comedy

The Taming of the Shrew

c. 1590–1592

A battle of wills in a farce that keeps asking who is actually in control.

Start reading — Act 1, Scene 1 →

Scenes

Act 1

1.1 Padua. A public place. 1.2 Padua. Before Hortensio’s house.

Act 2

2.1 Padua. A room in Baptista’s house.

Act 3

3.1 Padua. A room in Baptista’s house. 3.2 The same. Before Baptista’s house.

Act 4

4.1 A hall in Petruchio’s country house. 4.2 Padua. Before Baptista’s house. 4.3 A room in Petruchio’s house. 4.4 Padua. Before Baptista’s house. 4.5 A public road.

Act 5

5.1 Padua. Before Lucentio’s house. 5.2 A room in Lucentio’s house.

Dramatis personæ

A LORD
CHRISTOPHER SLY a tinker
HOSTESS
PAGE
PLAYERS
HUNTSMEN
SERVANTS
BAPTISTA MINOLA a rich gentleman of Padua
VINCENTIO an old gentleman of Pisa
LUCENTIO son to Vincentio; in love with Bianca
PETRUCHIO a gentleman of Verona; suitor to Katherina
GREMIO
HORTENSIO
TRANIO
BIONDELLO
GRUMIO
CURTIS
PEDANT set up to personate Vincentio
KATHERINA the shrew
BIANCA
WIDOW
INDUCTION