Hortensio

Play

The Taming of the Shrew

Summary

Hortensio is a Paduan gentleman and old friend of Petruchio who is himself a suitor to Bianca. He disguises as "Licio," a music teacher, to gain access to her, but when he discovers Bianca prefers Lucentio, he abandons his pursuit and marries a willing widow. He plays a significant role in introducing Petruchio to the idea of courting Katherina.

Notable Quotations

"Now shall my friend Petruchio do me grace, / And offer me disguised in sober robes / To old Baptista as a schoolmaster." *(1.2)*

Cross-references

• The Taming of the Shrew — the play
• Comedies
• character_petruchio — his friend from Verona
• character_baptista — Bianca's father
• character_lucentio — his rival for Bianca's affection