Act 1 Scene 1
Who is Baptista, and what rule does he make about his daughters?
He is the father of Katherina and Bianca. He says Bianca cannot marry until Katherina does.
Who is Petruchio and why is he in Padua?
He is a gentleman from Verona who wants to 'wive it wealthily in Padua'.
Define the term simile and give an example from Act 1, Scene 2 (Hint: p.54 of No Fear Edition).
A comparison using 'like' or 'as'.
Example: PETRUCHIO:
Signior Hortensio, ’twixt such friends as we
Few words suffice. And therefore, if thou know
One rich enough to be Petruchio’s wife,
As wealth is burden of my wooing dance,
Be she as foul as was Florentius' love,
As old as Sibyl and as curst and shrewd
As Socrates' Xanthippe, or a worse,
She moves me not, or not removes at least
Affection’s edge in me, were she as rough
As are the swelling Adriatic seas.
I come to wive it wealthily in Padua;
If wealthily, then happily in Padua.
Which daughter is considered more desirable by the suitors? Why?
Bianca, because she appears obedient and gentle.
What is one theme explored in Act 1.
Marriage as a contract or transaction.
Human Stupidity.
Gender and Identity
What problem does Lucentio face when he arrives in Padua?
He falls in love with Bianca but can’t pursue her openly because of Baptista’s rule.
What makes Petruchio interested in Katherina?
He hears she is rich and wants to marry her for her dowry.
Identify a pun used in the beginning Act 1, Scene 2. What effect does it have?
‘Knock me here soundly.’ The word 'knock' is used as a pun—both to knock on a door and to hit someone.
Comedic effect.
What motivates Petruchio to marry?
He wants a rich wife and is motivated by wealth.
How does the play challenge or reinforce gender roles? Give an example.
Through expectations placed on Katherina to be obedient.
What disguise does Lucentio use, and why?
He disguises himself as a tutor named Cambio to get close to Bianca.
How do Hortensio and Gremio react to Petruchio’s interest in Katherina?
Surprised, encouraging, and hopeful because it removes Katherina as an obstacle to Bianca.
Give one example of irony in Act 1.
Kate's hatred of marriage forces her father to make a deal that she must marry first.
The audience knows Lucentio is disguised as a tutor while Bianca is unaware - Dramatic Irony.
How is Katherina different from Bianca?
She is outspoken and rebellious; Bianca appears obedient.
How does deception play a role in Act 1?
Characters use disguises and false identities to trick others.
How do Gremio and Hortensio try to win over Baptista?
They offer tutors for Bianca, hoping to win favour.
How is Katherina described by the other characters in this scene?
As strong-willed, aggressive, and difficult—'shrewish'.
How does Shakespeare use metaphor to describe Katherina? (Hint: p.64 in No Fear Edition).
She is compared to a wild cat that needs to be tamed. Gremio to Petruchio, "but will you woo this wild cat."
What do Lucentio and Hortensio have in common?
They both disguise themselves as tutors to get close to Bianca.
How is power and control represented in relationships?
Baptista controls his daughters’ marriages; Petruchio dominates Katherina.
What important theme is introduced through the competition for Bianca?
Courtship and marriage as a transactional or strategic act.
What does Petruchio say about 'taming' Katherina? What does this reveal about his character?
He believes he can 'tame' her, showing his confidence and belief in male dominance.
What is the purpose of wordplay between servants and masters in the play?
For example: Grumio can't knock on the door because he thinks Petruchio is telling him to knock him in the face.
It creates comic misunderstandings and highlights social roles and power dynamics.
Why might Shakespeare have written Katherina as sharp-tongued and rebellious?
To challenge gender roles and highlight the theme of control.
What does the theme of performance suggest about identity in the play?
Characters act out roles to get what they want, blurring reality and performance.