The Taming of the Shrew

In the Taming of the Shrew, Petruchio recognizes, respects and desires Kate's intelligence and strength of character. He does not want to conquer or truly tame her. He is a man who is very confident in himself and does not want or need someone to massage his ego. Petruchio seems to me to be a man of sport and challenge and likes to surround himself with witty, challenging people. He wants in a mate what …

…ony on the way home to her father's (IV.v.12-22). Because they are so much alike, Kate takes very quickly to Petruchio's games of words and irony (IV.v.37-50). Petruchio is the kind of lively person who would be disappointed in a victory too easily won, and disappointed in Kate if she were genuinely tamed. I feel certain she will have her victories, and Petruchio will enjoy them as much as his own.