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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 2Scene 1
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“like a buzzard”
Double Meaning
Act 2,
Scene 1
Lines 203-205b

An explanation of Katherina’s comparing Petruchio to a buzzard in Act 2, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Katherina

Too light for such a swain as you to catch,
And yet as heavy as my weight should be.

Petruchio

‘Should be’? Should buzz!

Katherina

                                            Well ta'en, and like a buzzard.

From buzz to buzzard. Katherina means that Petruchio has spoken like a buzzard:

  1. A disgusting bird that will take anything, even a stinging bee.
  2. Someone who buzzes, spreads false rumors.