The Taming of the Shrew Study Guide for Unit Test

frame tale

A story within a story

blank verse

Unrhymed iambic pentameter

soliloquy

A character speaking their thoughts aloud when alone

monologue

A long speech by one character to others on stage

aside

A brief comment meant for the audience or a select character

foil

A character who contrasts another to highlight traits

dramatic irony

When the audience knows more than the characters

farce

A comedic work with exaggerated situations

comedy

A genre aiming to entertain with a happy ending

pun

A play on words

malapropism

Incorrect use of a word that sounds similar to the correct one

imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the senses

Katherina

Sharp, bold, witty character; Dynamic and Round

Petruchio

Loud, confident, clever character; Dynamic and Round

Bianca

Sweet, obedient character; Static and Flat

Lucentio

Romantic, impulsive character; Static and Round

Hortensio

Foolish, competitive character; Static and Flat

Tranio

Clever, loyal character; Static and Round

Grumio

Comedic, clumsy character; Static and Flat

Key Event(s) in Induction

Lord tricks Sly into thinking he's a nobleman

Theme(s) in Act 1

Disguise, gender roles

Theme(s) in Act 2

Marriage as economic transaction

Quote by Katherina

"Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper..."

Motif in Katherina's Quote

Marriage, gender roles

Theme in Katherina's Quote

Obedience, power dynamics