The Taming of the Shrew Study Guide

Petruchio
- Pretends to defend Kate while actually taking her away against her will from the banquet.
- His treatment of Kate during early days of marriage is an open-ended question, expected responses will vary.

Bianca and “Litio”
- Bianca discovers that "Litio" wishes to woo her as he pretends to teach her musical scales while pleading for her love.
Hortensio's Declaration
- Hortensio expresses frustration when he observes Bianca flirting with Lucentio, stating, "If once I find thee ranging, Hortensio will be quit with thee by changing" indicating he will also seek another sweetheart if Bianca continues to be unfaithful.
Baptista’s Sympathy
- Baptista tells his daughter he does not blame her for crying on her wedding day and offers sympathy since the groom has not shown up, indicating concern for Kate’s feelings.

Petruchio at the Wedding
- Petruchio arrives at the wedding in a madcap outfit, which also includes his servant and horse, highlighting his chaotic nature.
- His behavior at the altar is violent as Gremio notes that Petruchio knocks down the priest and throws wine in the sexton's face, emphasizing his disrespect and tumultuous character.
Kate's Wishes During the Wedding
- After the wedding, Kate entreats Petruchio to stay at the wedding banquet, but he refuses, indicating the power struggle that will ensue in their marriage.

Petruchio’s Purpose in Padua
- Petruchio comes to Padua seeking a wealthy wife, motivated by the death of his father.
- He visits Hortensio, who provides insights on Kate.
Hortensio's Insights
- He mentions Kate's good points: single, rich, beautiful, but contrasts that with her sharp tongue, illustrating the complexity of her character.
Introductions:
- Petruchio will introduce Hortensio in disguise to Baptista under the name "Litio".
- Gremio will introduce Lucentio, disguised as "Cambio" to Baptista.

Gremio’s Concern
- Gremio tells Tranio to “get you hence” due to suspicion that Tranio is a rival suitor for Bianca.
Hortensio's Advice to Tranio
- Hortensio encourages Tranio to assist in paying off Petruchio to court Kate as a strategy to win Bianca.

Kate's Initial Encounter with Petruchio
When they first meet, Kate acts insultingly towards Petruchio, telling him to go away and even strikes him; however, she seems to enjoy his wit, which complicates their relationship dynamic.

Petruchio’s Explanation
- Kate calls Petruchio a “half lunatic” and “ruffian”, but Petruchio assures Kate's father that they get along fine privately while she can act wild in public; this contradiction showcases the theme of appearance versus reality in their relationship.

First Lesson Debate
- When "Cambio" and "Litio" argue over who will give the first lesson to Bianca, she decides to send "Litio" (Hortensio) off to tune his instrument and allows "Cambio" (Lucentio) to teach her, exemplifying her cunning nature.
Bianca’s Discovery:
- Bianca finds out the real reason why "Cambio" signed on as a schoolmaster when he pretends to be translating Latin while confessing he is in disguise to win her love.

Purpose for Coming to Padua
- Lucentio arrives in Padua to study at the university but quickly becomes enamored with Bianca.
Collaboration Between Hortensio and Gremio
- They agree to work together to find a suitor for Kate, displaying the competition for Bianca's affections.
Lucentio's Decision to Play Double Roles
- Lucentio opts to take a job as a schoolmaster to be close to Bianca, who captivates him with her beauty and charm.
- He employs his servant Tranio as his double to visit his father's friends.
Lucentio’s Fabrication to Biondello
- He tells Biondello a fabricated story about quarreling and killing someone, explaining his need to escape by exchanging clothes with Tranio, emphasizing their deceptive undertakings as they pursue their goals.