Taming of the Shrew
Character Study
Group Discussion Questions
Discuss each question as a group. Everyone should talk--at least a little bit. No one should monopolize the conversation. In answering these questions, you are to discuss your answers fully, agreeing or disagreeing (politely) with one another. Ask each other for examples. Don’t hesitate to ask questions such as “What makes you think that?” or “How do you come to that conclusion?” or “What do you mean?” Always be polite. This is to be intellectual discussion, not impassioned argument! Write your own answers. Answer all parts of each question. You do not have to agree with the others in your group: You will turn in your own answer sheet. No group sheets are allowed.
1. Katherine (Kate) is the most widely discussed female character of this play. In the space below, make a list of at least ten words which describe Katherine’s personality and her character as we see her when she first appears in the play.
2. We are rarely told by Shakespeare about his characters’ pasts. Plays start “in medias res” which is Latin and means, essentially, "in the middle of the action.” From the first exchanges between Bianca and Kate, what kinds of things do you think are issues between the two women? (READ 2A Below at this time also)
2A. What does Baptista (the father of Kate and Bianca) do that makes things worse between the sisters?
3. Petruchio is the lead male character in this play. In the space below, make a list of at least ten words that describe Petruchio’s personality and character. (Also Read 3A below at this time)
3A. Do you think that we are seeing Petruchio’s real personality in his behavior toward Kate? If you think it is not, or if you think it is exaggerated, what is his purpose for behaving in this manner?
4. Petruchio and Katherine show great antagonism toward each other in a large part of the play. A) Discuss whether you think this antagonism is real or pretended, and explain why you think so B) Do these two characters make a good romantic couple? Why or why not? C) If they marry, what good and what bad things might they expect of their relationship?
5) Describe Bianca. How is she very different from Katherine?
6) Describe Lucentio and his servant Tranio: Do they seem to be in a typical Master/Servant relationship to you, or are there other elements to their relationship?
7) Compare Petruchio and his servant Grumio to Lucentio and Tranio. How are the two pairs alike and in what ways are they different?”
8. Describe at least 3 different deceptions that are going on in the play.