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Introduction and Act I

• In the play’s Induction, or framing story, Christopher Sly, a drunken tinker, is expelled from a tavern and falls asleep on the ground.

• Sly is discovered by a Lord and his huntsmen. The Lord orders his men to dress Sly in fine clothes and put him to bed in the best chamber.

• When Sly awakes, the Lord and servants conspire to convince him that he is really a nobleman.

• Sly is told that a comedy will be played for him to aid his recovery.

• Act I opens as Lucentio, son of a wealthy Pisan merchant, and his servant, Tranio, arrive in Padua, where Lucentio intends to study.

• Lucentio and Tranio overhear Baptista announcing that he will not allow his younger daughter, Bianca, to marry until a husband is found for his elder daughter, Katharina.

• From the remarks of Bianca's suitors, Hortensio and Gremio...

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