The Taming of the Shrew · Chapter
Scene V explained
On the road to Padua, Petruchio tests Katharina's obedience by insisting the sun is the moon; she eventually capitulates and agrees to whatever he says.
What happens
On the road to Padua, Petruchio tests Katharina's obedience by insisting the sun is the moon; she eventually capitulates and agrees to whatever he says. They encounter Vincentio, whom Petruchio jokingly calls a young woman, and Katharina plays along before apologizing. Petruchio informs Vincentio that Lucentio has married Bianca, and Hortensio, inspired by Petruchio's success, resolves to tame his own widow.
Themes in this chapter
Taming and Obedience
Petruchio's manipulation of Katharina's perception of the sun and moon exemplifies his taming strategy, and her submission marks a key victory.
Disguise and Deception
Petruchio's playful deception in calling Vincentio a woman and Katharina's complicity highlight the theme of mistaken identity.
Characters to notice
- Petruchio
Continues his taming by forcing Katharina to agree that the sun is the moon, then tricks her into addressing Vincentio as a maiden.
- Katharina
Finally yields to Petruchio's whims, agreeing to call the sun the moon and playing along with his jest about Vincentio.
- Hortensio
Observes Petruchio's methods and decides to apply them to his own future wife, a widow.
- Vincentio
Encountered on the road; is told by Petruchio that his son Lucentio has married Bianca.
Key passages
“I say it is the moon that shines so bright.”
Petruchio insists the sun is the moon to test Katharina's compliance.
A pivotal moment in the taming plot.
“What you will have it named, even that it is; And so it shall be so for Katharine.”
Katharina surrenders her will, agreeing to call anything whatever Petruchio wishes.
Demonstrates her submission and Petruchio's control.
“This is a man, old, wrinkled, faded, wither'd, And not a maiden, as thou say'st he is.”
Petruchio reveals that the 'fair maid' Katharina addressed is actually an old man.
Shows Petruchio's testing of Katharina's obedience even in social situations.