The Taming of the Shrew · Chapter
Scene II explained
Hortensio tells Petruchio about Katharina, a wealthy but shrewish woman, and Petruchio resolves to woo her.
What happens
Hortensio tells Petruchio about Katharina, a wealthy but shrewish woman, and Petruchio resolves to woo her. Hortensio reveals that Baptista will not allow Bianca to marry until Katharina is wed. Hortensio and Gremio each plan to disguise themselves as tutors to gain access to Bianca. Lucentio, disguised as Cambio, also enters as a suitor. Petruchio declares he is undaunted by Katharina's temper, and the suitors agree to support his courtship.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage as Economic Transaction
Petruchio seeks a wealthy wife, and Hortensio and Gremio view Bianca as a prized possession, highlighting marriage as a financial and social contract.
Disguise and Deception
Hortensio and Lucentio plan to disguise themselves as tutors to gain access to Bianca, while Tranio impersonates Lucentio, setting up multiple layers of deception.
Courtship and Romantic Strategy
The suitors employ elaborate schemes and alliances to win Bianca, treating courtship as a strategic game.
Characters to notice
- Petruchio
Arrives in Padua and declares his intention to woo Katharina, undeterred by her reputation as a shrew.
- Hortensio
Informs Petruchio about Katharina and Bianca, and plans to disguise himself as a music teacher to court Bianca.
- Gremio
Another suitor to Bianca, who hires Lucentio (disguised as Cambio) as a tutor to gain access to her.
- Lucentio
Disguises himself as Cambio, a schoolmaster, to woo Bianca under the pretense of tutoring her.
- Tranio
Enters disguised as Lucentio and engages with the other suitors, agreeing to support Petruchio's courtship of Katharina.
- Grumio
Petruchio's servant, who comments humorously on his master's boldness and the schemes of the suitors.
Key passages
“Her only fault, and that is faults enough, Is that she is intolerable curst And shrewd and froward, so beyond all measure That, were my state far worser than it is, I would not wed her for a mine of gold.”
Her only flaw, which is more than enough, is that she is unbearably ill-tempered and stubborn, so much so that I wouldn't marry her even for a fortune.
Hortensio describes Katharina's shrewish nature to Petruchio.
“For I will board her, though she chide as loud As thunder when the clouds in autumn crack.”
I will confront her even if she scolds as loudly as autumn thunder.
Petruchio expresses his fearless determination to woo Katharina.
“Therefore this order hath Baptista ta’en, That none shall have access unto Bianca Till Katharine the curst have got a husband.”
Baptista has decreed that no one may court Bianca until Katharina is married.
Hortensio explains the obstacle to marrying Bianca.
“And offer me disguised in sober robes To old Baptista as a schoolmaster Well seen in music, to instruct Bianca; That so I may, by this device, at least Have leave and leisure to make love to her And unsuspected court her by herself.”
I will disguise myself as a music teacher to gain access to Bianca and court her secretly.
Hortensio reveals his plan to deceive Baptista.
“Think you a little din can daunt mine ears? Have I not in my time heard lions roar? ... 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?”
Do you think a little noise can scare me? I've heard lions, storms, and battle cries—a woman's scolding is nothing compared to a chestnut popping in a fire.
Petruchio boasts that Katharina's temper does not intimidate him.
