The Taming of the Shrew: Act IV

[Scheherazade]

We will be reading Act IV during this week.

Please post your comments and questions here.

Scene I (http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/shrew/8/)

Scene II (http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/shrew/9/)

Scene III (http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/shrew/10/)

Scene IV (http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/shrew/11/)

Scene V (http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/shrew/12/)

[papayahed]

Hortensio forsaking Bianca and marrying the Widow. What's up with that? Wasn't he the one pining for Bianca in the beginning? What's Shakey trying to say, women are interchangeable?

I still can't figure out all the deciet, did Lucentio have a plan for explaining everything when he cooked up his plan?

[xman]

I can't believe this week went by without mention of this:

"Ay, and amid this hurly I intend
That all is done in reverend care of her;
And in conclusion she shall watch all night:
And if she chance to nod I'll rail and brawl
And with the clamour keep her still awake.
This is a way to kill a wife with kindness;
And thus I'll curb her mad and headstrong humour.
He that knows better how to tame a shrew,
Now let him speak: 'tis charity to show."

When Petruchio says this it's a clear indication that he would like to be able to treat Kate better, but he knows no other way, and what he does, he intends for her own good. Important to be sure in case some readers/viewers think he is too callous.

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