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“fears … afeard”
Language
Act 5,
Scene 2
Lines 14-17

An explanation of “fears” and “afeared” in Act 5, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Petruchio

Padua affords nothing but what is kind.    

Hortensio

For both our sakes, I would that word were true.    

Petruchio

Now, for my life, Hortensio fears his widow!    

Widow

Then never trust me if I be afeard.    

Petruchio teases Hortensio because his remark could be interpreted to mean that he’s afraid of his widow bride because she isn’t kind — she’s an abusive shrew. The widow, not picking up on the humor, misunderstands Petruchio. In those days, to “fear” someone could also mean to frighten them. Her response means something like “Believe me when I say that Hortensio doesn’t frighten me.”