Taming of the Shrew Test Study Guide, taming of the shrew unit test study guide

What purpose is served by the argument between Sly and the hostess at the beginning of the play?

It shows that he is a drunk and outlines the beginning conflict of the play.

What is the thematic purpose of the lord's plan to dupe Sly into believing he is a lord?

It sets up the theme of deception in the play and adds humor to the situation.

What parallels does the page's function as Sly's "wife" have to Katherine's relationship to Petruchio?

Sly's wife is faking being in love, just like Petruchio was to Kate at the beginning of the play.

What purpose fo the references to real local people and places have in Sly's speeches?

It creates a common ground between the reader and Shakespeare.

Does Sly truly believe that he is a lord?

He slowly was convinced, but I think he knows in the back of his mind that something is wrong.

What does Lucentio's opening speech reveal about his character?

It reveals that he is self-involved and clever.

How does Tranio's advice foreshadow future events?

Lucentio will stop studying philosophy and fall in love.

What is the relationship between Tranio and Lucentio?

Tranio is Lucentio's servant, but acts more like a friend.

Why does Sly and company disappear from the play?

We already know and understand that we are watching a play, so they aren't really needed on stage.

How does Petruchio's stated purpose in coming to Padua differ from Lucentio's?

Lucentio originally wants to study philosophy and Petruchio wants to find a rich wife.

Why does Kate abuse Bianca?

Kate is jealous because of Bianca's suitors and the attention Baptista gives her.

How does Petruchio's first meeting with Baptista set the style for the rest of the courtship?

He lies about what he has heard about Kate setting the tone because they both lie to each other.

What kind of father does Baptista appear to be?

He favors Bianca more than Kate, but obviously cares deeply for both of them and wants the best for them.

What purpose is served by Hortensio/Licio's account of his music lesson with Kate?

It reinforces the idea that Kate is truly shrewish and violent, even to people she just met.

Does Petruchio's soliloquy reveal a concealed character?

No because we knew he was clever and persistent from the beginning.

Why are puns used so frequently in Kate and Petruchio's encounter?

I think they use them as a form of flirting, and also to disguise their truly feelings for each other.

Why is Petruchio's story about Kate's agreement to marry him so readily accepted?

Everyone has waited so long for Kate to be married that they don't care about the circumstances.

How does Tranio's decision to find a 'father' reflect the theme of the play?

It shows that instead of just telling Baptista and everyone else what is actually going on, they continue yo lie and drag more people into the mess.

How does Kate and Petruchio's love scene contrast with Bianca's courtship?

Bianca is more open with her affection, while Kate hides her feelings in puns and insults.

What is the effect of Petruchio's shabby appearance?

It adds on to the embarassment Kate feels at her wedding.

What purpose is served by Petruchio's rude behavior at the wedding?

It showed Kate what her behavior looked like to everyone else.

What elements of farce are in Grumio and Curtis' meeting?

There is a lot of physical comedy and jokes about Grumio's size and coldness.

What evidence of change is apparent in Kate by Grumio's account and by her own behavior when she enters?

She was defending the servants, a stark difference from when she hit her music tutor with an instrument.

How does Petruchio compare his treatment of Kate to the taming of a falcon?

He doesn't give her food or let her sleep so she will become dependent on him.

How does Bianca and Lucentio's exchange in scene 2 compare to their last meeting?

They were still flirting, but more forward and open.

Why is Hortensio's resolution to seek kindness in a woman and mot beauty ironic?

He is actually marrying for money, as he is planning to marry a rich widow.

How does the recruitment of the pedant further the theme of deception?

They continue to add more people to their lies by making the Pedant believe he is in danger.

What new awareness on Kate's part is revealed by her conversation with Grumio?

It shows that the 'taming' process is working because she actually begs Grumio for food.

What does Kate's outburst at Petruchio over the cap and gown reveal?

It reveals she is not completely tame.

Is Petruchio's speech to Kate about the unimportance of clothing hypocritical?

He is not hypocritical because he tells her many times that clothing is not important (like at the wedding).

Why does Biondello remain behind after Tranio, Baptista, and the Pedant leave?

He has to make sure the priest and Lucentio are at the church to secretly marry.

What do Petruchio's test in scene 4 prove?

It shows that Kate is 'tamed'.

What does Vincentio's reaction to Lucentio and Tranio's deceptions reveal about his character?

He is angry at Tranio and he is worried about his son, so he is easily angered, and easily forgives.

How does Lucentio play on his assumed name?

Cambio in Italian means exchanged and talks about love made in exchanged places.

Is Petruchio's request for a kiss in scene 1 simply another test of Kate?

Yes, because it's something she doesn't want to do.

What does Petruchio mean when he remarks 'Padua affords nothing but what is kind'?

He acts as if he is bored and complains, which offends Baptista and gives him an insincere apology.

How does Petruchio pursue an aim opposite to Lucentio's in the final scene?

Lucentio wants a quiet dinner, but Petruchio wants something exciting (like the bet).

How is suspense built up about the bet?

The other guys tease him, and they ask the women one by one. They also place a lot of money on the bet.

What is the essence of a wife's duty according to Kate?

Love, fair looks, and obedience.

baptista

father of Katherine and Bianca; rich gentleman of Padua; has a rule that the eldest must be married before the younger can

bianca

baptistas youngest daughter; behaved; marries Lucentio; sweet and innocent

katherine

baptistas oldest daughter; marries petruchio; shrew; argumentative and rude

lucentio

young gentleman who disguises himself as a tutor named "cambio" ; marries bianca

petruchio

young gentleman from verona; marries kate for money not love; meets kate through hortensio

hortensio

suitor to bianca; disguises himself as a music tutor; marries a widow

grumio

petruchios servant

tranio

works for lucentio; disguises himself as lucentio so real lucentio can marry bianca

gremio

a foolish old man; suitor to bianca

vincentio

father of lucentio; elderly man of pisa

merchant (old man)

found by tranio to pretend to be vincentio