Petruchio Abuse Quotes

In the play, The Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare, Katherine Minola is known for her shrewish ways, such as her horrible temper. Petruchio, a gentleman from Verona, comes to Padua to marry rich so he can “wive it wealthily” (1.2.76). Once Petruchio meets Katherina, he decides to tame her, not matter how bad her temper truly is. During the process of taming Katherina, Petruchio uses a series of violent actions, including physical, emotional, and environmental abuse. During the 16th century, Petruchio’s actions may not have been seen as abuse, but 400 years later, his actions toward Katherina are considered as domestic violence in today’s society.
Once Petruchio marries Kate, he starts his physical abuse. Petruchio
At their wedding ceremony, Petruchio comes in late and dressed in , “…old jerkin; a pair of old breeches thrice turned; a pair of boots that have been candle cases, one buckled, another laced, and old rusty sword” (3.2.52-54). He not only comes to his own wedding late, but humiliates her in front of her family. When the marriage ceremony is over, when they should be off to the dinner afterwards, Petruchio says, “But for my bonny Kate, she must be with me. Nay, look not big, nor stamp, not stare, not fret; I will be master of what is mine own” (3.2.244-246). This proves that Petruchio is controlling Kate, and does not let her make her own decisions. Kate did not want to leave after the wedding; she wants to eat dinner with her family and friends before she leaves. Petruchio’s behavior towards Katherina is abusive because he cares less about Katherina’s opinions and emotions, and more about his own
When Petruchio makes the speech about how to tame a woman he says, “My falcon now is sharp and passing empty, And till she stoop she must not be full gorged…To make her come and know her keeper” (4.1.188-192). He thinks of Katherina, a human being, as a mere falcon that will answers to his call once she is fully tamed. True, he decides to tame her for her own good, but ultimately the decision to change her personality from a shrew to a housewife is Katherina’s, not his. Petruchio could have also used different actions to try and change Katherina, instead of taking her most important items away; food and sleep. He could have shown his love towards her earlier and tell her that he only wants the best for her to push her towards the decision of changing her attitude. But instead, he uses abusive behavior towards Katherina. You can change someone’s personality in many different methods, but being abusive is not the correct