Student Question
What does "I will board her though she chide as loud as thunder" mean and how does it reflect Petruchio's aggression?
Quick answer:
The phrase "I will board her though she chide as loud as thunder" signifies Petruchio's determination to pursue Kate regardless of her resistance. The term "board" implies aggressive pursuit, potentially with sexual connotations, akin to boarding a ship by force. This reflects Petruchio's aggressive nature, as he intends to conquer her despite her objections, showcasing a disregard for her consent and autonomy.
This line is spoken in Act I, Scene 2.
I believe that the line means that Petruchio is going to get Kate no matter what she thinks about it. I think that the term "board" probably is sexual innuendo -- he is going to get on top of her. No matter how loud she scolds, he is going to do it.
If this is sexual, then Petruchio's aggression is clear. He is as good as saying that he will rape her. If it is not sexual and it just means that he will go after her (try to get her to like him) it still shows some aggression because it shows he does not really care if she is interested in him or not. (And because people of that time would have understood "board" to mean what pirates or sailors do when they get on to an enemy ship to capture it.)
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