# Scene V explained — The Taming of the Shrew

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_taming_of_the_shrew_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-v
- 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