Aléxia Maria Lopes de Souza – 00327181

Adaptation Analysis - "10 Things I Hate About You" and Shakespeare's "The
Taming of the Shrew"

"10 Things I Hate About You," directed by Gil Junger and released in 1999, is
a modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic play "The Taming of the
Shrew." The film takes the essence of the original play and transplants it into a
contemporary American high school setting. The adaptation is a teenage romantic
comedy that explores themes of love, identity, and societal expectations, all while
maintaining a connection to Shakespeare's work. In this analysis, we will critically
assess the features of "10 Things I Hate About You" and discuss its connection to
"The Taming of the Shrew" in light of literary theories proposed by scholars like
Rajewsky and Leitch.
"10 Things I Hate About You" retains the basic plot structure of "The Taming of
the Shrew" but adapts it to fit the dynamics of a high school setting in the 1990s. The
central plot revolves around the Stratford sisters, Kat (played by Julia Stiles) and
Bianca (played by Larisa Oleynik). Bianca cannot date unless her older sister, the
assertive and independent Kat, does. This mirrors the original play's premise where
Bianca cannot marry until her older sister, the sharp-tongued Katherina, finds a
suitor.
Patrick Verona (played by Heath Ledger) is paid to woo Kat, who is initially
resistant to the idea of dating. The film follows the progression of their relationship
and the challenges they face due to societal expectations and personal differences.
The characters closely parallel their counterparts in Shakespeare's play, with Patrick
taking on the role of Petruchio, and Kat as the modern-day Katherine.
According to Thomas Leitch (2008, page 103), the adaptation "10 Things I
Hate About You" assumes the infinite availability of Shakespeare for updating, as it
regards his characters and stories as universally relevant (Neoclassical adaptation).
"10 Things I Hate About You" successfully translates the central themes of
"The Taming of the Shrew" into a contemporary context. The film addresses issues
of conformity, rebellion, and the complexities of teenage relationships. It cleverly
adapts Shakespearean wit and humor to appeal to a younger audience while
maintaining the essence of the original play.
The characters in the film reflect the archetypes present in "The Taming of the
Shrew." Kat's strong-willed nature and Patrick's attempts to 'tame' her draw clear
parallels to Katherina and Petruchio. The adaptation handles the character
development well, providing depth and nuance to the protagonists, making them
relatable to a modern audience.
The film incorporates social commentary on gender roles and expectations,
much like Shakespeare's play. Kat's resistance to conformity and the film's ultimate
message of embracing one's individuality resonate with the feminist undertones
found in "The Taming of the Shrew." The adaptation, however, takes a more nuanced
approach, allowing Kat to maintain her agency and independence.
The film engages with Shakespeare's text through various intermedial
elements, including dialogue, character names, and thematic parallels. The
appropriation of Shakespearean language, although adapted to a modern
vernacular, serves as a direct link to the literary source. For instance, Patrick's
attempts to win over Kat include Shakespeare-inspired gestures, such as reading
sonnets and quoting from "The Taming of the Shrew." These moments not only pay
homage to the original work but also highlight the enduring relevance of
Shakespearean language and wit.
John Leitch's comprehensive framework of adaptation theory intricately
examines the delicate balance between fidelity and transformation in the realm of
cinematic reinterpretations. In the context of this theoretical paradigm, "10 Things I
Hate About You" emerges as a prime example of a loose adaptation, skillfully
navigating the intricate interplay between maintaining the central plot and characters
of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" while concurrently permitting a
substantial degree of creative reinterpretation.
The film adeptly tackles the challenge of adapting Shakespeare's classic play
into a contemporary teenage romantic comedy, thereby unraveling a tapestry that
intertwines the timeless essence of the original work with a refreshing and inventive
cinematic narrative. Through a meticulous critical assessment of its narrative
structure, character dynamics, and thematic elements, it becomes evident that "10
Things I Hate About You" not only pays homage to the source material but also
boldly ventures into transformative territory.
In aligning with the scholarly perspectives of luminaries such as Rajewsky
and, notably, Leitch, the film strategically employs intermedial elements and creative
reinterpretation to establish a palpable connection to literary references. This
intentional engagement with theoretical frameworks elevates the film's adaptation
process, highlighting its nuanced approach to fidelity and transformation.
The enduring popularity of "10 Things I Hate About You" stands as a
compelling testament to its remarkable ability to encapsulate the timeless themes of
Shakespeare and present them in a manner that resonates profoundly with a
contemporary audience. Through this cinematic endeavor, the film not only breathes
new life into a centuries-old narrative but also serves as a bridge that seamlessly
connects the cultural and temporal gaps, ensuring the enduring relevance of
Shakespearean themes for generations to come.
 REFERENCES

Junger, G. (Director). (1999). 10 Things I Hate About You. United States:

Touchstone Pictures.

LEITCH, Thomas M. Between Adaptation and Allusion. Film adaptation and its
discontents: from Gone with the Wind to The Passion of the Christ. Baltimore:
Johns Hopkins
University Press, 2007. p. 93-126.

Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. (1998). The taming of the shrew. New York
:Signet Classic,