THE TAMING OF THE SHREW - ACT 3 - WEEK 6

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare

Scene 1 takes us to Bianca's lessons with Lucentio (as Cambio) and Hortensio ( as Litio). It's all on for these guys now that Katherine is set to marry Petruchio. Lucentio is happily teaching Bianca Latin. As he "translates" the passage to her, he actually is attempting to woo her. Bianca responds back with her uncertainties. Meanwhile, Hortensio wants in on the action. He tunes his instrument and breaks into their discussion ready to have his turn. They shoo him away and tell him to keep tuning. When his time finally does come, he has crafted a scale of sorts but imbedded it with his feelings. Bianca in no uncertain terms tells him she is not interested.

From there we go to Petruchio and Katherine's wedding scene. Only our groom has not shown up. Katherine exits weeping, wondering if she's been stood up. Then our groom arrives, and he is a mess. His clothing is not fit for a wedding. His horse is a diseased nag. Baptista tells him he's an "eyesore" and Tranio insists that he change. Petruchio denies him. After all, Katherine is marrying him not his clothing and off he goes. (We go from bad to worse.) Standing before the priest, Petruchio swears and strikes him knocking the poor man over. He grabs his wife and plants the biggest kiss ever. Can you imagine how horrific and embarrassing this entire wedding is? Then, to top it all off, Petruchio refuses to stay for the reception. Acting as if he is protecting her from jealous men, he insists they leave. He announces that Kate is his property now. Gotta love that little speech! Oh, Kate. What have you gotten yourself into?