I will fasten on this sleeve of thine: thou art an elm, my husband, I a vine

I will fasten on this sleeve of thine: thou art an elm, my husband, I a vine

The line "I will fasten on this sleeve of thine: thou art an elm, my husband, I a vine" is from William Shakespeare's play "The Taming of the Shrew." In this scene, the character Katharina is speaking to her husband Petruchio, comparing their relationship to that of an elm tree and a vine.

The comparison of Petruchio to an elm tree and Katharina to a vine is a metaphor for their marriage. In this metaphor, the elm tree represents strength, stability, and protection, while the vine represents growth, flexibility, and dependence. By saying that she will "fasten on this sleeve of thine," Katharina is expressing her desire to cling to Petruchio and rely on him for support and protection.

The use of the metaphor of the elm tree and the vine is significant in the context of the play. In the patriarchal society of Shakespeare's time, marriage was often seen as a hierarchical relationship in which the husband was expected to be the head of the household and the wife was expected to be submissive and obedient. However, in this scene, Katharina is asserting her own agency and independence by comparing herself to a vine, a plant that is known for its ability to grow and thrive independently.

Furthermore, the comparison of Petruchio to an elm tree is also significant. In the play, Petruchio is portrayed as a strong and dominant character who is able to "tame" Katharina and bring her under his control. By comparing him to an elm tree, Katharina is acknowledging his strength and power, but also asserting her own importance and value in the relationship.

Overall, the line "I will fasten on this sleeve of thine: thou art an elm, my husband, I a vine" is a powerful expression of Katharina's complex feelings towards Petruchio and their marriage. It highlights the tension between dependence and independence, strength and vulnerability, and power and submission in their relationship, making it a key moment in the play.