Abridged The Taming of the Shrew/#1/Background/Act 1, Scene 1.1
Lucentio is pontificating to his servant, Tranio, as the
play opens. The two of them have arrived
in “fair Padua, nursery of liberal arts, the pleasant garden of great
Italy.” Lucentio was born in Pisa,
brought up in Florence and is the son of Vincentio, a “merchant trading
extensively through the world.” Lucentio
tells Tranio that he “will study that part of philosophy that deals with the
happiness achieved through virtue.” A
less than convinced Tranio responds, saying “while we do admire this virtue and
moral discipline, let’s be not be stoics nor unfeeling people. Let mathematics and metaphysics fall as you
find they serve you.” Lucentio says
“Thanks, Tranio, well dost thou advise.”
Baptista, his two daughters Katherine and Bianca, along with Gremio and
Hortensio, both suitors to Bianca, enter.
Lucentio and Tranio step aside.
Baptista speaks directly to Gremio and Hortensio, saying “Gentlemen, I
firmly am resolved you know; that is, not to bestow my youngest daughter before
I have a husband for the elder.”
Katherine is the elder. Katherine
makes some outspoken comments. Aside to Lucentio, Tranio says “That wench is
stark mad or ungovernable.” Aside to
Tranio, Lucentio says “But in the other’s silence do I see maid’s mild behavior
and sobriety.” Baptista says “Bianca,
get you in, and let it not displease thee.”
Bianca replies “Sir, my books and instruments shall be my company; on
them to look and practice by myself.”
Bianca exits. Baptista says “I
know she taketh most delight in music, instruments, and poetry. Schoolmasters will I keep within my house fit
to instruct her youth.” Baptista tells
Gremio to let him know if he knows of any good schoolmasters. Baptista and Katherine exit. Gremio tells Hortensio that “if I can find a
fit man to teach her, I will wish him to her father.” Hortensio says “It toucheth us both to effect
one thing specially.” Gremio asks
“What’s that.” Hortensio says “Marry,
sir, to get a husband for her sister.
There be good fellows in the world would take her with all faults, and
money enough.” The two of them agree
that if they can find a husband for Katherine, then they would “set his
youngest free for a husband.”