The Taming of the Shrew

Present in the scene are Petruchio, Katherina, Bianca, Hortensio [as Litio], Baptista, [Grumio and others].T this passage takes place after the wedding of Petruchio and Katherina. It is a pivotal point in the play as it is the first scene where the couple is present after their union. To me tThe language is more important than the imagery of the scene as it is the exchange of dialogue that dictates the relationship that has evolved and is to evolve further between the married couple. The scene is comical as Petruchio’s wishes to leave and not attend the reception or matched by Katherina’s ambitions to stay.

Shakespeare uses iambic pentameter for Petruchio’s opening in this scene. Petruchio explains he must leave. It would be unusual to leave a wedding in such haste yet his explanation for leaving is in keeping with his character and the style of the delivery brings the audience even closer in relationship with Petruchio.

He is asked rhetorically by Baptista will he not stay to which again his explanation is in metrical lines. His answer to the question reveals more to the audience than to the other characters present in the scene. He wants to leave to get on with his ambitions to tame Katherina. Of course Baptista not being privy to this would not be as keen for him to stay. His snappy retorts with Tranio, Gremio and Katherina then follow where he explains he can not possibly be persuaded to stay. For all their attempts to persuade him he would have an answer. In a way he is using his own language skills to disable any thoughts they may have of his peculiar behavior at this time.

“I am content you shall entreat me stay -

Petruchio is happy that his wife wishes he would stay but he will not. He is not? giving her any choice but to accept his decision. She makes a plea for him to stay with a test of her own.
“Now, if you love me stay”
This line is the first evidence that Petruchio is beginning to dominate in the relationship with Katherina and for...