The Taming of the Shrew reveals a plot by suitors to marry the younger sister, once the older and more willful sister is married first; they succeed in finding her a suitor and winning the younger sister’s affections behind her father’s back. In the end, the older sister has been tamed, which the men declare is a success.
The Taming of the Shrew Summary
Katherina (Kate) is the eldest daughter of Baptista Minola of Padua. She is strong-willed, stubborn, and disobedient, making her an unfit choice for marriage by most of the men at the time. On the other hand, her younger sister Bianca was beautiful and much more agreeable. However, Baptista will not marry off Bianca until Katherina is married, so Bianca’s suitors begin to plot to find her a husband. Lucentio devises a plan to become Bianca’s tutor, and he sends his servant Tranio to pose as him when petitioning Baptista for Bianca’s hand.
A wealthy man from Verona named Petruchio arrives in Padua looking for a wife. Hortensio uses this opportunity to make him a suitor for Kate. Petruchio counters Kate’s remarks with kindness and flattery, and she finally agrees to marry him. Tranio petitions Baptista (still in disguise) and promises more than Lucentio actually possesses. They devise a plan to find someone to pose as Lucentio’s father Vincentio, to promise the dowry to Baptista.
Petruchio, once he is officially married to Kate, begins to “tame” her by refusing her food and clothing and disagreeing with everything she says until she finally agrees with everything he says, even the most ridiculous statements. Finally, she is completely obedient and submissive to him.
Lucentio and Tranio convince a man to pose as his father, and Baptista gives his blessing for the marriage; Bianca and Lucentio elope. Vincentio arrives and meets the man posing as him, and is confused because that man keeps saying that Tranio is Lucentio. Lucentio and Bianca arrive from their secret wedding and explain everything.
Lucentio throws a banquet. Hortensio, Bianca’s previous suitor, has since married a rich widow instead. Petruchio challenges Hortensio and Lucentio to see whose wife is more obedient. Each man sends for his wife, but only Kate returns immediately. He instructs her to bring Bianca and the widow back, where she then delivers a speech on how wives are supposed to be obedient to their husbands. All of the men are in awe of Petruchio’s success in taming Kate.
Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Date Published: 1591
Genre: Comedy
Major Themes: Marriage; gender roles; hidden identity and disguise; social classes
Famous Quote: “Nothing comes amiss; so money comes withal.”
Check out all of our Shakespeare Resources
- Types of Shakespeare Plays
- Romeo and Juliet
- Macbeth
- Hamlet
- Othello
- Julius Caesar
- Richard III
- King Lear
- The Tempest
- Twelfth Night
- Sonnet 73
- A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Picture Encyclopedia of Shakespeare Plays
How Tos about The Taming of the Shrew Summary
Engage Students with a Creative Shakespeare Scene Performance
Select a short, lively scene from The Taming of the Shrew for students to act out.
Choose scenes with humor or dramatic tension to spark enthusiasm and participation.
Assign Roles and Encourage Teamwork
Divide students into small groups and assign each member a character.
Encourage collaboration as students rehearse lines and stage directions together.
Guide Students in Understanding Character Motivation
Discuss each character’s goals and feelings before rehearsals begin.
This helps students interpret their lines with meaning and depth, building reading comprehension.
Incorporate Props and Costumes for Fun
Invite students to create simple props or costume pieces using classroom materials.
Adding these elements boosts engagement and brings the Shakespearean world to life.
Reflect After the Performance to Deepen Learning
Lead a short discussion about what students learned from acting out the scene.
Ask questions about character relationships, themes, and how performing changed their understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Taming of the Shrew Summary
What is The Taming of the Shrew about?
The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy play by William Shakespeare that tells the story of Petruchio and Katherina, focusing on themes of marriage, gender roles, and transformation. The play explores how Petruchio tries to "tame" the strong-willed Katherina to become a suitable wife.
Why is The Taming of the Shrew important in Shakespeare’s works?
The Taming of the Shrew is important because it highlights Shakespeare’s skill in using humor to address complex social issues such as gender expectations and marriage. It remains a popular play for discussions about relationships and society.
What are the main themes in The Taming of the Shrew?
The main themes in The Taming of the Shrew include gender roles, power dynamics, identity, and conformity. The play also explores marriage as a social contract and questions traditional expectations.
How can teachers introduce The Taming of the Shrew to students?
Teachers can introduce The Taming of the Shrew by using summaries, character maps, and storyboard activities. Engaging students with group discussions and comparing the play's themes to modern life helps deepen understanding.
What is the difference between a comedy and a tragedy in Shakespeare's plays?
Comedies in Shakespeare’s works, like The Taming of the Shrew, end happily and often feature misunderstandings and humorous situations. Tragedies focus on serious themes and usually end with the downfall of the main characters.
Introductory School Offer
ONLY$500
- 1 School
- 5 Teachers for One Year
- 1 Hour of Virtual PD
30 Day Money Back Guarantee • New Customers Only • Full Price After Introductory Offer • Access is for 1 Calendar Year
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office