The Taming of the Shrew · Chapter
Scene I explained
Lucentio, disguised as Cambio, and Hortensio, disguised as Licio, compete for Bianca's attention during a music and philosophy lesson.
What happens
Lucentio, disguised as Cambio, and Hortensio, disguised as Licio, compete for Bianca's attention during a music and philosophy lesson. Bianca asserts her independence in choosing her lessons and suitors. Lucentio reveals his true identity to Bianca through a Latin translation, while Hortensio grows suspicious of Lucentio's motives. A servant interrupts to summon Bianca to prepare for Katharina's wedding, and Hortensio vows revenge if Bianca proves unfaithful.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Katharina’s desp…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Disguise and Deception
Lucentio and Hortensio both adopt false identities to woo Bianca, using lessons as a cover for romantic pursuit.
- Courtship and Romantic Strategy
The scene highlights competitive courtship as Lucentio and Hortensio vie for Bianca's favor through intellectual and musical displays.
Characters to notice
- Lucentio
Disguised as Cambio, he uses a Latin lesson to secretly reveal his true identity and intentions to Bianca.
- Hortensio
Disguised as Licio, he competes with Lucentio for Bianca's attention and becomes suspicious of his rival.
- Bianca
Assertive in her learning and courtship, she deciphers Lucentio's hidden message but remains cautious.
Key passages
“I am no breeching scholar in the schools; I’ll not be tied to hours nor ’pointed times, But learn my lessons as I please myself.”
I am not a schoolboy to be ordered around; I will study when and what I choose.
Bianca asserts her autonomy in learning and, by extension, in matters of love.
“Hic ibat Simois; hic est Sigeia tellus; Hic steterat Priami regia celsa senis.”
Here flowed the Simois; here is the Sigeian land; here stood the high palace of old Priam.
Lucentio uses a Latin quotation from Ovid to secretly reveal his identity and plot to Bianca.
