Taming of the Shrew Act II Review

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Questions and Answers

What has Katherine done to Bianca?

She tied her up like a bondmaid or slave and dragged her. Kate also hit her.

What information does Katherine want Bianca to tell her?

She wants Bianca to tell her which of her suitors she loves best.

Why does Bianca think Katherine wishes to know this information?

Bianca thinks Kate is envious and wants either Hortensio or Gremio for herself.

What motivates Katherine's anger and violence towards Bianca?

Kate resents Baptista's favoritism towards Bianca. Signup and view all the answers

How does Petruchio describe Katherine to Baptista?

He describes Kate using kind terms, as if he is describing Bianca. Signup and view all the answers

Which two men does Baptista agree may tutor Katherine and Bianca?

Hortensio (Litio) will teach music and math, Lucentio (Cambio) will teach Greek, Latin, and the Classics. Signup and view all the answers

For what reasons does Petruchio say he doesn't need Katherine's money?

He's the only heir to his father's land and goods. Signup and view all the answers

According to Baptista, what is Katherine's dowry?

Upon marriage to Kate, he will receive 20,000 crowns, and when Baptista dies, Petruchio will gain half of his lands. Signup and view all the answers

What qualities does Petruchio believe make him a good match for Katherine?

He thinks he's superior to Kate and she will capitulate to him. He's stronger and more aggressive than Kate. Signup and view all the answers

How does Katherine demonstrate her displeasure towards Hortensio disguised as Litio?

She smashes the lute and breaks his head open. Signup and view all the answers

What is Petruchio's reaction to Katherine's violent behavior?

Petruchio likes the challenge, amusement, and is intrigued by Kate's violent behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is Petruchio's plan to court and wed Katherine?

Petruchio will compliment (lie) to her and kill her with kindness. Signup and view all the answers

How does Petruchio use the name Kate to antagonize Katherine?

He repeatedly calls her 'Kate' after she tells him she doesn't like to be called that. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a pun used in the conversation between Hortensio and Katherine?

'Asses are made to bear, and so are you./ Women are made to bear, and so are you.' Signup and view all the answers

What is Petruchio's response when Katherine hits him?

If she hits him again, he'll hit her back. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Katherine call Petruchio a fool after his speech to her?

He calls her pretty and pleasant, and she knows she's cruel and rude. Signup and view all the answers

What does Petruchio intend to do with Katherine?

He wants to tame Katherine, change, control, dominate, and enjoy the challenge of her. Signup and view all the answers

What does Katherine sarcastically tell her father when she disagrees about her and Petruchio's relationship?

She's sarcastic and asks, how can you call me your daughter? You want me to marry this lunatic? Signup and view all the answers

What does Katherine say when Petruchio tells her they will be married on Sunday?

'I'll see thee hanged on Sunday first.' Signup and view all the answers

In what specific ways does Katherine's behavior towards Petruchio contradict his words about her?

He says she's in love with him and affectionate, but she acts aggressively. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tranio disguised as Lucentio convince Baptista he is the worthier of two men to marry Bianca?

Tranio (Lucentio) says he's richer, younger and loves Bianca more. Signup and view all the answers

Based on Gremio's lines, has he surrendered his dream of marrying Bianca?

No, he is sly and plans to marry Bianca. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tranio disguised as Lucentio need to obtain before his wedding to Bianca?

He needs a father, specifically Vincentio, to prove his worthiness as a husband. Signup and view all the answers

What name does Lucentio take when he pretends to be a tutor?

Cambio. Signup and view all the answers

What instrument does Kate use to hit Hortensio over the head?

Lute. Signup and view all the answers

What day is the wedding day?

Sunday. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Petruchio call Katherine 'Kate'?

Because Katherine doesn't like it; he is trying to get close to her. Signup and view all the answers

Unlike the other men, how does Petruchio react to Katherine's behavior?

He does not insult her; he flatters her. Signup and view all the answers

What does Katerina have as a dowry?

Petruchio's land. Signup and view all the answers

What does Baptista agree to give Petruchio as a dowry?

20,000 crowns and half of his lands. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Katerina call Petruchio a coxcomb?

She is calling him a cocky rooster. Signup and view all the answers

Who wants to marry Kate?

Petruchio. Signup and view all the answers

What does Petruchio do with the stool Kate tries to hit him with?

He sits on it. Signup and view all the answers

Who tutors Bianca in Latin?

Lucentio. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to dance barefoot at a wedding?

Your younger sister got married before you. Signup and view all the answers

Who has more houses, Gremio or Lucentio?

Lucentio. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Baptista Minola choose for Bianca to marry?

Tranio. Signup and view all the answers

How does Petruchio get Katherine to be quiet while he agrees to marry her?

He pulls her arm behind her back. Signup and view all the answers

Does Katherine want to marry Petruchio?

False Signup and view all the answers

Where does Hortensio say he is from when he pretends to be a tutor?

Mantua. Signup and view all the answers

What does Katherine do to Bianca in the beginning of Act 2?

