In “The Taming of the Shrew,” the titular shrew’s first name is Katherine, more often printed as Katherina. She is the elder daughter of Baptista Minola and the older sister of Bianca. The play’s main plot follows the efforts of Petruchio to court and marry her despite her fierce independence and sharp-tongued reputation.
Baptista declares that Bianca cannot marry until Katherine has found a husband. Bianca’s suitors therefore have a practical reason to help arrange Katherine’s marriage: they want Baptista to permit Bianca’s courtship. Petruchio accepts the challenge, claiming that he is seeking a wealthy wife and is willing to confront Katherine’s formidable personality.
The play’s “taming” plot has provoked centuries of debate because Petruchio uses deprivation, manipulation and theatrical role-playing to impose obedience. Some productions present Katherine’s final speech as sincere submission; others suggest that she is being ironic or has learned to outwit Petruchio by appearing compliant. The text deliberately leaves room for competing interpretations.
Shakespeare probably wrote the comedy between about 1590 and 1592. Its story draws on widespread European shrew-taming traditions, while its subplot of competing suitors and disguises has links to earlier Italian and English dramatic sources.