The Taming of the Shrew

By William Shakespeare

CAST

CATHRINUS (KIT) The shrew, sister of Bianca(o)

BAPTISTA Father of Kit and Bianca(o)
BIANCA(O) Sister/Brother of Kit, highly desired by Gremio, Hortensio, and Lucentio

GREMIO Suitor of Bianca(o)

HORTENSIO Suitor of Bianca(o), friend of Petrucia, disguises himself as Litio a music instructor

PETRUCHIA Suitor of Kit, wealthy woman from Verona, wants to marry rich, tames the shrew
GRUMIO (A) Servant of Petrucuia, comedic relief

LUCENTIO(A) Suitor of Bianca(o), disguises him/herself as Cambio(a)a classics instructor

TRANIO(A) Servant of Lucentio(a), disguises him/herself as Lucentio
BIONDELLO(A) Servant of Lucentio(a), vouches for Tranio(a) being Lucentio(a)
MERCHANT Merchant who disguises himself as Lucentio(a)’s father for safety
VINCENTIO Father of Lucentio(a)

ACT I

PETRUCHIA At last I have arrived at my good friend Hortensio’s house. Grumio knock.

GRUMIO Knock, ma’m? Whom should I knock?

PETRUCHIA Moron! I’m telling you to make a fist and pound!

GRUMIO I don’t think it would be appropriate to knock you.

PETRUCHIA Moron! We are at the gate. Knock or I will knock you.

GRUMIO So difficult. If I knock you, I’ll be the one left sorry.

PETRUCHIA You won’t knock? Then I’ll ring and you’ll sing along.

She grabs him by the ear.

GRUMIO Help! My mistress has gone mad!

Hortensio enters

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HORTENSIO What’s all this noise? My dear friend Petruchia. What brings you from Verona?

PETRUCHIA I seek to marry, preferably someone wealthy.

HORTENSIO I know where you can find such a man, but he is an unpleasant shrew.

PETRUCHIA I wouldn’t care if he were ugly or bad-tempered, so long is he is wealthy.

GRUMIO (to Hortensio) Well there you have it, for money she’d suffer an old hag.

HORTENSIO Then let me tell you of your groom. Her father is Baptista Minola and he his Kit
Minola, famous for his scolding tongue.

PETRUCHIA Forgive my rush, but I would like to meet this shrew.

HORTENSIO At once, but I ask that you pay me favor in kind. Baptista has ordered that until Kit
finds a wife none can court his younger Bianca. She is a treasure I wish to obtain.
Present me as a music teacher so I may court her.

Enter Gremio with Lucentio disguised as Cambio.

GREMIO (to Lucentio) Give her these notes and read to her only books of love. I’ll pay you a
bonus.

LUCENTIO You can be sure I’ll plead the case for your love as if I were you.

GREMIO Excellent! (to Hortensio) Signor Hortensio. I’m on my way to Baptista Minola’s
house to introduce him to a school master for fair Bianca.

HORTENSIO What a coincidence. I have a lead on a music teacher for my beloved Bianca.

GREMIO My beloved— as my actions will prove.

GRUMIO (to audience) As his money will prove.

HORTENSIO Enough competing. I have found a wife for Kit. (gestures to Pertruchia)

GREMIO Have you told her his bad habits? Do you really mean to go for that devil.

PETRUCHIA I have survived storms at sea and heard the guns of battle. Try to scare another.

Enter Tranio, as Lucentio, accompanied by Biondello.

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TRANIO Greetings. May I ask the way to Signor Baptista Minola’s house?

BIONDELLO The man with the pretty daughter.

HORTENSIO Do you seek to court Bianca?

TRANIO Is that a problem?

GREMIO Only if you stay.

BIONDELLO And why might that be?

GREMIO Because she’s be chosen by Signor Gremio.

HORTENSIO Because she’s be chosen by Signor Hortensio.

TRANIO The lady is entitled to any number of suitors— including myself. Let us not battle, but
spend this afternoon drinking to our lady’s health. Let us be friends and move fairly.

HORTENSIO So be it.

All exit.

ACT II

Enter Kit dragging Bianca behind him.

BIANCA Dear brother it is unfair to drag me about so.

KIT Which of your suitors do you like best?

BIANCA I swear I have not encountered the one I may prefer.

KIT You lying brat! It’s Hortensio isn’t it!? Or do you prefer wealth, is it Gremio?

BIANCA You joke. Release me.

Kit grabs her by the ear. Enter Baptista.

BAPTISTA How dare you? Go inside Bianca, poor thing. You good for nothing fiend!

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KIT Of course you don’t want to hear my side. She’s your precious treasure. It makes me
sick! I’ll find a chance for revenge.

Kit exits.

BABPTISTA Has anyone had to put up with what I do?

Enter Gremio with Lucentio; Pertruchia with Hortensio, Tranio with Biondello,
carrying a loot and books.

GREMIO Good morning Baptista.

BAPTISTA And to you, good sir and company.

PETRUCHIA Good sir, tell me, don’t you have a noble son named Kit?

BAPTISTA I have a son named Kit.

