TAMING OF THE SHREW: Key Quotes

"We shall ne'er be younger."

(ACT 1 SCENE 2) Last line of the Scene/Act by Sly which is spoken in PROSE rather than verse like he used first line Act 1 Scene 2 - Proving his transformation:

"a woman's gift

To rain a shower of commanded tears."

(ACT 1 SCENE 1) What does the Lord say which renders emotions a gift?

"I have some sport in hand"

(ACT 1 SCENE 1) What does the Lord say which mirrors P's later obsession w/ gamesmanship?

"Semiramis"

(ACT 1 SCENE 2) Who does the Lord say Sly's bed was trimm'd for? - A queen renowned for her sexual desire - Meaning what Sly is really being mocked for is his sexual incompetency/lack of success w/ women.

"Are you my wife, and will not call me 'husband'?"

(ACT 1 SCENE 2) What does Sly say in recognition of the fact that his status= threatened by female power/disobedience:

"I am Christopher Sly"

(ACT 1 SCENE 2) Evidence that Sly tries to assert himself with a Spanish version of his name, emphasising the importance of TITLES in the play/context.

"trall'd my wounded eye."

What does Lucentio say about seeing Bianca, which is a reference to Cupid and his eye which shows his superficial nature and how B is only valued for her image?

"Help my mater is mad."

What does Grumio say which foreshadows P's madness, or shows he is angry? (The two meanings of the word)

Petruchio's "Taming school"

What do Hortensio and Gremio call going to see how P tames K?

"I never saw a better-fashion'd gown, (...) you mean to make a puppet of me."

What does Kate say about the dress which P has suddenly acquired a taste of fashion over - making hr more feminine?

"I am Christophero Sly"

What does Sly call himself which links to the context of the Spanish Armada 1588 which emphasises his status as an outsider?

"Wilt you please your lordship drink a cup of sack!"

Sly, in the induction, says: "For God's sake, a pot of small ale!", what does the First Servingman reply which highlights the class inequalities already pertinent at this point in the play and the crude attempts to civilise Sly? - the quote translates to dry white wine

"It is not a comonty?"

Quote when Sly shows that the word comedy is new to him.

"Madam, undress you and come now to bed."

What does Sly immediately say when he is convinced he has a wife?

"Persuade him that he hath been lunatic,"

What is an early hint at the lunacy of Petruchio in the induction by the Lord who is laying out the plan for tricking Sly - so perhaps Petruchio is Sly but in reverse- Sly's drunkenness is an equivalent to P's emotional turmoil and crisis of masculinity?

"To cart her rather! She's too rough for me."

What reference does Gremio make about Kate deserving the punishment of a prostitute (as 'to cart' was this punishment)

"I pray you, sir, is it your will to make a stale of me amongst these mates?"

Quote by Kate about being made a stale (laughing stock/ prostitute) by her father, amongst the men (which she calls 'mates' which could be a reference to games and chess etc.)

The devil

What is Kate often referred to as?

"A pretty peat! It is best out finger in the eye, and she knew why"

What does Kate say in reference to her father's favouritism of Bianca, in which she talks about her being a peat (little pet) and bringing tears to her eyes? (Sarcastically of course)

"My books and instruments shall be my company,"

What does Bianca say is her only company?

"thou mayst hear Minerva speak!"

When Bianca talks of her books and instruments being her company, what is the quote for Lucentio who says it is like the Roman Goddess of Wisdom (Minerva) speaking?

"Why will you mew her up,"

What does Gremio say about Bianca being kept away from marriage?

"our cake's dough on both sides"

What does Gremio say which implies he has lost on both sides (Kate and Bianca), which links to the context of communal baking?

"Yet the love I bear my sweet Bianca"

What does Gremio say about loving Bianca which is quite objectifying?

"A husband? A devil!"

What does Gremio say about the man who would marry Kate being a devil?

"There's small choice in rotten apples."

What does Hortensio say about rotten apples and Kate?

"A man could light on them, would take her with all faults, and money enough"

What does Hortensio say about money and a man taking Kate for money?

