The Taming of the Shrew 1.1 Word Nerd: “shrew”

The transcript explores the evolution of the word 'shrew' from its origins, where it described a fierce animal, to its application to people as a term for someone evil or wicked. By Shakespeare's time, it referred to a scolding woman, a usage that persists today in a pejorative sense. The adjective 'shrewd' evolved separately, initially describing cunning in evil deeds, but now is used positively to denote cleverness. The transcript questions whether Catherine, the 'shrew' in Shakespeare's play, is merely ill-tempered or also clever and perceptive.

What characteristics of shrews contributed to the belief that they were possessed by an evil spirit?

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How did the meaning of the word 'shrew' evolve from its original use to its common usage in Shakespeare's time?

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In what context is the term 'shrew' used today, and what does it imply about the person it describes?

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What is the difference between the older sense of 'shrewd' and its current usage?

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Considering Catherine's character in the play, how can we interpret her as either a shrew or a shrewd individual?

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