" In Act 1, Scene 1 of Shrew, we learn that Baptista is trying to find a husband for Kate, so he can "give" Bianca to one of her many suitors (hopefully the one with the most money). However, we also learn early in the play that Kate is not a pushover. She does not comply with her father's wishes to act tame in order to find a suitor. Instead, she acts out, in an attempt to hide her jealousy toward Bianca, and scare off any possible suitors.
This masked jealousy can be seen in Act 2, Scene 1, when Kate expresses to Baptista, "What, will you not suffer me? Nay, now I see / She is your treasure, she must have a husband; / I must dance barefoot on her wedding day, / And for your love to her lead apes in hell / Talk not to me" (2.1, 31-35). These harsh words are prevalent in Kate, and she holds nothing back when expressing her feelings. In fact, Kate can be compared to a wild animal early in the play. Petruchio sets out to "woo this wildcat" (1.2, 195), and vows to "tame you, Kate, / And bring you from a wild Kate to a Kate / Conformable as other household Kates" (2.1, 273-275), (Marvel 86). .
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When Petruchio speaks this way, Kate gets the opportunity to match his wit and prove that she is not a naturally obedient woman. Kate and Petruchio's bantering in Act 2, Scene 1 allows Kate to show this nature. When Petruchio asks, "Should be? Should - buzz!" Kate responds, "Well ta"en, and like a buzzard" (2.1, 205-206). This back and forth battle of wits informs the reader early on that Kate is, indeed, a strong character, unlike most women of this era. .
Kate continues to showcase this "tough" attitude throughout most of the play, and the reader is left anxiously awaiting her next move. Petruchio demands that they leave immediately after their wedding. Although Kat is eventually carried off, she tries to stay strong, telling him, "I will not go today, / No, nor tomorrow - not till I please myself" (3.
