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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 4Scene 1
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“rushes strewed”
Cultural Context
Act 4,
Scene 1
Lines 35-40

An explanation of “rushes strewed” in Act 4, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Grumio

Why, therefore fire, for I have caught extreme cold.    
Where's the cook? Is supper ready, the house trimmed,     
rushes strewed, cobwebs swept, the servingmen in their
new fustian, their white stockings, and every officer his     
wedding-garment on? Be the Jacks fair within, the Jills fair     
without, the carpets laid, and everything in order?

In medieval times, rushes (grassy plants) were an inexpensive floor covering.