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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 3Scene 2
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“what she will wear in me”
Wordplay
Act 3,
Scene 2
Lines 109-118

An explanation of Petruchio’s wordplay on “wear” in Act 3, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Petruchio

Not I, believe me, thus I'll visit her.    

Baptista

But thus, I trust, you will not marry her.

Petruchio

Good sooth, even thus. Therefore ha' done with words;    
To me she's married, not unto my clothes.
Could I repair what she will wear in me,        
As I can change these poor accoutrements,
'Twere well for Kate and better for myself.        
But what a fool am I to chat with you,
When I should bid good morrow to my bride,    
And seal the title with a lovely kiss!

Petruchio puns on “wear,” which can mean to wear clothes, or to wear out something. There’s also an innuendo suggesting Katherina will wear him out on their wedding night.