The Taming of the Shrew Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts and character dynamics from 'The Taming of the Shrew' by William Shakespeare.

Petruchio's Pretense

Petruchio pretends to defend Kate while actually taking her away from the banquet against her will.

Bianca's Knowledge of Litio

Bianca finds out that 'Litio' wishes to woo her while pretending to teach her musical scales.

Hortensio's Annoyance

Hortensio means that he will find a different sweetheart if he sees Bianca flirting with Lucentio.

Baptista's Sympathy

Baptista tells his daughter he doesn't blame her for crying on her wedding day because the groom hasn't shown up.

Petruchio's Wedding Appearance

Petruchio arrives at the wedding dressed in a madcap getup along with his servant and horse.

Lucentio's Elope Decision

Lucentio decides not to elope with Bianca because Hortensio is watching them too closely.

Petruchio's Behavior at the Altar

Petruchio knocks down the priest and throws wine in the sexton's face at the altar.

Kate's Plea After the Wedding

Kate entreats Petruchio to let her stay at the wedding banquet without success.

Petruchio in Padua

Petruchio comes to Padua looking for a wealthy wife after his father's death.

Kate's Characteristics

Hortensio describes Kate as single, rich, beautiful, but sharp-tongued.

Hortensio's Disguise Introduction

Petruchio will introduce Hortensio disguised as 'Litio' to Baptista.

Gremio's Suspicion

Gremio tells Tranio to 'get you hence' due to suspicion that Tranio is a rival suitor for Bianca.

Hortensio's Advice to Tranio

Hortensio advises Tranio to help pay Petruchio to court Kate.

Bianca's Torment

Bianca's hands are tied because Kate is tormenting her.

Tranio's Explanation to Baptista

Tranio (as Lucentio) explains that he has come to woo Bianca.

Petruchio's Dowry Knowledge

Petruchio learns from Baptista that the dowry for marrying Kate is 20,000 crowns and half his lands.

Kate's First Interaction with Petruchio

Kate insults and tells Petruchio to go away but seems to enjoy his wit.

Petruccio's Marriage Declaration

Petruchio states that he will marry Kate the following Sunday.

Petruchio's Explanation for Kate's Behavior

Petruchio explains the contradiction by stating he and Kate agreed she could act wild in public.

Cambio and Litio's Argument

Bianca sends 'Litio' off to tune his instrument while 'Cambio' gives her a lesson.

Bianca Discovers Cambio's Intent

Bianca learns that 'Cambio' (Lucentio) is there in disguise to win her love.

Lucentio's Purpose in Padua

Lucentio has come to study at the university.

Hortensio and Gremio's Agreement

Hortensio and Gremio agree to work together to find a suitor for Kate.

Lucentio's Schoolmaster Decision

Lucentio decides to take a job as a schoolmaster because he is captivated by Bianca.

Lucentio's Need for a Double

Lucentio needs a double, and Tranio acts the part while he pretends to be a tutor.

Lucentio's Explanation to Biondello

Lucentio explains that he quarreled, killed someone, and has exchanged clothes with Tranio to escape.