"I saw her coral lips to move,

And with her breath she did perfume the air.

Sacred and sweet was all I saw in her."

What does Lucentio say to Tranio about being in love with Bianca after first seeing her (which is quite sensory)?

"Knock, sir? Whom should I knock?

Give an example of Grumio relying on the stock comedy routines of Elizabethan clowns - typically misunderstanding words (malphorisms) (Him misunderstanding P's instruction to knock on the door)

"Happily to wive and thrive as best I may

crowns in my purse I have, and goods at home,

And so am come abroad to see the world."

What does P say about wiving and thriving and seeing the world?

"And yet I'll promise thee she shall be rich,

And very rich, But tha'rt too much my friend,

And I'll not wish thee to her."

Quote referring to when Hortensio tells P about Kate being rich but a shrew.

"One rich enough to be Petruchio's wife -

As wealth is burden of my wooing dance -

Be she as foul as was Florentius' love,

As old as sibyl, and as curst and screwed

As Socratus' Xanthipee or a worse,"

Quote where P agrees to marrying Kate, but references "Florentius' love" (referencing Sir Florent - a knight in Gower's Confessio Amantis who had to marry an ugly old woman to save his life), that referents "sibyl" (of classical mythology - Apollo granted her as many years to live as the number of grains of sand in her hand), and references "xanthipee" (the Greek philosopher who's wife was notoriously bad tempered) - Referencing all these figures of history is telling of P's vanity. +P refers to himself in third person in this quote

"I come to wive it wealthily in Padua;

If wealthily, then happily in Padua."

What does P say about wiving and being wealth in Padua?

"Give him gold enough to marry him to a puppet or an aglet-baby or an old trot with ne'er a tooth in her head"

What does Grumio say about P marrying practically anything so long as there was enough gold in it?

"Will undertake to woo curst Katherine,

Yea, and to marry her, if her dowry please"

What does P say about marrying Kate so long as her dowry pleases him?

"My father dead, my fortune lives for me,"

What does P say about his father being dead and his fortunes living for him?

"Will I live?"

Gremio asks P "But will you woo this wildcat?", what it P's cocky, rhetorical reply?

"Have I not in my time heard lions roar?"

Give the sentence from Petruchio's arguably vain but arguably heroic speech in which he references lions (a semantic field of war - suggesting it is easy for him to control Kate - as the speech concerns methods of control).

"Yea, leave that labour to great Hercules,"

What does Gremio compare P to which implies that wooing Kate will be as great a task as the twelve near impossible 'labourers' imposed on this figure (who is the superman of classical mythology)?

'Enter Katherina and Bianca with her hands tied.'

What is the first stage direction in Act 2 Scene 1?

"So well I know my duty to my elders."

What does Bianca say to insult Kate for her age - which is calculating to enrage her (implying she is more savvy and malicious than she makes out to be)?

"Minion"

What does Kate call Bianca which was the term of abuse for the spoilt favourite child?

'Katherina strikes her.'

What stage direction shows what Kate does to Bianca after tying her up and having an argument with her?

"Thou hiding a devilish spirit!"

What spirit does Baptista say Kate is hiding?

"I must dance barefoot on her wedding day"

"And, for your love for her, lead apes in hell."

What does Kate say which references the behaviour typically expected of an older unmarried sister, and the proverbial fate of an unmarried woman who could not lead children into heaven? - Perhaps displaying Kate's underlying fear?

"I have a daughter, sir, call'd Katherina."

Petruchio says to Baptista "Pray you have a daughter call'd Katherina, fair and virtuous?", what does Baptista reply as the ultimate disssss?

"And where two raging fires meet together

They do consume the things that feeds their fury.

Though little fire grows great with little wind,

Yet extreme gusts will blow out fire and all."

What does Petruchio say using natural imagery to show how he and K are 'meant to be together', and which also foreshadows the taming process?

"If is a lusty wench!

I love her ten times more than e'er I did."

Hortensio enters 'with his head broke' by Kate, and explains how she beat him. What does P say in response to this?

