Taming Of The ShrewThe Taming of the Shrew: Act IV Scene I Grumio arrives at Petruchio’s houseafter accompanying Petruchio and Kate on a long journey from Padua. Grumioaffirms the fact that the servants are well prepared for the new couple’sarrival.
He tells Curtis, another servant to Petruchio, of an incident thatoccurred on the trip. Katherina’s horse had thrown on her off and thenremained on top of her. Petruchio’s reaction was not to assist Katherina, butto strike Grumio for letting the horse fall. Grumio also explains how Kateactually tried to stop Petruchio’s physical attack on Grumio. Here, we canplainly see the beginning of “the taming” of Katherina, the shrew. When thecouple arrives at the house, Petruchio demonstates anger toward Grumio for nothaving someone at the door to welcome them.
The two are served food and drink,but Petruchio acts like a tyrant by complaining that the meat is overcooked. Healso yells at a servant for accidentally spilling water. Once again, Kateinterjects that the meat was cooked fine and the water was spilled accidentallyand the servant should not be punished. Petruchio refuses to eat and decidesthat they should fast for the evening and he shows Kate to her room.