This volume presents a broad range of critical essays exemplifying different approaches to Shakespeare's two comedies, The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado about Nothing. The essays approach the plays from a number of theoretical positions: feminist, historicist, deconstruction and psychoanalytic, as well as offering general commentary and a discussion of film versions and stage productions. The introduction explains the development of these critical pieces, making the two plays considered accessible to students at all levels.