Scene II explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Disguise and Deception

  Hortensio reveals his disguise as Licio, and Tranio plans to deceive Baptista by having the pedant impersonate Vincentio.

• Courtship and Romantic Strategy

  Lucentio and Bianca's secret courtship is exposed, leading Hortensio to forswear Bianca and pursue a widow, while Tranio devises a strategic plan to secure the marriage.

Characters to notice

• Tranio

  Observes Bianca's affection for Lucentio, forswears her, and orchestrates the scheme to have a pedant pose as Vincentio.

• Hortensio

  Reveals his true identity, forswears Bianca, and declares his intent to marry a wealthy widow.

• Bianca

  Engages in a romantic lesson with Lucentio, is observed kissing and courting him, and learns of the men's oaths.

• Lucentio

  Teaches Bianca under the guise of Cambio, expresses his love, and is relieved to be rid of Hortensio's competition.

• Biondello

  Announces the arrival of a pedant who resembles Vincentio, aiding Tranio's scheme.

Key passages

• “I read that I profess, the Art to Love.”

  I am reading about the art of love, which is my chosen subject.

  Lucentio uses a double meaning to hint at his romantic intentions while pretending to teach.

• “I will be married to a wealthy widow, Ere three days pass, which hath as long loved me As I have loved this proud disdainful haggard.”

  I will marry a wealthy widow within three days, who has loved me as long as I loved that proud, disdainful woman.

  Hortensio declares his intention to marry a widow as a reaction to Bianca's rejection.

• “Ay, mistress, and Petruchio is the master; That teacheth tricks eleven and twenty long, To tame a shrew and charm her chattering tongue.”

  Yes, mistress, and Petruchio is the master of that school, teaching many tricks to tame a shrew and silence her.

  Tranio refers to Petruchio's taming methods, foreshadowing the ongoing subplot.