Petruchio's Courtship

Act 2 Scene 1 – Key Scene

In this scene Petruchio meets Katherina for the first time and attempts to convince her that they should marry. He has heard stories about her rebellious and wilful nature. The two of them 'war with words' over who can be more powerful in their relationship.

Take a look at an extract from this scene and watch it in performance here. Using the following steps, remember to look at it line by line and if you’re looking at the scene for the first time don’t worry if you don’t understand everything at once.

• Look

  Take a look at the scene. Who has the most lines? Are they using prose or verse? Actors at the RSC often put the language into their own words to help them understand what they are saying. We’ve added some definitions (in black), questions (in red) and paraphrased some sections (in blue) to help with this. You can click on the text that is highlighted for extra guidance.

  Close

  Katherina

  Well ta’en and like a buzzard.

  Petruchio

  O slow winged turtle, shall a buzzard take thee?

  Katherina

  Ay, for a turtle, as he takes a buzzard.

  Close

  Dove.

  Petruchio

  Come, come, you wasp; i' faith, you are too angry.

  Close

  Why do you think Petruchio calls Katherina a wasp? What characteristics do you think it gives to her?

  Katherina

  If I be waspish, best beware my sting.

  Close

  Petruchio and Katherina fight with words. Can you find the word in each line which spurs the other person to respond?

  Petruchio

  My remedy is then, to pluck it out.

  Katherina

  Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies.

  Petruchio

  Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting? In his tail.

  Katherina

  In his tongue.

  Petruchio

  Whose tongue?

  Katherina

  Yours, if you talk of tails: and so farewell.

  Close

  Katherina says she is going to leave. What do you think stops her?

  Petruchio

  What, with my tongue in your tail? nay, come again.
  Good Kate; I am a gentleman.

  Katherina

  That I'll try.

  Petruchio

  I swear I'll cuff you, if you strike again.

  Katherina

  So may you lose your arms:
  If you strike me, you are no gentleman;
  And if no gentleman, why then no arms.

  Close

  Katherina suggests that he will lose his coat of arms or crest, the symbol of him being a gentleman.

  Close

  Both Katherina and Petruchio are described as defying the usual behaviours of their gender.

  Petruchio

  A herald, Kate? O, put me in thy books!

  Close

  Petruchio plays on Katherina's words again. He says he wants to be in her ‘good books’, i.e. be in her favour.

  Katherina

  What is your crest, a coxcomb?

  Close

  A fool's hat.

  Petruchio

  A combless cock, so Kate will be my hen.

  Close

  Note the use of language in this scene - it's intellectual, but there is a tone of innuendo. The word 'tongue' is mentioned three times. The word coxcomb relates to a fool’s hat but both characters are aware of the “Cock” sound in “Coxcomb”. Why do you think Shakespeare has chosen to use this language for Katherina and Petruchio's exchange?

  Katherina

  No cock of mine; you crow too like a craven.

  Close

  A craven is cockerel that won’t fight. Katherina is calling him a coward.
• Listen

  Read the scene aloud. Are there any words or lines that really stand out and reveal something about Katherina and Petruchio? How connected are their lines and use of imagery and what does this reveal? Is there a sense of violence or of fun in the sounds they use?
• Watch

  Take a look at the actors performing this scene. How do the characters come across in this version?

  

  Play scene in performance
• Imagine

  Explore some images from past versions of The Taming of The Shrew at the RSC. Which sets and staging choices for the scene feel right to you?