'Say that she frowns, I'll say she looks as clear

As morning roses newly wash'd with dew."

Before meeting Kate, what does P say which shows how he intends to use reverse psychology (linking to the taming process that is yet to come) - Also evidences of psychological rape

"But Kate, the prettiest Kate in Christendom,

Kate of Kate-Hall, my super-dainty Kate."

Upon first meeting Kate, P says "But Kate, for that's your name, I hear", Kate says "They call me Katherine that do talk of me", what does P then say in response to this which initiates disrespect in a colloquial tone (as refuses to use her name)?

"Women are made to bear, and so are you."

Kate in the wooing scene says that "Asses are made to bear, and so are you", what does P reply which means is a reminder of her inferior position of a woman, and quite literally prevents her from responding, as she can't argue against the inescapable nature of human biology?

"No just jade as you, if me you mean."

What does Kate say using the term "jade" which translates to a worthless horse, thus implying that P lacks sexual stamina?

"Well tane, like a buzzard."

Petruchio makes a feeble pun about the buzzing of a bee and 'buzz' meaning gossip: "Well take, like a buzzard", what does Kate reply which REFERENCES THE TAMING PROCESS (before the taming process has begun) - Due to its reference to a kind of hawk that CANNOT BE TAMED (buzzard) - perhaps implying she is never tamed even when treated as a hawk? (Remember P then after this references "O slow-wing'd turtle" - A turtle dove which= a symbol of faithful love

"Then my remedy is to pluck it out."

Kate says "If I be waspish, best beware of my sting", what does P the reply which shows that he is stripping her of her masculinity - which she had claimed in this quote +this quote also foreshadows plot of the play.

'She strikes him'

What does Kate physically do to P in the wooing scene?

"Why does the world report that Kate doth limp."

What quote implies that Kate may have been PHYSICALLY raped in this scene?

"Thus in plain terms; your father hath consented

That you shall be my wife, your dowry 'greed on,

And will you, nill you, I will marry you.

For I am he am born to tame you, Kate,

And bring you from a wild Kate to a Kate

conformable as other household Kates."

In the wooing scene what does P say to remind Kate of his ultimately more powerful position as a result of the patriarchy - which essentially silences her?

"I'll see thee hang'd on Sunday first!"

Petruchio says: "And to conclude, we have greed so well together That upon Sunday is the wedding day", what does Kate say in response to this which essentially the last of her voice in this scene - showing her to have been silenced?

"How much she loves me - O the kindest Kate!

She hung about my neck, and kiss on kiss..."

What is the quote that shows Petruchio's manipulative nature and his ability to show off his power to Kate by lying about her behaviour (also Shakespeare's use of dramatic irony - perhaps to evoke sympathy for Kate and distaste for P)?

'Exeunt Petruchio and Katherina separately.'

Near the of the wooing scene, what stage direction shows the true dynamic between Kate and P?

"That can assure my daughter greatest dower

shall have Bianca's love

What does Baptista say to Bianca's suitors which shows that they can only be with her through him via wealth? - Also evident of the context in which wealth only passes on from fathers to a MALE heir (any male family member) - So perhaps implying Baptista is being caring, and investing in Bianca's security (which she rejects and is reckless about) - or is he being reckless about Bianca's hummanity - and not investing in her happiness only her financial security not social security (not caring whether she actually loves the suitor)? - In this quote though he is commodifying Bianca's love and taking charge of it

"Yet I have fav'd it with a card of ten."

What does Tranio say which is an expression deriving from a card game called Primero, which seems to indicate that Tranio is WINING (games) at the moment by BLUFFING!?

"Hic iba Simois - I know you not; hic est sigeia tellus - I trust you not;"

When Lucentio reveals his identity to Bianca through Latin during their tuition session, what is her response?

"Spit in the hole, man, and tune again."

Give an example of a sexual innuendo used by Lucentio in the music scene.

"Why, I am past my gamut long ago."

Hortensio also tries his luck at sexual innuendos, saying "Madam, before you touch the instrument

To lead the order of my fingering, (...)", yet what is Bianca's response which represents Hortensio as an idiot and shows that she encourages Lucentio much more?

