Katherina's Growth in The Taming of the Shrew Although Katherina's final speech in The Taming of the Shrew may seem servile at first glance, it actually reflects her growth and development in a stronger and more complex character. Without losing the strength she demonstrated earlier in the play, her final speech delivery shows the intelligence and deception she learned from Petruchio throughout the "taming" process. At the beginning of the play, Katherina is seen as the energetic sister. and Bianca as the smartest. Katherina is described by Grumio as the “demon of hell” (Ii88) and by Tranio as “cursed and cunning” (Ii180). On the other hand, Lucentio sees in Bianca's silence "a gentle and sober behavior" (Ii71). At the beginning of the play, Katherina forcibly ties Bianca's hands and beats her and a crying Bianca resorts to her father to get away from Katherina (II.i.1-25). Bianca does not use force but rather relies on intelligence to achieve her ends. As part of her intelligence, Bianca displays a gentle and subservient nature which she knows pleases her father. For example, even though Baptista tells Bianca that she cannot marry until Katherina takes a husband, he asks her that this "does not displease [him]" (Ii77) and tells her to come inside. Bianca willingly obeys her father's wishes, telling him: "Sir, for your pleasure humbly I subscribe;/My books and instruments will be my company" (Ii81-82). Conversely, when Baptista then tells Katherina to stay, she forcefully ignores her wishes and leaves after responding, "What, do I have set times, as if (belike)/I don't know what to take and what to leave? Ha! (II103-04). Lucentio looks a lot like Bianca. He uses cunning discs... middle of paper ...... ee our spears are but straws, Our strength is as weak, our weakness beyond comparison, This seems to be the most that we are indeed the least . (V.ii.170-75) Katherina's final speech may be ironic, but it is exactly what society expects to hear. The tone of his speech is dignified and aristocratic and it is delivered with style and persuasion. This is by far the noblest and most eloquent speech in the play. Katherina's ability to deliver this speech effectively shows that she has become a stronger character, one who now possesses both strength and intelligence. Compared to Bianca and Lucentio, who remain one-sided (only intelligent) characters, Katherina and Petruchio together make a great couple, as both intelligent and energetic characters. Works Cited: Shakespeare, William. The Taming of the Shrew. Ed. David Bevington. New York: Longman, 1997.