The Taming of the Shrew - Key Events Flashcards
What happens in Induction, Scene 1?
Christopher Sly, a drunk, is asleep outside a tavern in Warwickshire.
He is discovered by a Lord, who’s returning home from hunting. He decides to play a trick on Sly.
The Lord asks his servants to treat Sly as if he were a nobleman.
Actors come to the Lord’s house to get ready to perform ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ to Sly.
What happens in Induction, Scene 2?
Sly wakes up, and he is persuaded to watch the actors perform their play for him: ‘The Taming of the Shrew’.
What happens in Act 1, Scene 1?
The play (The Taming of the Shrew) opens with Lucentio arriving in Padua with his servant, Tranio.
They come across Baptista, Katherina and Bianca. Baptista says that he will only allow Bianca to marry once Katherina has.
Hortensio and Gremio (Bianca’s suitors) agree to stop the rivalry for Bianca’s love, but Lucentio then falls in love with her.
Lucentio and Tranio agree to swap identities, so that Lucentio can see Bianca, whilst disguised as a teacher (named ‘Cambio’). Tranio is disguised as a suitor to Bianca.
What happens in Act 1, Scene 2?
Petruchio arrives in Padua with Grumio (his servant). They call on Hortensio and Petruchio explains that he wants to find a rich wife.
When Petruchio hears about Katherina, his heart is set on her. Whilst they are talking, they come across Gremio and Lucentio (Cambio). Gremio and Hortensio renew their rivalry for Bianca’s love, with Tranio (‘Lucentio’) being thrown into the mix, too, as a third competitor.
What happens in Act 2, Scene 1?
Katherina and Bianca are arguing. Tranio (‘Lucentio’) and Petruchio introduce themselves to Baptista, and Petruchio starts to woo Katherina.
They fight, but Petruchio is determined to a marry Katherina.
Gremio and Tranio (‘Lucentio’) make offers for Bianca’s hand. Gremio is defeated, but ‘Lucentio’ must get Vincentio (his father) to secure the promises he has made to Bianca.
What happens in Act 3, Scene 1?
Bianca’s suitors present themselves to her as tutors:
- Lucentio is disguised as
‘Cambio’.
- Hortensio is the
musician, ‘Litio’.What happens in Act 3, Scene 2?
It is the day of Katherina and Petruchio’s wedding. Baptista waits with his daughters and Bianca’s suitors.
Biondello describes Petruchio’s appearance, and the bridal party go to the church.
Lucentio and Tranio stay behind. Gremio returns to tell them what’s happened in the church.
The newlyweds come back with their friends. But, Petruchio refuses to wait for the wedding feast, and he insists on carrying Katherina away.
What happens in Act 4, Scene 1?
Grumio and Curtis are preparing to welcome Petruchio and Katherina home. Grumio describes their journey from Padua.
Petruchio complains about their dinner, with Katherina going to bed hungry.
Petruchio begins to plot how he will ‘tame’ his ‘shrew’.
What happens in Act 4, Scene 2?
Hortensio (‘Litio’) and Tranio (‘Lucentio’) listen whilst Lucentio (‘Cambio’) courts Bianca. They both agree to stop competing for Bianca’s love, and Hortensio says that he’s decided to marry a rich widow.
Tranio tells Lucentio that he has won Bianca, but only if he can get Vincentio’s support.
A passing merchant is persuaded to impersonate Vincentio.
What happens in Act 4, Scene 3?
Petruchio continues to ‘tame’ Katherina, refusing to let her eat and sending away her new clothes.
He plans to return to Baptista’s house, but won’t go until Katherina agrees with everything he says.
What happens in Act 4, Scene 4?
Tranio (‘Lucentio’) introduces the merchant (‘Vincentio’) to Baptista. They go to organise Bianca’s wedding agreement.
Biondello tells Lucentio that he must now take Bianca to the church and find a priest to marry them.
What happens in Act 4, Scene 5?
Katherina tries to go against Petruchio once more, then finally gives into him.
They leave for Padua, and meet Vincentio on the way.
What happens in Act 5, Scene 1?
Lucentio and Bianca hurry off to the church. Petruchio, Katherina and Vincentio arrive, but the merchant refuses to let them in to Lucentio’s hosue.
The newlyweds return from the church, and false identities are revealed.
What happens in Act 5, Scene 2?
A wedding feast has been enjoyed, honoring the three wedded couples:
- Petruchio and Katherina - Lucentio and Bianca - Hortensio and the Widow
The brides leave the room, and the husbands place bets on which of their wives will be the most obedient.
Katherina wins the bet for Petruchio, and delivers a lecture on the real roles of a wife to her husband.
