Many of these techniques are the same for both sisters; however their outcomes are different, therefore creating two completely different characters. We first see some of these techniques in action in Act I scene 1 when Kate and Bianca are first introduced.
Our perception of the sisters is formed by what the men say about them and to them. Baptista, Kate and Bianca's father, tries to persuade Gremio and Hortensio, Bianca's suitors, to woo …show more content… When told to go inside she does, "Go in, Bianca". When given instructions she obeys. When Men speak to her they are polite and courteous, "madam, my instrument's in tune". She is seen as the "perfect" woman of Elizabethan times where as Kate is seen as the woman of today, much more independent and stands up for what she believes in.
But she is seen as absolutely dreadful in Elizabethan times. By the end of act I scene 1 Shakespeare has used the same techniques to present the sisters but their behaviour, language and attitude are perceived as complete contrasts. Kate is seen as a shrew. She is feared and appears depressed. Bianca is pictured as the ideal woman, worshipped and adored throughout Padua. Shakespeare brings us back to the sisters in act II scene 1. This is a crucial part in the play as it is the only scene that presents Kate and Bianca alone with no one else around.
You could say this is the ideal moment for Shakespeare to show their true colours. Kate has tied up Bianca and is trying to get who she likes most out of her suitors out of her. This confirms her shrewish character with the violence and aggressiveness she shows, "Minion, thou liest! Bianca this time, however, is not the kind hearted, mild, polite woman we thought she was; she is now not being watched by men so her "real" character shines through. She is smug to.
He presents Licio the tutor really Hortensio as a gift to Baptista. Baptista accepts the bribe, welcomes Petruchio, and then warns him that his eldest daughter is a total pain, but he's welcome to woo her if that's what he really wants. Gremio butts in and says he has a present for Baptista too—a schoolteacher named Cambio really Lucentio in disguise. Tranio disguised as Lucentio says he wants in on the action also and he too has a gift for Baptista—a lute a guitar-like instrument and a little bundle of books for Baptista's daughters.
Baptista thanks the guys for the great presents and lets the "tutors" into his house. That being settled, Petruchio says he's a busy man and wants to get down to business with Baptista. Basically, enough to live on.
Their kids—assuming they have any—get the rest of the money. Petruchio is ready to draw up the contract but Baptista says Kate needs to agree first. Just then, Hortensio runs into the room crying about how Kate broke a lute over his head when he was only trying to teach her how to play. Petruchio is really turned on by this and says Kate sounds hotter than ever—he can't wait to talk to her.
Left alone, Petruchio tells us how he plans to deal with Kate—he'll contradict everything she says. If she says something snobby, he'll say she sings like a bird. If she refuses to speak to him, he'll say she speaks eloquently.
You get the idea. When our girl enters the room and Petruchio greets her as "Kate," she insists that her name is "Katherine. Kate and Petruchio go at it for a few rounds. Here's how it works: Kate insults Petruchio, then Petruchio contradicts her and twists her words, then she twists his words around, and then he twists her words around again until they become a dirty joke.
At one point, Kate smacks Petruchio after he makes a reference to his "tongue" in her "tail" an oral sex joke. Petruchio threatens to beat her if she slaps him again. They continue on this way until Petruchio decides they've had enough chit-chat.
He informs Kate that Baptista has agreed to a marriage, the dowry has been set, and whether Kate likes it or not, he will have her as his wife. They've just decided it's best if she pretends to hate him in public. But when they were alone? Kate was all over him.
Kate says nothing in response to this. Note: It's not completely clear why she's silent here and the moment could be staged in a couple of ways. Kate could be too shocked or mad to say anything. Or, Kate could be resigned to the fact that her dad has already made a deal with Petruchio so she doesn't bother saying anything else.
Or, Petruchio could intimidate her into remaining quiet. Or, Kate could be secretly pleased that she's engaged. Different directors have staged the scene in all of these different ways. How do you interpret Kate's silence? Petruchio announces that he's off to Venice, but will be back in Padua to marry Kate on Sunday. I am your neighbor and was suitor first. I will compound this strife. Say, Signior Gremio, what can you assure her? Then, at my farm I have a hundred milch-kine to the pail, Six score fat oxen standing in my stalls, And all things answerable to this portion.
Myself am struck in years, I must confess, And if I die tomorrow this is hers, If whilst I live she will be only mine. My land amounts not to so much in all. To Tranio.
What, have I choked you with an argosy? I have no more, And she can have no more than all I have. If you like me, she shall have me and mine. Gremio is outvied.
Now, on the Sunday following, shall Bianca Be bride to you, if you make this assurance. If not, to Signior Gremio. Now I fear thee not. Sirrah young gamester, your father were a fool To give thee all and in his waning age Set foot under thy table.
Tut, a toy! An old Italian fox is not so kind, my boy. Fathers commonly Do get their children. But in this case of wooing, A child shall get a sire, if I fail not of my cunning. Baptista turns his attention to the business of marrying off Bianca. He compares himself to a merchant who is embarking on a precarious venture. Gremio and Tranio as Lucentio try to outbid each other, and eventually Tranio as Lucentio wins because he's the richest. There's a catch though: Tranio as Lucentio has to get his father to vouch for his wealth.
Gremio thinks he's golden since he can't imagine Lucentio's dad has really given him his inheritance already. When he leaves, Tranio gets an idea. Since he's posing as Lucentio, all he has to do now is find someone to pose as Vincentio Lucentio's father. Problem solved. The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. Cite This Page. Logging out…. Logging out You've been inactive for a while, logging you out in a few seconds I'm Still Here! W hy's T his F unny? Enter Katherine and Bianca with her hands tied.
Katherine strikes her. Enter Baptista. To Bianca. Go ply thy needle; meddle not with her. She flies after Bianca. Bianca exits. She exits. Go to it orderly. You are welcome for his sake. Of whence, I pray? Enter a Servant.
Servant exits with Hortensio and Lucentio. Enter Hortensio as Litio with his head broke. Enter Katherine. Come, sit on me. She strikes him. O, put me in thy books.
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