The Taming Of The Shrew: Novel Summary: Act 1, Scene 1

The scene opens with Lucentio and his servant Tranio who have come to the city of Padua to study Philosophy.  While talking to each other, a man named Baptista enters with his two daughters Katherine and Bianca.  Two of Bianca's suitors also enter who are named Gremio and Hortensio.  Baptista informs them that Bianca cannot receive suitors until the elder daughter, Katherine, is married.  The problem is that Katherine has no interest in marriage and that the men view her as the devil.  Bianca, acting the role of the good daughter, does not protest, though Katherine does.  Baptista decides that Bianca will spend time only with her tutors.  Bianca's suitors decide that they must find a husband for Katherine and set off to do so.  The philosophers had stayed hidden during the conversation and Lucentio has fallen immediately in love with Bianca.  He decides to have Tranio impersonate him, so he can be a tutor to Bianca.  They exchange clothing.