"Seize thee that list! If once I find thee ranging

Hortensio will be quit with thee by changing."

After facing rejection by Bianca during the wooing scene, what does Hortensio say which translates to him calling Bianca a hoe and essentially saying "If she's interested in other men, I'll leave it"? (And is also a couplet)

"No shame but mine."

"I must forsooth, be forc'd to give my hand,

oppos'd against my heart."

What does Kate say at learning that P is late for their wedding?

"Now the world must point at poor Katherine

And say, 'Lo, there is mad Petruchio's wife

If it would please him come and marry her!"

Upon learning that P is late for the wedding and thinking he may not come at all, what does Kate say?

'Exit weeping'

What stage direction during the wedding scene proves Kate's genuine upset at P's absence?

"I cannot blame thee now to weep,

For such an injury would vex a very saint."

What does Baptista say about Kate crying, showing her to not only now be an object of pity, but to show how his imagery and perception of her has changed - juxtaposed to his earlier use of language regarding her - (perhaps implying therefore that P's plan to redeem Kate has already come into action)?

"An eye-sore to our solemn festival."

What does Baptista call Petruchio's image on Kate's wedding day?

"Why Petruchio is coming in a new had and an old jerkin; a pair of old breeches thrice turned"

What does Biondello reveal about P's outfit for the wedding, which displays disgusting imagery and shows P's plan to behave as outrageously as possible (behave how he is not expected to)?

"To me she's married, not unto my clothes."

What does P say about his clothes and Kate which is revealing of his progressive politics and what he wants to teach Kate maybe?

"He hath some meaning in his mad attire."

What does wise Tranio say about Petruchio's wedding attire?

"Why, she's a devil, a devil, the devil's dam!"

Gremio, after Petruchio's behaviour at the wedding, says "Why, he's a devil, a devil, a very fiend!", what does Tranio say in response to this which shows that the characters are starting to perceive Kate AND P as EQUALS?

"Tut, she's a lamb, a dove, a fool to him."

What does Gremio say after the wedding scene which shows Kate's shrewish aura has been deflated to that of harmlessness and innocence?

"This mad-brain'd bridegroom took him such a cuff

That down fell the Priest and book, and book and Priest!"

Gremio's quote which shows P made the Priest fall over. (P disrespecting authority)

"And kiss'd her lips with such a clamorous smack

That at the parting all the church did echo."

Gremio's quote which shows P's outrageously sexual behaviour in the respectable setting of his wedding.

"Make no wonder; if you knew my business,

You would entreat me rather go than stay."

What does P say to Baptista which foreshadows the taming process when Kate wishes to stay and he is instant on taking her away?

"Now, if you love me stay."

Quote when Kate tries to emotionally blackmail P into staying at the wedding, which he ignores by telling Grumio to get his horse, perhaps implying that P does in fact love her and is attempting to maintain his dominance and thus refrain from showing affection.

"I see a woman may be made a fool

If she had not a spirit to resist."

Quote which shows some of Kate's shrewishness remains during wedding when P is trying to make her leave against her will. A poignant quote which shows her asserting herself.

"I shall be master of what is mine own

She is my goods, my chattels; she is my house (...)"

P's quote about Kate which is highly objectifying

"That being mad herself, she's madly mated."

Lucentio, after P has taken Kate away from their wedding, asks Bianca: "Mistress, what's your opinion of your sister?" (Which also shows that Bianca is attracted to man who ASKS HER OPINIONS ABOUT THINGS - showing she may also just be interested in him because of the power he brings her) - what does Bianca reply which shows that she too regards Kate and P as equals +revealing that the characters believe Petruchio is mad?

"Is she so hot a shrew as she's reported?"

What does the servingman Curtis ask about Kate which establishes a gossipy tone and proves that being a shrew is merely about being KNOWN to be one as opposed to actually being one?

"By this reckoning he is more shrew than she."

What does servingman Curtis say about Petruchio which is significant as is a comment made by a MALE servant, and shows once again that P and K are being seen as EQUALS!?

