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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 1Scene 2
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Dowry
Cultural Context
Act 1,
Scene 2
Lines 172-178

An explanation of the term “dowry” in Act 1, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Grumio (servant)

[Aside] And that, his bags shall prove.    

Hortensio

Gremio, 'tis now no time to vent our love.    
Listen to me, and if you speak me fair,    
I'll tell you news indifferent good for either.    
[Presenting Petruchio] 
Here is a gentleman whom by chance I met,
Upon agreement from us to his liking,    
Will undertake to woo curst Katherine,

In former times, it was customary for the bride’s family to give a substantial sum of money, a dowry, to the newlywed couple.