You are here

All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 5Scene 2
Back to the Play
“like his greyhound which ... catches for his master”
Wordplay
Act 5,
Scene 2
Lines 44-53

An explanation of Tranio’s greyhound simile in Act 5, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Petruchio

Nay, that you shall not. Since you have begun,   
Have at you for a better jest or two.    

Bianca

Am I your bird? I mean to shift my bush,
And then pursue me as you draw your bow.    
You are welcome all.    
[Exit Bianca, Katherina, and Widow]

Petruchio

She hath prevented me here, Signor Tranio,        
This bird you aimed at though you hit her not.    
Therefore a health to all that shot and missed.    

Tranio

O, sir, Lucentio slipped me like his greyhound,    
Which runs himself and catches for his master.

Tranio uses a hunting simile, comparing his pursuit of Bianca on behalf of his master Lucentio to a hunting dog's pursuit of an animal for its master.

Hunting Dogs and Wild Rabbits, Jan Fyt, c. 17th century