Quotes From "The Taming of the Shrew"

The Taming of the Shrew is a play within a play. In the first act of the play, the characters assemble to watch a play. The story progresses to show how a man 'subdues' his sharp-tongued, cantankerous wife to tailor her into a marital relationship. Although The Taming of the Shrew is one of the most popular Shakespeare plays, there has been a lot of debate over Shakespeare's portrayal of the 'shrew.' Literary critics wonder: Is Petruchio an intelligent and loving husband who 'corrects' his wife's misadjusted behavior? Or is he an uncompromising, conceited, tormentor who bends his wife to suit his expectations from his bride? Nevertheless, The Taming of the Shrew makes an interesting play as it reveals some insightful realities of married life.

Act IV, Sc. I
And thereby hangs a tale.

Act I, Sc. II
Tush! tush! fear boys with bugs.

Act I, Sc. I
There's small choice in rotten apples.

Act I, Sc. II
Nothing comes amiss; so money comes withal.

Act III, Sc. II
Who wooed in haste, and means to wed at leisure.

Act I, Sc. II
And do as adversaries do in law,
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.

Act V, Sc. II
Such duty as the subject owes the prince,
Even such a woman oweth to her husband.

Act I, Sc. I
No profit grows where is no pleasure ta'en;
In brief, sir, study what you most affect.

Act V, Sc. II
A woman moved is like a fountain troubled,
Muddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty.