Act II, Scene 1

In BaptistaÂ’s home, the cruel Katherine has bound BiancaÂ’s hands and is questioning her about the suitor she favors. Bianca thinks that Katherine likes Hortensio and promises that she will plead her case to him. As a result of this offer, Katherine surmises that Bianca likes Gremio. When Bianca laughs at KatherineÂ’s idea, the older sister hits her sibling. Baptista enters and sends Bianca to her room. Katherine tells her father that she is aware of his favoritism and that she will become an old maid because of him. As she leaves, Petruchio, Hortensio, Gremio, Lucentio, Tranio, and Biondello enter.

Petruchio introduces Hortensio, disguised as Licio, as a tutor for Katherine. Then Petruchio begins his pursuit of Katherine. Baptista tries to warn him about his daughterÂ’s unpleasant ways, but Petruchio dismisses his warnings and says that it is obvious that Baptista does not want to part with Katherine. When Baptista asks Petruchio his name, he realizes that Petruchio is the son of an old friend, Vincentio.

Gremio then speaks out and introduces Lucentio, in the guise of Cambio, as a tutor for Bianca. Tranio, disguised as Lucentio, declares himself BiancaÂ’s suitor; he is welcomed by Baptista, for he knows LucentioÂ’s father. Petruchio then gets down to business with Baptista; he asks about the terms and conditions of KatherineÂ’s dowry and their marriage. As they conclude their discussion, Licio (Hortensio) walks in and complains that during a music lesson, Katherine has whacked him on his head with a lute. Everyone, except for Petruchio, leaves to search for Katherine. In a soliloquy, Petruchio thinks he will change Katherine through flattery.

Now that Baptista has found a husband for Katherine, Bianca is now free to be courted. He tells Gremio and Tranio, disguised as Lucentio, that he will offer his youngest daughter to the gentleman who can produce the largest dowry. The two suitors bid against one another, and Lucentio (Tranio) offers the largest sum. As a result, Baptista promises Bianca to him if his father Vincentio verifies the amount of the dowry. Everyone leaves the stage except Tranio, who says he must find someone to dress up as Vincentio.

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