The Taming of the Shrew
Act 1 Scene 2
The Taming of The Shrew
Act 1 Scene 2
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The Taming of the Shrew
Act 1 Scene 2
Point:
Petruchio is not afraid of using violence to get what he
wants. In this way he is like Katherina.
Quotation or evidence:
“[He [Petruchio] wrings him by the ears.]”
Explanation:
This shows that Petruchio may have a chance of taming
Katherina. He may use his strength to tame her.
© 2006 www.teachit.co.uk
The Taming of the Shrew
Act 1 Scene 2
Point:
Petruchio will marry anyone as long as they are wealthy.
Quotation or evidence:
“Petruchio: I come to wive it wealthily in Padua;
If wealthily, then happily in Padua.”
Explanation:
This suggests that Petruchio is greedy for money, not love. It
also shows that he is a fitting husband for Katherina the shrew.
The use of rhyme “-ily” and repetition “Padua” stands out and
emphasises how eagerly he wants to find a rich wife in the town.
© 2006 www.teachit.co.uk
The Taming of the Shrew
Act 1 Scene 2
Point:
Petruchio is not afraid of a woman’s scolding or talking.
He says:
Quotation or evidence:
“ I will board her though she chide as loud
As thunder when the clouds in Autumn crack.”
Explanation:
Petruchio compares a woman’s scolding or nagging to thunder.
He suggests that her voice cannot harm him any more than the
weather on his travels. The word ‘board’ suggests that he will
’board’ (or seduce) her as easily as boarding a ship.
© 2006 www.teachit.co.uk
The Taming of the Shrew
Act 1 Scene 2
Point:
Petruchio has endured a lot on his travels and can woo
“Katherina the curst” and “wildcat”. He states:
Quotation or evidence:
“Have I not in my time heard lions roar?
Have I not heard the sea, puffed up with winds,
Rage like an angry boar chafed with sweat? […]
Have I not in a pitched battle heard
Explanation:
Loud ‘larums, neighing steeds and trumpets’ clang?
And do you tell me of a woman’s tongue,
That gives not half so great a blow to hear
As will a chestnut in a farmer’s fire?”
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Evidence:
The questions force the
audience to imagine Petruchio’s
adventures and to consider his
strength as well as his
experience. He compares a
woman’s tongue to a chestnut
exploding in a fire, suggesting
that a woman’s tongue is
harmless and as nothing when
compared to his battles and
adventures on the sea.
The Taming of the Shrew
Act 1 Scene 2
Point:
The audience learn that Katherina is famous for her
faults but that her father is rich.
Quotation or evidence:
Hortensio describes her as
“a shrewd ill-favoured wife” but says she shall be
“rich, very rich.”
Explanation:
The repetition of “rich” suggests that the money may make up
for her faults. Hortensio is trying to persuade Petruchio to marry
her for money, knowing Petruchio’s love of gold.
© 2006 www.teachit.co.uk
The Taming of the Shrew
Act 1 Scene 2
Point:
The audience are persuaded to keep watching because
of the possibility that Petruchio may fail to tame
Katherina the ‘wildcat’.
Quotation or evidence:
“Gremio: You will have me assisting you in all.
But will you woo this wildcat?”
Explanation:
The question forces the audience to ask whether Petruchio will really
tame Katherina. Also, the suggestion that Petruchio will need help or
assistance casts doubt on Petruchio’s abilities. Petruchio’s response,
“Will I live?” could mean yes or no in answer to Gremio’s question. It is
Grumio, Petruchio’s servant, who insists Petruchio will woo Katherina.
© 2006 www.teachit.co.uk