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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 2Scene 1
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"lead apes in hell"
Folklore
Act 2,
Scene 1
Lines 31-36

An explanation of the phrase “lead apes in hell” in Act 2, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Katherina

What, will you not suffer me? Nay, now I see,    
She is your treasure, she must have a husband,
I must dance barefoot on her wedding day
And for your love to her lead apes in hell.    
Talk not to me. I will go sit and weep
Till I can find occasion of revenge.    

It was proverbial that married women led children in heaven, while old maids led apes in hell.