Abstract
In The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, a young man, Petruchio, aims to tame the unmarriable Katherina. This desire to tame the “shrew” leads to physical fights, arguments, and struggles throughout the play, not only for Katherina but for Petruchio as well. Petruchio is established early on as a character who must find his own way in the world after the death of his father, therefore, perhaps his need to tame Katherina is guided by a desire besides love. Using literary analysis and close reading of the play, this paper argues that Petruchio’s motivation to tame Katherina is driven by his desire for money. Ultimately, Petruchio’s greed causes him to take risks and make choices for financial gain while he convinces his wife, Katherina, that she does not need riches such as fine clothing or money. These choices, among his other actions throughout the play, strongly reinforce the idea that money is Petruchio’s key motivator.
Recommended Citation
Steck, Hannah
(2026)
"Money and Desperation: Petruchio’s Love Language in The Taming of the Shrew,"
Titan Humanitas: Vol. 1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/titanhumanitas/vol1/iss1/2
