Act V, Scene 1

When Vincentio arrives in Padua with Kate and Petruchio, they show him to LucentioÂ’s house. He knocks at the door, announcing his name. He is called a liar and a madman by Baptista, who is inside with Tranio and the Pedant. Biondello, who is returning from his masterÂ’s marriage to Bianca, is beaten up by Vincentio when he fails to recognize him. Tranio comes out and inquires who beat up his servant. When Vincentio sees the servant Tranio in rich clothes, he thinks that the servants have been squandering his sonÂ’s money. When Tranio pretends not to know Vincentio, LucentioÂ’s real father thinks that his son has been murdered.

Lucentio and Bianca return to sort out the confusion. Baptista and the real Vincentio agree on a dowry and give a blessing to their children. Vincentio leaves to hunt for Biondello, Tranio, and the Pedant to settle things with them. The others also leave, except for Petruchio and Kate, who have drawn aside earlier to watch the scene unfold. Kate suggests that they should follow the others to see what happens, but Petruchio first asks for a kiss. Kate is embarrassed to kiss him out in public in the street, but when Petruchio agrees to return home, she kisses him passionately.

This scene presents the climax of the subplot where all the loose ends are tied up, the appearances are straightened out with the reality, and things finally fall properly into place. Before the truth is known, however, the scene is a noisy, wacky, and humorous one.

Vincentio, the real father, is abused by Biondello and the Pedant, and Baptista calls him a lunatic and a liar. When Tranio fails to acknowledge him, Vincentio is convinced that the servants have murdered his son. Finally, Lucentio and Bianca arrive to straighten out the mess. First they announce their marriage, and Lucentio greets his real father. Then Lucentio tells about the trickery and disguises he has used to win the love of his bride. Vincentio and Bianca bless the union of their children and agree on a dowry. Katherine and Petruchio reveal their true love for one another by embracing and kissing. Everyone is happy.

Table of Contents | Printable Version