"You peasant swain!"

What quote by P to Grumio shows his disrespect of the lower classes (like his disrespect of women - Shakespeare= drawing parallels), which shows, on the theme of LOVE, that he has a lack of love for his FELLOW MAN?

'He strikes the servant'

What does P do which rouses Kate to say "Patience I pray you", meaning he is probably replicating her behaviour in order to force her to adapt a nurturing, motherly tone - the female (typically) voice of reasoning? (Also shows that Kate is already changing and thus the taming process has begun before we the audience had expected it to or think she knew it to.)

'He throws the food and dishes at them.'

Give an example of P exaggerating his aggressive male nature, perhaps to assert the dominance of his gender.

"I pray you, husband, be not so disquiet."

Quote which shows that Kate is coming to accept their marriage, despite her former resistance.

"And for this night we'll fast for company."

Quote which shows P intends to go through the taming process to - which you could argue establishes them as EQUALS. (Perhaps even P's rejection of HIS patriarchal status and Kate's attempt to appropriate it).

"He kills her in her own humour."

What does servingman Peter say which shows that P is fighting fire with fire - intending to tame Kate by acting as SHE DOES?

"She, poor soul, knows not which way to stand, to look, to speak (...)"

What quote by Curtis shows P to have succeeded in evoking sympathy for Kate as she is victimised, perhaps showing him to have sacrificed his own reputation to save Kate (as he is of the understanding that a man's reputation is easier to fix than a woman's - remember how seriously everyone took and recognised Kate by her status!!!) Or shows his hyper-masculinity is incompatible with hers, meaning she has been forced into her gender role?

"Thus I have politically begun my reign"

What does P say in his soliloquy which has religious connotations and clear links to masculinity. Also showing P to be cunning and devious and his actions not to be without careful thought.

"Another way I have to man my haggard,

To make her come and know her keeper's call."

What does P say in his soliloquy which is sexist, animalistic and degrading, referencing falconry (which= popular in Shakespeare's day - perhaps meaning that P's taming of Kate also= popular), and thus establishes how he is training Kate as a BIRD.

"As with meat, some undeserved fault."

What does P say in his soliloquy, which could be seen from an animal rights perspective? Either objectifying Kate as meat, or regarding her as meat/an animal but not showing that he does not believe this to be her fault (just playing the system?)

"And I'll fling the pillow, there the bolster,

This way the coverlet, another way the sheets."

What does P say in his soliloquy which references their wedding night and the consumption of their marriage - which may relate to the layered nature of his abuse of her (not just confined to physical abuse, but emotional and sexual abuse too).

"And if she change to not I'll rail and brawl

And with the clamour keep her still awake."

What does P say in his soliloquy which shows he is using emotional and physical abuse (torture i.e. sleep deprivation) - Or referencing "keeping her awake" as in keeping her alert to maintaining the image or femininity in PUBLIC (which may be their plan all along - just that it is so private even the audience is not aware about it or told about it explicitly).

"This is a way to kill a wife with kindness"

What does P say in his soliloquy which reveals he believes he is doing a good deed by taming Kate, or even showing he loves her shrewishness but wishes to sacrifice this for the sake of society?

"He that knows better how to tame a shrew,

Now let him speak - 'tis charity to show."

What does P say at the end of his soliloquy which is reminiscent of a wedding line ('If anyone objects speak now or forever hold your peace') - which means he understands his position in the PLAY FORMAT, and is being clever as he knows no now will defy him (bc audience are made to watch not interact +is in form of soliloquy), mirroring the effects he desires/knows will come from the taming process. Also explains his outrageous behaviour at the wedding, where he rejected religious authority as that is not how he believes marriage should work. Instead he perceives marriage as not owning his woman by TITLE, but in PRACTICE - as he reveals in this soliloquy that he will tame her.

"Fie on her! See how beastly she doth court him."

What does Tranio say to the other men whilst Bianca is flirting with Lucentio, which shows him to be a clever servingman, as he makes her appear unappealing to the rivals for her love by playing on her promiscuity?