Analyzing Act 1 of Taming of the Shrew

Who is the wealthy gentleman from Padua who wishes to find a wife for his daughter Bianca in Act 1, Scene 1 of "The Taming of the Shrew"?

• Baptista Minola

• Lucentio

• Petruchio

• Gremio

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

In Act 1, Scene 2, what is Petruchio’s main reason for coming to Padua?

• To visit his old friend Hortensio

• To find a wealthy wife

• To study at the university

• To attend a festival

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

Which word best describes Katherine’s behavior towards her suitors in Act 1, Scene 1?

• Shy

• Hostile

• Indifferent

• Affectionate

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

What is the meaning of the word “shrew” as it is used in the title and in reference to Katherine?

• A small animal

• A wise woman

• A bad-tempered or aggressively assertive woman

• A servant

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

Which of the following best summarizes the central conflict introduced in Act 1, Scenes 1 and 2?

• Bianca wants to become a nun.

• Baptista will not allow Bianca to marry until Katherine is wed.

• Petruchio is searching for a lost fortune.

• Lucentio is trying to escape from his father.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

How does Lucentio plan to win Bianca’s affection in Act 1, Scene 1?

• By sending her gifts

• By disguising himself as a tutor

• By challenging her suitors to a duel

• By writing her poetry

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

How does Shakespeare introduce the rivalry between Gremio and Hortensio in Act 1, Scene 1?

• Through a physical fight

• Through their competition for Bianca’s hand in marriage

• Through a debate about money

• Through a shared business venture

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

Which of the following best describes the tone of Petruchio’s speech when he declares his intent to marry Katherine?

• Sincere and loving

• Boastful and confident

• Fearful and hesitant

• Indifferent and bored

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

Analyze how Baptista’s rule about Bianca’s marriage shapes the actions of the other characters in Act 1, Scenes 1 and 2. Which of the following best explains the impact?

• It causes Bianca to run away from home.

• It motivates the suitors to find a husband for Katherine so they can pursue Bianca.

• It leads Petruchio to challenge Baptista to a duel.

• It makes Lucentio give up on Bianca.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

How does Petruchio use rhetoric to justify his pursuit of Katherine in Act 1, Scene 2?

• He flatters Katherine with compliments about her beauty.

• He argues that wealth is more important than personality in marriage.

• He claims that he is able to “tame” any woman, using bold and persuasive language to convince others of his confidence.

• He threatens Baptista with violence if he is not allowed to marry Katherine.

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.6