The Taming of the Shrew, Act 4, Scene 2 summary
Act 4, Scene 2 of 14 · 5 min to read the scene
In Act 4, Scene 2, Hortensio sees Bianca flirting with Lucentio, gives up courting her, and declares his intention to marry a wealthy widow. Tranio then frightens a visiting schoolteacher with a false warning about danger in Padua and persuades him to impersonate Vincentio, providing the financial guarantee needed for a marriage agreement.
What happens
- Hortensio shows Tranio how Bianca and Lucentio flirt during their lesson.
- Hortensio reveals his identity, and both watchers swear to abandon Bianca.
- Hortensio announces plans to marry a wealthy widow, then leaves; Tranio tells Bianca and Lucentio about his withdrawal.
- Biondello finds a respectable stranger whom Tranio hopes to use as a substitute father.
- Tranio tells the schoolteacher that visitors from Mantua face execution in Padua and offers protection through a false identity.
- The schoolteacher accepts the role of Vincentio, and Tranio takes him away to prepare for guaranteeing the marriage settlement.
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In this scene
What to notice
Tranio turns an offer of protection into an impersonation scheme. The stranger’s acceptance supplies someone to act as Vincentio in the marriage negotiations.
Quick check
Why does the schoolteacher agree to impersonate Vincentio?
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