Katherine ties Bianca to a chair and interrogates her. Signup and view all the answers

Is Baptista happy with Bianca's marriage?

True Signup and view all the answers

What is Baptista basing the marriage of his daughter on?

Whichever suitor can provide more wealth. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Petruchio going to buy wedding apparel?

Venice. Signup and view all the answers

What does Katherine mean when she says 'so you may lose your arms.'?

That Petruchio would lose his family inheritance and reputation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main tragedy in Petruchio's life?

Father's Death. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Petruchio want to marry Katherina?

He wants money. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Baptista need Lucentio's father's assurance?

Baptista needs Lucentio's father to show up in person. Signup and view all the answers

Does Baptista know Petruchio's father?

True Signup and view all the answers

How many houses does Lucentio have?

He has 3 houses. Signup and view all the answers

What is a shrew?

An unpleasant woman. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Petruchio call Kate a slow-winged turtle?

She was running slow and he caught her. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Petruchio think he'll get Kate to agree?

Because he's rough and woos not like a babe. Signup and view all the answers

What information does Katherine hope to gain by tying Bianca's hands?

Kate wants to know which of the suitors Bianca prefers. Signup and view all the answers

What type of language does Petruchio use to describe Katherine during discussion with Baptista?

He calls her fair and virtuous. Signup and view all the answers

What names do Hortensio and Lucentio assume?

Hortensio is Litio, and Lucentio is Cambio. Signup and view all the answers

What character does Tranio assume?

Tranio assumes the character of Lucentio. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the content of Petruchio and Baptista's conversation.

Petruchio asks about the dowry and conveys confidence in winning Katherine's love. Signup and view all the answers

How is Hortensio injured?

He's trying to teach Kate to play the lute and she clunks him on the head. Signup and view all the answers

How do Katherine and Petruchio get along when they first meet?

Petruchio tells Kate he has fallen in love with her. Signup and view all the answers

What does Petruchio claim about his and Katherine's interaction?

He claims that his interaction with Kate went fantastically and that they are in love. Signup and view all the answers

What are Tranio, Gremio, and Baptista discussing at the end of Act II?

They discuss who will make the best suitor for Bianca and agree on the wealthiest option. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Katherine and Bianca's Conflict

Katherine physically assaults Bianca by tying her up and dragging her like a slave, demonstrating their hostile relationship.
Katherine desires to know which of Bianca's suitors she loves best, indicating her jealousy and competitive feelings.

Bianca's Perspective

Bianca perceives Katherine's curiosity as envy, thinking Katherine desires either Hortensio or Gremio for herself.
Katherine's aggression stems from resentment towards their father, Baptista, who favors Bianca.

Petruchio’s Courtship Strategy

Petruchio describes Katherine in flattering, contradictory terms to Baptista, portraying her as beautiful and intelligent while masking her rude demeanor.
Baptista permits Petruchio and Lucentio to tutor Katherine and Bianca, assigning specific subjects to each.

Petruchio’s Ambition

Petruchio seeks to marry Katherine for her dowry of 20,000 crowns and half of Baptista's estates. He emphasizes his wealth but also claims to love her.
He believes he possesses superior qualities that will lead Katherine to submit to him, viewing the challenge as a sport.

Katherine's Resistance

Katherine reacts violently to Hortensio disguised as a music tutor, smashing the lute and injuring him, showcasing her defiance.
This behavior intrigues Petruchio, who appreciates the challenge and wishes to impress Baptista.

Taming Katherine

Petruchio plans to win over Katherine through exaggerated compliments and kindness, highlighting his strategy to dominate her will.
Throughout their interactions, he consistently uses the name "Kate" despite her protests, asserting his dominance.

Interactions with Other Suitors

Tranio (disguised as Lucentio) argues he is the better suit for Bianca, claiming greater wealth and land compared to Gremio.
Gremio hints at a persistent desire to marry Bianca, revealing his sly nature despite apparent rejection.

The Need for Lucentio's Father

Tranio must find a suitable person to impersonate Lucentio's father, Vincentio, to validate his claim for marrying Bianca, complicating his plans.

Petruchio’s Reaction to Violence

When Katherine hits Petruchio, he responds with a willingness to hit back, unlike others who cower from her aggression, suggesting he is not intimidated.
Katherine dismisses Petruchio as a fool for underestimating her strength and character.

Familial Dynamics and Marital Arrangements

Baptista bases Bianca's marriage on financial considerations, complicating the relationships between the suitors as they vie for her attention.
The eventual marriage to be discussed at the end of Act II involves Baptista agreeing to marry Bianca to the richest suitor, which influences Tranio's perseverance.

Concluding Discussions

As Act II wraps up, the suitors, particularly Tranio and Gremio, engage with Baptista about the best match for Bianca, leading to a decision favoring wealth over other factors.

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Description

Review key events and character interactions from Act II of 'The Taming of the Shrew'. This quiz covers Katherine's behavior towards Bianca and their complex relationship dynamics, which are central to the play's themes. Test your understanding of the characters' motivations and actions in this crucial act.