NAVIGATION: Index of Dr. Weller's Class Material Index of Shakespeare Material


Sample Questions for the Essay Test on The Taming of the Shrew


Choose one of the following essay topics. Be sure to have a clear thesis statement supported with specific examples. Be sure to cover the points discussed in class. Correct grammar and punctuation do count. You have 90 minutes.

  1. From Petruchio's conversation with Hortensio in Act 1, Scene 2, how can we can see that Petruchio's motivation for pursuing her is not her wealth?
  2. Explain what the scene between Katherine and Bianca tells us about why Katherine is a shrew.
  3. Explain at least two reasons why Katherine says nothing when Petruchio tells the big lie about her kissing him in private.
  4. Describe what Katherine does, and why she does it, when Baptista says "give me your hands" (2.1.318).
  5. For the last scene of the play, explain what Katherine learns about the situation among the men while she is sitting by the parlor fire with the other women, and explain how she responds to that situtation.
  6. Explain how madness is used as a metaphor in the play.