shared moments that lead Kat to willingly attend prom with him. Their relationship blossoms organically, diverging significantly from the forced dynamics of the play.
2 Petruchio’s Methods are Cruel to “Tame” Katherina
Patrick’s Care for Kat is Evident Through His Actions
The portrayal of relationships in The Taming of the Shrew starkly contrasts with the modern depiction in 10 Things I Hate About You.
While Patrick’s motivation to date Kat evolves into genuine affection, the same cannot be said for Petruchio, whose methods of coercion and humiliation severely challenge societal norms of respect and love. His abuse—like denying Katherina food and insisting she falsely acknowledge the sun as the moon—signifies a troubling aspect of their dynamic, reflecting a desire to “tame” her through dominance.
1 The Film Provides Insights into Kat’s Anger
Kat’s Backstory Explains Her Defensiveness
Shakespeare’s Katherina, exaggerated for dramatic effect, is depicted as rebellious and violent. However, the nuanced portrayal of Kat in 10 Things I Hate About You provides a much-needed context for her behavior, rendering her character sympathetic. It is revealed that Kat experienced emotional trauma in the past, having been pressured by Joey into a relationship that ended in heartbreak. Her reticence towards romance becomes deeply relatable, fueling her dislike for teenage boys.
This modern lens showcases Kat not merely as an irritable character, but as a cultural icon celebrated for her authenticity and resilience. The film captures the complexities of young women’s experiences, highlighting how past betrayals significantly shape their present interactions.
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