PERTRUCHIA I am a lady of Verona, who hearing of your son’s kindness present myself to you. And
to show good intention have brought a servant. A music teacher named Litio to
instruct your children.

BAPTISTA You are both welcome, but Kit is not for you.

PETRUCHIA But…

GREMIO If I may, I too have brought a teacher, of classics. His name is Cambio, please accept
him.

BAPTISTA Many thanks. Welcome, good Cambio. As for you sir, you appear a stranger.

TRANIO Good sir, I am Lucentio of Pisa, son of Vincentio. I seek to court your youngest and
offer a lute and rare books.

BAPTISTA I know of your father, you are welcome. To you (Hortensio) the lute and you
(Lucentio) the books. To your pupils you go.

Lucentio and Hortensio exit.

PERTRUCHIA Sir I will not waste your time. I seek to marry your son, I have inherited my father’s
wealth which will become his after my death. What does he bring to marriage.

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BAPTISTA Twenty thousand crowns now and half my lands after my death. But you’ll have to
win his heart. I wish you luck. Let us go gentlemen. I’ll send Kit to you.

PETRUCHIA Whatever he says or does I’ll respond the opposite.

Enter Kit

Good day Kit.

KIT I am called Cathrinus by those who have business using my name.

PERTRUCHIA No you are called plain Kit, handsome Kit, and sometimes shrew. I have been driven
to propose. I want you for my husband.

KIT Well, let whoever drove you here drive you back again.

PETRUCHIA You are the subject of some buzz.

KIT Buzz off buzzard.

PETRUCHIA Come my little wasp, you are too angry.

KIT If I’m a wasp look out for my stinger.

He goes to strike her.

PETRUCHIA Strike me and lose a hand.

KIT You wrinkled hag.

PETRUCHIA Wrinkled with worry. I was told you were proud and sullen. Now I see it was lies.
You are funny and well behaved.

KIT Get out of here you fool.

PETRUCHIA Your father has blessed our marriage, I will marry you.

Baptista, Gremio, and Tranio enter.

BAPTISTA How goes it Petruchia?

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PETRUCHIA You have all misjudged him. Kit has made vow after vow, we shall wed. Though he
seems cross, he is hiding his heart. I’m off to Venice to buy clothes for the wedding.
Invite the guests we wed on Sunday.

Exit Petruchia and Kit in different directions.

GREMIO Now that the elder is settled let’s focus on the younger. I’m your neighbor and came
courting first.

TRANIO I love Bianca more than words can express.

BAPTISTA Whoever can promise the biggest dower shall have Bianca. Signor Gremio, what can
you offer?

GREMIO My house is filled with riches, tapestries, and ivory. My farm has is filled with ox.
Should I die, it will all belong to Bianca.

TRANIO I am my father’s sole heir. I will have 4 houses and 2,000 ducats a year from my land.

GREMIO (to himself) 2,000 ducats a year. (to them) I have nothing else to offer.

BAPTISTA Your offer is best. Should your father guarantee this Bianca will be yours. Good day
to you both.

Exit Baptista and Gremio.

TRANIO To help my master I will find a fake father for this fake Lucentio.

He exits.

ACT III

Bianca enters with Lucentio and Hortensio.

HORTENSIO Quarrelsome teacher! Allow me to claim her attention first, after you can have your
lecture.

LUCENTIO Isn’t the point of music to refresh the mind after studying? Allow me to read with her,
and then indulge in your music.

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BIANCA You’re both out of line. I won’t be dictated with schedules. (To Hortensio) Go play
your instrument during his lecture. (To Lucentio) Please translate.

Hortensio moves to the side, watching them and tuning his lute.

LUCENTIO As I told you before, I am Lucentio, son of Vincentio, disguised as a teacher to win
your love. The one pretending to be me is my servant.

BIANCA Lets see if I can translate. I don’t know you, don’t let him hear you, don’t give up. In
time I may come to believe you, but I’m wary.

HORTENSIO Is he wooing my darling?

LUCENTIO There’s no need to be… (notices Hortensio listening)— “Aeacides” is just another
name for Ajax.

BIANCA You’re my teacher, so I must believe you.

HORTENSIO My lady here are your scales:

BIANCA Re, I’m here to argue Hortensio’s love;

Mi, Bianca take him for you husband;
Fa… you call this a scale? I don’t like it. My brother’s wedding is soon. I’m done for
the day. Farewell dear teachers.

LUCENTIO Then there’s no reason to stay.

Exit Bianca and Lucentio looking at each other longingly.

HORTENSIO If Bianca is so vulgar as to stoop for any man she sees, the hell with her. I’d rather
marry the old widow, in fact I will.

Exit Hortensio.

Enter Tranio followed by Lucentio.

TRANIO Sir, I have found a merchant to act as your father. He’ll confirm what I’ve promised
on your behalf and you can marry sweet Bianca.

LUCENTIO Well done.

Gremio enters.

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TRANIO Signor Gremio, as you coming from the wedding?

