The Taming of the Shrew and The Tragedy of Mariam both embody the misogynistic and claustrophobic nature of Renaissance society, elucidating the psychological suffocation of their female protagonists. This essay will focus on how the claustrophobia illustrated, in both works, parallels that experienced by 16th century women. The predominant notions explored will be: the suffocating expectations of society, the role and contribution of males to such suffocation, the use of confined space and finally the restrictions implemented on women's voices. Different critics will be engaged, to grasp different points of view and opinions, qualifying a skilled realistic understanding of the texts, applying both the texts, in their original society, and in the modern one. The suffocating expectations of society are perhaps the central basis of claustrophobia. Likewise, both Katherine and Mariam's actions are perceived as a woman's transgression of the "moral codes" and social conventions within Renaissance society, both are condemned for this. Mariam ultimately meets a more tragic fate though, it could be argued that Mariam, although through death, is at least liberated, Katherine, on the other hand, must continue to live in suffocation. Katherine's "too rude" character is displaced within society and isolated in the domestic space. (Shakespeare, 1982:109) She disappoints in conforming to the mold of a demure and obedient girl, and is therefore rejected by her society. Her "unkind" behavior causes her to be considered incapable of marrying or being accepted as a woman, as she is not of a "kinder, gentler" mold. (Shakespeare, 1982:109) Crocker points out that, a shrew 'is... means of paper... Library in association with George Washington University. Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2870547.Crocker, A, C. (2003) “Affective Resistance: Exhibiting Passivity and Playing a Part in The Taming of the Shrew,” Published by: Folger Shakespeare Library Association with George Washington University. Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/384417Heller, L, J. (2005) 'Space, Violence, and Bodies in Middleton and Cary', Rice University. Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3844552.Miller, N, J. (1997) 'Domestic Politics in Elizabeth Cary's The Tragedy of Mariam', Rice University. Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/450838.Korda,N. (1996) “Household Kates: Domesticating Commodities in The Taming of the Shrew,” Folger Shakespeare Library in association with George Washington University. Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2871098.