Blog #2 Act II.1 Taming of the Shrew

In Act II.I Baptista seems to be very nonchalant and seems to play the same character throughout the play. He seems like he does not have much personality and goes with whatever works. Petruchio, on the hand, has a very strong self-centered personality and over exaggerates his character. He seems to be quite boastful and attempts to come off as very intelligent. He persuades Baptista he is brilliant and is perfect for his daughter so he allows him to talk to Kate. Kate comes off as very witty and has quick defensive come backs towards Petruchio when they encounter each other. It seems like Petruchio is manipulating Kate and is having fun with arguing but you can tell Kate is not amused and is getting frustrated with him. She gets so worked up she ends up striking him which shows she is very stubborn and doesn’t take anything from men. Petruchio changes his character and starts to be nice and suck up to Kate. Although Kate is not buying it and says some sarcastic remarks Petruchio proceeds in asking Kate for her hand in marriage. Without time for kate to respond Baptista comes in and assumes they are to get married. Baptista once again seems like he gets walked all over since he agrees to almost anything and can easily be tricked. Kate is still stubborn and expresses her anger towards her father about the situation. I thought it was funny how Petruchio started calling Baptista father right after he asked Kate to marry him. I think Kate’s character is unique because she puts up a fight and talks back as if she is one of the guys. She still gets shut out and not taken into consideration about the marriage since she is a lady and does not get to make her own choices.