Perfect Mate: Parent Form
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
We are reading Shakespeare’s The Taming of a Shrew in English Class. As you may
already know, the play centers on a shrew (Katherine), a cunning woman who is
somewhat forced into a relationship with an equally cunning man. The woman’s father
has put her into this position, yet one reading of the play may reveal that Katherine got
what she wanted all along!
In an effort to show the similarities between Shakespeare’s themes and life today, I have
assigned this survey to students. On the other side of this sheet I have asked your student
to list traits they would want in a “perfect mate”. Now, please answer similar questions,
without having looked at their lists first. You’re welcome to read what your student said
and discuss the topic with them after you’ve answered the questions below. Perhaps, like
Katherine and her father, your opinions (seemingly?) differ greatly…
Thank you for your help in completing this project! Your student will receive points for
bringing back this completed form on ______________________.
What traits (physical, personality, etc.) do you think your son or daughter would
look for if searching for the perfect mate for himself or herself?
What traits would you consider most important if you were choosing the perfect
mate for you son or daughter?
Parent Signature: Date:
Perfect Mate: Student Form
In The Taming of a Shrew, Katherine and her father are unable to see eye-to-eye, or at
least that’s the way Katherine makes it seem… Have you ever disagreed with your
parents/guardians just for the sake of disagreeing, especially about someone you like or
friends you keep? If so, you should have some insight into what Katherine and her father
experience in this play. Consider their situation placed in the 21st century. Consider your
situation in particular. This survey invites you to examine a timeless struggle between
parent/guardian and child.
Please answer the following questions:
List the traits (physical, personality, etc.) of your perfect mate. Try to be as specific
as you can be.
What traits do you think your parents would list if they were choosing the perfect
mate for you? Again, try to be specific.
Remember, don’t let your parents/guardians see your list
until they have done theirs on the other side.