Catherine's Challenges and Relationships

In Act 1, Scene 1 of 'The Taming of the Shrew', Lucentio arrives in Padua with his servant Tranio to pursue his education. Baptista, a local nobleman, declares that his younger daughter Bianca cannot marry until her elder sister Catherine is wed. Lucentio, smitten with Bianca, devises a plan with Tranio to disguise himself as a tutor to get closer to her. Meanwhile, Bianca's suitors, Gremio and Hortensio, form a temporary alliance to find a husband for Catherine. The scene sets up the characters' motives and the comedic dynamics that will unfold.

What is Lucentio's main reason for coming to Padua?

• To find a wife

• To start a business

• To further his education

• To visit family

Who accompanies Baptista Minola when he enters the scene?

• His sons

• His wife

• His brother

• His daughters

What condition does Baptista set for Bianca's marriage?

• She must marry a scholar

• She must marry before Catherine

• She must marry a wealthy man

• Catherine must marry first

What do Gremio and Hortensio decide to do to win Baptista's favor?

• Help Catherine find a job

• Buy gifts for Baptista

• Find schoolmasters for Bianca

• Find a husband for Bianca

What is the main obstacle in finding a husband for Catherine?

• Her lack of education

• Her young age

• Her ill-tempered nature

• Her lack of dowry

What role does Lucentio plan to assume to get close to Bianca?

• A soldier

• A merchant

• A nobleman

• A traveling tutor

Who will Tranio pretend to be in their scheme?

• Lucentio

• Baptista

• Hortensio

• Gremio

Which character is not present by the end of the scene?

• Baptista

• Petruchio

• Lucentio

• Tranio

How is Catherine described by the other characters?

• Extremely shy

• Very intelligent

• Too ill-tempered

• Gentle and kind

What does Catherine threaten to do to Hortensio?

• Marry him

• Sing to him

• Ignore him

• Hit him with a stool