The Taming of the Shrew · Chapter
Scene I explained
A series of mistaken identities and confrontations unfold outside Lucentio's house in Padua.
What happens
A series of mistaken identities and confrontations unfold outside Lucentio's house in Padua. Lucentio and Bianca secretly marry, while Petruchio, Katharina, Vincentio, and Grumio arrive. The Pedant, pretending to be Vincentio, denies the real Vincentio entry. Tranio, disguised as Lucentio, orders the real Vincentio to be arrested. Gremio recognizes the real Vincentio, but the confusion continues until Lucentio and Bianca return, revealing the truth. Baptista is upset about the secret marriage, but Vincentio seeks revenge on Tranio. Petruchio and Katharina share a kiss before following the others.
Themes in this chapter
Disguise and Deception
Tranio's impersonation of Lucentio and the Pedant's false identity as Vincentio drive the central conflict, demonstrating how disguise creates chaos and confusion.
Family and Paternal Authority
Baptista's anger at Lucentio for marrying Bianca without permission and Vincentio's outrage at being deceived underscore the importance of paternal control over marriage.
Marriage as Economic Transaction
Lucentio's secret marriage to Bianca bypasses the usual financial negotiations, but Baptista's concern about 'good will' hints at the economic stakes involved.
Characters to notice
- Lucentio
Secretly marries Bianca and later reveals his true identity to the assembled characters.
- Bianca
Marries Lucentio secretly and asks for pardon from her father.
- Petruchio
Arrives with Katharina and Vincentio; observes the conflict and later insists on a kiss from Katharina.
- Katharina
Accompanies Petruchio; initially reluctant to kiss in public but eventually complies.
- Vincentio
The real father of Lucentio; is denied entry by the Pedant and nearly sent to prison.
- Tranio
Disguised as Lucentio; orders the arrest of the real Vincentio before fleeing when the truth emerges.
Key passages
“Softly and swiftly, sir; for the priest is ready.”
Quietly and quickly, sir, because the priest is waiting.
Biondello urges Lucentio to hurry to the secret wedding.
“I have seen them in the church together: God send ’em good shipping!”
I saw them in the church together; may God grant them a good journey!
Biondello reports the secret marriage and wishes them well.
“Cambio is changed into Lucentio.”
Cambio has transformed into Lucentio.
Bianca reveals that the tutor Cambio was actually Lucentio in disguise.
“First kiss me, Kate, and we will.”
First kiss me, Kate, and then we will go.
Petruchio demands a kiss from Katharina before they follow the others.