GREMIO If it can be called that. Picture this: when the priest asked Kit if he would have
Petruchia, she yelled, “YES!”, so loud the priest dropped the book. Then she slapped
the priest down and dared anyone to pick them up. After she declared the wedding
complete and dragged Kit off back to her home abandoning the feast. What a
mockery.

Exit Gremio.

TRANIO A mockery indeed. Back to the matter at hand, I will prepare the merchant. You
charm your love.

LUCENTIO Until we meet again.

Exit Tanio and Lucentio.

ACT IV

At a table sit Petruchia and Kit.

PETRUCHIA Where are the servants? Stupid dolts! No service, no respect! Blockheads, bring my
supper to me! Smile Kit, be happy.

Grumio enters with a tray.

You ape! Get my boots off! (Grumio goes for her boots. Petruchia strikes Grumio.)
Serve the food you fool.

KIT Take it easy!

PETRUCHIA He’s an idiot sweet Kit.— What is this?

GRUMIO Mutton.

PETRUCHIA It’s burnt. That moron cook! Take it back!

KIT Dear, calm down. It was fine.

PETRUCHIA Tonight we’ll go without food. Let us retire. (Kit exits in frustration. Grumio enters.)
I’ve begun my plan. To tame this shrew he’ll have no food or sleep until he agrees
with me.

Exit Petruchia.

Enter Tranio, Merchant, and Lucentio.

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MERCHANT Gratitude for offering me safety.

TRANIO No gratitude needed so long as you play your part. Here comes Baptista.

Enter Baptista.

Sir, this is my father I told you of.

MERCHANT My son told me of the love between your daughter and himself. I’ve heard good
things of you. I’m willing to consent to the marriage. I won’t haggle with you, for I
respect you too much.

BAPTISTA If you assure my daughter a sufficient dowery I consent to the marriage.

MERCHANT Let us draw up the papers at my place.

BAPTISTA This is acceptable. Cambio instruct Bianca to prepare herself.

Exit Baptista, Merchant, and Tranio.

BIONDELLO The priest is waiting for you and your lady love. While they sign fake deals put your
stamp on her or say goodbye forever.

Exit Biondello.

LUCENTIO Now to convince my love to elope with me.

Exit Lucentio.

ACT V

Petruchia and Kit enter walking to Baptista’s house.

PETRUCHIA How bright the moon is tonight!

KIT You mean the sun! It isn’t night.

PETRUCHIA It will be whatever I want. Let’s go back.

KIT Wait— moon, sun, anything you like. I promise.

PETRUCHIA It’s the moon.

KIT It’s the moon.

PETRUCHIA Liar, it’s the sun!

KIT Whatever you want to call it is what it is.

Vincentio enters.

PETRUCHIA Good Kit have you ever seen such a beautiful woman? Greet her.

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KIT Young lady, fair and pure, where are you off to?

PETRUCHIA Have you lost your mind? That is not a woman, but an old man!

KIT Pardon my imperfect eyes. I see that you’re an elderly gentleman.

PETRUCHIA If we’re headed in the same direction, we’d love your company.

VINCENTIO My name is Vincentio, I’m headed to visit my son Lucentio.

PETRUCHIA Ah, your son is married to husband’s sister. His wife is fit for any nobleman.

VINCENTIO Is this a joke?

PETRUCHIA Come along and see for yourself. Here is Lucentio’s house.

VINCENTIO Come in for a drink. (Knocks on the door. Merchant opens the door.)

MERCHANT Who’s that knocking at the door?

PETRUCHIA Tell Signor Lucentio his father has arrived.

MERCHANT Lies, his father is right here.

PETRUCHIA Robbery! To take another man’s name.

MERCHANT Arrest the wretch.

Enter Tranio and Baptista.

VINCENTIO Clever villain, dressed in finery!

TRANIO What do you care if I dress richly? Thanks to my father I can.

VINCENTIO You father is a sailmaker.

BAPTISTA You are wrong sir. Do you know his name?

VINCENTIO His name is Tranio.

MERCHANT Mad fool, this is my son Lucentio.

VINCENTIO You’ve murdered your master. Where is my son?

TRANIO Call an officer!

VINCENTIO This is unbelievable!

Enter Lucentio, Tranio, and Bianca. Hasty exit Tranio and Merchant.

Lucentio and Bianca kneel before their fathers.

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LUCENTIO Pardon, dear father.

VINCENTIO Dear son, you’re alive!

BIANCA Pardon us, dear father.

BAPTISTA Why? What have you done? Where is Lucentio? Cambio?

LUCENTIO Here is Lucentio. I have married your daughter under false impressions. Bianca’s
love made me switch places with Tranio.

BAPTISTA You have married my daughter without my consent.

VINCENTIO Don’t worry, you’ll be satisfied. I’m going to see that someone pays for this.

BAPTISTA Me too.

They exit.

LUCENTIO Don’t worry, your father won’t be angry.

Lucentio and Bianca exit.

KIT Let us follow them.

PETRUCHIA Kiss me first.

KIT Here?

PETRUCHIA Then back home we go.

KIT Wait. (Kisses her **we’’ll fake it**) please, love, stay.

PETRUCHIA Better late than never— it’s never too late to change.

They exit.

END

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