You are here

Proverbs
Proverbs
Act 1,
Scene 2
Lines 190-192

An explanation of Grumio’s use of the word “hang” in Act 1, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Gremio

You shall have me assisting you in all.
But will you woo this wildcat?

Petruchio

Will I live?    

Grumio’s joke brings to mind several proverbs:

1) Better to be half hanged than ill wed.

2) Many a good hanging prevents a bad marriage.

3) Better well hung than poorly wed.