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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 5Scene 2
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“mistress bride, hath that awakened you”
Double Meaning
Act 5,
Scene 2
Lines 38-43

An explanation of Vincentio’s question to Bianca in Act 5, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Baptista

How likes Gremio these quick-witted folks?

Gremio

Believe me, sir, they butt together well.    

Bianca

Head and butt! A hasty-witted body    
Would say your “head and butt” were “head and horn”.

Vincentio

Ay, mistress bride, hath that awakened you?

Bianca

Ay, but not frighted me; therefore I'll sleep again.
  1. Has our banter awakened you from a nap? (These are first lines Bianca has spoken in this scene.)
  2. Have our innuendos excited the sexual passions of the newlywed bride?