# Scene II explained — The Taming of the Shrew

> Chapter companion for The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Tranio and Hortensio observe Bianca and Lucentio's romantic lesson, leading Hortensio to reveal his true identity and both men to forswear Bianca. Hortensio vows to marry a wealthy widow, while Tranio devises a plan to have a pedant impersonate Vincentio to secure Baptista's approval for Lucentio's marriage to Bianca.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/chapters