33
master for the sisters; Hortensio
will attempt to woo Bianca, while
Petruccio secures his marriage to
her sister. Gremio enlists Lucentio
(disguised as Cambio) to woo on
his behalf, while Tranio, already
disguised as Lucentio, continues
to woo Bianca for his master.
After a lively exchange of words
with Katherine, Petruccio confirms
his intention to marry her, and a
date is set for the wedding. The
wedding party is kept waiting due
to Petruccio’s late arrival, but when
he appears, his clothing does not
befit the occasion. Petruccio then
declares that he and his wife will
not attend the wedding dinner, but
return to his home immediately.
Petruccio denies his wife food and
sleep in an attempt to tame her
shrewish behavior.
Having revealed his true
identity, Lucentio wins Bianca’s
heart, leaving Hortensio to marry
a widow. Lacking funds, Lucentio
and Tranio convince a merchant to
imitate Lucentio’s father, Vincentio.
All is well until Lucentio’s real
father arrives, and is bemused to
meet the impostor. The confusion
is explained by Lucentio. AsTHE FREELANCE WRITER
3.2
3.3 4.2 4.6
4.1 4.3 5.1
Petruccio arrives
“fantastically dressed”
for his marriage
to Katherine.Katherine asks Petruccio
to stay for their wedding
dinner to no avail.Lucentio and
Hortensio reveal
their disguises
to Bianca.Petruccio tries
Katherine’s patience
by calling the sun
the moon.Petruccio chases his
servants from his house, and
throws the food they have
made on the floor.Petruccio shreds a
cap and gown that
have been made for
Katherine.Lucentio’s father,
Vincentio, is confronted
by a merchant assuming
his identity.5.2
Petruccio kisses
Katherine having won
a wager testing
her obedience.Act 3 Act 4 Act 5
Katherine and Petruccio return to
Padua for a banquet, Katherine
obeys Petruccio’s commands.
Petruccio wagers that his wife
will prove more obedient than both
Lucentio and Hortensio’s wives.
When the men call for their wives
to attend them, only Katherine
appears; Petruccio wins the
wager. Katherine speaks forcefully
to the other women about what
is expected of a good wife, and
about the nature of the relationship
between husband and wife. The
guests are left surprised by
Katherine’s transformation. ❯❯