Act 2, Scene 1 Summary
Katherine ties Bianca up and attempts to get her to admit which of her suitors she prefers. Bianca’s refusal to provide a solid answer angers Katherine, who strikes her. Baptiste enters and breaks up the fight, and so Katherine accuses him of favoring Bianca.
The suitors then enter the Minola household and present themselves to Baptiste. Petruchio introduces himself to Baptiste as a potential husband for Katherine, offering Hortensio—disguised as a music teacher named Litio—as a gift for the family. Baptiste accepts the gift, but warns Petruchio that wooing Katherine may be more difficult than he realizes. Not to be outdone, Gremio then offers Lucentio—disguised as Cambio, a language tutor—as a gift, while Tranio—disguised as Lucentio—presents Baptiste with books and a lute.
The fake tutors are dispatched to meet with Bianca and Katherine, while Petruchio, Gremio, and the disguised Tranio remain behind to talk with Baptiste. Petruchio and Baptiste begin discussing the nature of Katherine’s dowry, which is quite sizable. However, their discussion is cut short by the return of the disguised Hortensio, who is now bleeding after Katherine smashed a lute over his head. This display seems to intrigue Petruchio further, and he asks Baptiste if he can meet Katherine.
Upon meeting Katherine, Petruchio begins informally referring to her as “Kate” while contradicting everything she says. Katherine becomes increasingly irate, but Petruchio remains even-tempered. When the other men arrive to check on Petruchio, he boldly claims that he and Katherine have decided to marry the coming Sunday. Though Katherine initially rebuffs this outlandish lie, Petruchio remains insistent, telling the other men that although she is harsh in public, Katherine is actually quite mild in private. Katherine does not contradict him the second time he mentions their upcoming wedding, and the new couple departs.
Upon learning of Katherine’s upcoming nuptials, Baptiste allows Gremio and Tranio—still disguised as Lucentio—to compete for the right to court Bianca. He states that the man who will best be able to provide for her—especially should she be left a widow—will make the better match. Tranio flamboyantly declares that he can provide far greater material wealth for Bianca than whatever Gremio offers. Furthermore, since he is far younger than Gremio, he asserts that he is less likely to leave her a widow. Baptiste agrees to wed Bianca to the “supposed Lucentio”—assuming his father is able to verify the claims he has made regarding his wealth and offer his consent to the match.
Expert Q&A
In Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, find a rhyming couplet in Act 2, scene 1.
What humorous words does Petruchio use to describe Katharina in The Taming of the Shrew, Act 2, Scene 1?
In Act 2, Scene 1 of The Taming of the Shrew, Petruchio humorously and ironically describes Katharina with terms like "beauty," "wit," "affability," "bashful modesty," "wondrous qualities," and "mild behavior." These descriptions are humorous because they starkly contrast with Katharina's true nature, as she is known for her sharp tongue and shrewish behavior. Petruchio's exaggerated praise showcases his determination to marry and tame her.
What is the meaning of this quote from act 2, scene 1 of The Taming of the Shrew?
"Did ever Dian so become a grove
As Kate this chamber with her princely gait?
O be thou Dian, and let her be Kate."
In Act 2, Scene 1 of The Taming of the Shrew, what animal imagery does Baptista use when discussing Katherine's lute lessons with Hortensio?
Baptista uses animal imagery when discussing Katherine's lute lessons by asking Hortensio if he can "break her to the lute." This phrase likens Katherine to an untamed animal that needs to be subdued and trained, suggesting she must be "broken" before she can learn. This metaphor underscores the theme of taming and sets the stage for Petruchio's attempt to "tame" Katherine.
In Act 2, scene 1, of The Taming of the Shrew, what is Tranio's (as Lucentio) plan to court Bianca?
In Act 2, scene 1, Tranio, disguised as Lucentio, plans to court Bianca by presenting himself as a teacher named Cambio. This allows him access to Baptista's daughters, as Baptista only permits teachers to be in their company. Tranio, as Lucentio, brings gifts to Baptista, who welcomes "Cambio" to instruct Bianca and Katharina. This guise provides Lucentio extra time to woo Bianca and gain an advantage over other suitors.
In The Taming of the Shrew, Act 2, scene 1, does Katharina respect and enjoy conversing with Petruchio?
In Act 2, Scene 1 of The Taming of the Shrew, Katharina appears to enjoy her conversation with Petruchio, as they engage in a lively verbal duel. Petruchio's ability to match her wit and withstand her physical aggression seems to earn her respect. Unlike other suitors, Petruchio stands his ground, calling her "Kate" and securing her father's consent for marriage, suggesting she finds their interaction entertaining and respects his resilience.
Literary and language features in Act 2, Scene 1 of The Taming of the Shrew
Act 2, Scene 1 of The Taming of the Shrew showcases various literary and language features, including wordplay, puns, and witty banter, particularly between Petruchio and Katherina. The scene also employs metaphors and similes to emphasize the characters' personalities and the dynamics of their interactions. These elements contribute to the comedic tone and the theme of power struggles in relationships.
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