As a passing traveler in Padua, one could easily make superficial assumptions about the inhabitants. On the surface, Katherina seems like a vicious tiger that is angry at the entire world. Petruchio first appears like the type of man that anybody would like to have as a friend. At first glance, Bianca seems like a heavenly vision of beauty that any man would be lucky to have for a wife. However, after the courtship of Katherina begins, the true personalities of the characters are revealed.

When a person's own family fears them, one would assume that there is good reason for it. In Katherina's case though, nobody ever takes the time to listen to what she actually feels. When she says, "A pretty pet! It is best put finger in the eye, an she knew why." (Pg. 16), she is not acting maliciously but rather calling out for attention. In contrast to all the flattery that Bianca receives, the only time people ever talk about Katherina is when she acts like a shrew. A more v

ulnerable side to Katherina actually surfaces when she arrives at Petruchio's house. As Petruchio taunts her with food, she exclaims, "I pray you husband, be not so disquiet: The meat was well, if you were so contented." (Pg. 70) Disposing of the invincibility she maintains in Padua, she hungrily entreats her new husband to be reasonable. Taking off the fierce mask she wears in the beginning of the play, Katherina exposes the reality that she too is human.

When people initially encounter Bianca, they usually have one reaction. As Lucentio puts it, "... I perish, Tranio, if I achieve not this young modest girl." (Pg. 18) Her innocent appearance lends to the deception that she is docile and easily controlled. While she may not speak out vocally like her sister, she certainly knows what she wants. Even among the various suitors she has, she skillfully placates them so that they continue to adorn her with gifts while she continually keeps them at bay. When she finally decides to settle down with someone she chooses as acceptable, she exerts more c

Some common words found in the essay are:
Padua Petruchio, Shrew Illusion, Bianca Sir, Petruchio Bianca,
Approximate Word count = 714
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)