THE TAMING OF THE SHREW - ACT 2 - WEEK 5

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare

Any of us that have girls have to appreciate how this scene opens. I happen to have 4. We open with a squabble. Now, Katherine does take it too far. She has her sister's hands tied and she ends up slapping her across the face. What are they arguing about? The suitors. Baptista happens upon this skirmish and consoles Bianca. Katherine gives him a good tongue lashing before she exits. Baptista shakes his head unsure of how to handle this latest outburst. BUT then the sky clears and a light beam shines down as Petruchio enters. He asks if Baptista is the father of Katherine "the fair and virtuous. We just have to chuckle a moment after that wench's performance just a few minutes earlier. Baptista admits that he has a daughter named Katherine. His silence on acknowledging her character (or lack there of) is telling. Baptista has to be dumbfounded that someone has shown up to woo Katherine. In the middle of this exchange we have 2 tutors introduced for Katherine and Bianca. Hortensio is Litio and Lucentio is Cambio. Baptista and Petruchio take a stroll together. Baptista shares what Katherine's dowry will be, but warns him of Katherine's sharp tongue. He also says Petruchio must win Katherine's love. Petruchio is up for the challenge.

The best part of this scene in my opinion is the exchange between Katherine and Petruchio. She lets him have it, and he takes everything and shoots it back. He tells her that what he heard about her was a lie. She is actually "pleasant" and as "sweet as springtime flowers." He tells her the dowry has been agreed on and whether she likes it or not, he will marry her. When her father enters Petruchio tells her not to deny it. She mutters a bit, but she never outright tells him no. The play doesn't tell us why, but I have to stop and wonder what she's thinking. Is she amazed at the verbal banter he was able to keep up with her on or is she just so happy to have a suitor? Not sure. We are getting a glimpse of his personality, though. He is used to getting what he wants. He won't take no for an answer. Is he a savior or a monster?

I know I've already talked a lot about this act, but we have one more thing to cover. This is what I am going to call the auction of Bianca. Katherine is out of the way, so the bidding begins between Tranio as Lucentio and Gremio. (Poor Hortensio isn't even here to be a part.) Tranio wins the bidding as to what he will bring, but it all hinges on Vincentio, Lucentio's father, agreeing to it. Now this deception takes a whole new turn. They need to find someone who will be willing to play the part of Vincentio.