want a mate with similar qualities to hisown to challenge him, sharpen his wits and keep his interest. If hehad wanted someone who was conformed to societiesexpectations, or who had already determined to deceive byconcealing opinions and views, he would have chosen someonemore like Bianca. However, Petruchio is a clever man who seesbeyond faades because he uses them, in addition to a lot ofirony himself (II.i.46), (II.i.283-289).It is clear in Grumio and his other servants (as demonstrated inthe opening of act 4 (IV.i.1-113) that Petruchio prefers theinteresting to the conventional. But because Petruchiounderstands the ways of society, he knows he must demonstrateto Kate the importance of proper public appearance. ToPetruchio it is appearance rather than genuine conformance thatis important. Otherwise, the woman he loves would be callednames and treated in ways Petruchio might be required by honorto defend.In his ironic way, Petruchio does speak consistently aboutmaking Kate yield to him (II.i.124,136), (II.i.269-271) and of hismonetary motivation (II.i.123,124). But, his methods aresportsman-like (Falconry, (IV.i.183-190) and game-likedemonstrations of the outrageous (beating Grumio becauseKate's horse stumbled IV.i,68-80). Petruchio's servants like himvery well and enjoy his entertainments. In what Petruchio saysfollowing he and Kate's first meeting (when her father walks inwith Gremio and Tranio (II.i.269)) it becomes clear just howheavily Petruchio employs irony. He states that he is born to tameand conform Kate. Though the servants he has chosen tosurround himself with are neither tame nor conforming to whatmost would consider proper servants. He also says he must andwill have Katherine for his wife. This is a man who is completelytaken by this woman: he called her properly by her formal nameand says he will have her. Petruchio is as taken by Kate's personas the other suitors are taken by Bianca's beauty and coyness.In the above s...
