Petruchio In The Taming Of The Shrew

In the Shakespearean comedy, The Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare, Petruchio is characterized as peremptory through what he says. The first example of Petruchio being characterized as peremptory through what he says is after he takes Katherine to his bridal chambers and leaves her there. Petruchio speaks through a monologue about his plans to tame Katherine saying “till she stoop[s] she must not be full-gorged” (4.1.190). Assertively, Petruchio states how he will tame Katherine, which shows his peremptory character. Petruchio is saying that he is the falconer and Katherine is his falcon. As the falconer, he has to tame the bird and he must not let the bird eat until it has been fully tamed; therefore, Katherine shall not eat until …show more content…
Another example of Petruchio’s peremptory character shown through what he says is when he explains that the way to kill a wife is with kindness. Petruchio feels that he must “curb [Katherine’s] mad and headstrong humor” (4.1.208). Because Petruchio thinks Katherine is headstrong, because Petruchio thinks this is an unwanted characteristic in a new wife, because period women were supposed to be quiet and do as their husband’s please, Petruchio needs to tame her. Petruchio believes that by not physically beating Katherine, he is kind in taming her. This approach shows how he is willing to do anything to get Katherine’s obedience, but in his mind he thinks that by starving her he is truly helping her. By assuming this role, Petruchio shows that he will not tolerate any disobedience from Katherine. The third reason Petruchio is peremptory through his words is when convincing Katherine that the sun is actually the moon. Petruchio tells Katherine that, “It shall be the moon, or star or what [else he] list[s]... [before he ever will] journey to [her] father’s house. ” (4.5.8). This asserts Petruchio’s supremacy by showing that whatever he says will