Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare

British Literature - Highland Park High School

The Play The Taming of the Shrew takes place in Italy in a little town Padua in around 1596. Christopher Sly, in a drunken stupor passes out in a alehouse where a lord enters with his men. He decides to play a practical joke on him by taking him back to his palace and telling him when he gains consciousness that he has been a wealthy lord for fifteen years with a wife. A company of players then puts on a play for him, The Taming of the Shrew. Baptista Minola is the father of two daughters, Katherine and Bianca. Bianca is the innocent and beautiful one favored by her father. Katherine is the shrew with a loud mouth and a mind of her own. Bianca having many suitors including Hortensio, Gremio, and Lucentio may not marry until Katherine has married which seemed impossible with her shrewish behavior. Petruchio arrives and not only marries her but tames her. Bianca marries Lucentio who has posed as a tutor for her in order to get close to her. The other suitors impersonate also making it a confusing play. Regardless, it is comical and an enjoyment to read.

Summary by Taylor Kutchin.

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Discussion Questions by Taylor Kutchin

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