Starting deep down in Petruchio’s trash can, one can find an old newspaper ad, specifically a personal ad, for one none other than Petruchio. This personal ad includes the title “Wanted: Rich Woman Ready to Marry”. Based on the title, there is no doubt that there weren’t many responses to Petruchio’s advertisement. This proves the theory that poor Petruchio would go to great lengths to find wealth—although it is a great shame that he should have to go so far as to resort to using a newspaper ad. However, this advertisement was found in a newspaper was found in a newspaper from Verona. This could mean that after Petruchio’s unsuccessful attempt to find wealth through a newspaper, he was off to Padua where, incidentally, he met Katherina.
Petruchio must have bought this next item after he met Katherina since it is a self-help book aptly entitled “My Future Wife Wears the Pants in our Relationship: A Guide for Men Trying to Secure the Pants Before Marriage”. There is absolutely no way that Petruchio would have bought this book while in Verona, as his mind-set was to find a rich woman of any sort. After learning of Katherina’s character—rude, ill-tempered, loud, shrewd, violent, impatient, and many more—is it any wonder as to why Petruchio would purchase an item as this? It seems that not only is Petruchio in great need of money, but also control and authority. If the title of this book is any indication of Petruchio’s will-power, there is no doubt left to claim the he is a quitter.
The self-help book thrown in Petruchio’s garbage may have been thrown there following numerous pieces of broken dishes, uneaten and burnt meat, and various pieces of cloth, as well as materials used for disguises. It is written in Act IIII, Scene I – III what Petruchio does in order to eventually “tame” Kate. His methods vary from starving Kate to giving her no piece of mind. These items end up in Petruchio’s garbage because after taming Kate, he had no use for them anymore. Unfortunately, many things were sacrificed and wasted in order to complete Petruchio’s scheme.
Finally, one of the last items that one can find in Petruchio’s garbage can is an old, crumpled piece paper. This is not just any old paper, but a very important list. This list is one which outlined Petruchio’s plans for with the dowry he would receive after marrying a wealthy woman. After Petruchio marries Katherina, we can see subtle changes in Petruchio’s character. The subtle changes that we see in Petruchio’s character help us realize that not only is Petruchio unconcerned about getting rich, he is falling in love with Katherina. By throwing away this list, Petruchio can wholeheartedly proclaim that he “isn’t in it for the money”.
The items found when one snoops through Petruchio’s garbage should be no surprise at all. Granted, the items found in Petruchio’s garbage would not be found in most male newlywed’s garbage, but the compilation of these items is what makes Petruchio…Petruchio.
“An Inside Look at Petruchio’s Trash”
Student: Monique Roopanram
Teacher: Ms. Kirshenblat
Course: ENGID5-01
Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2007
