Comment on theme appearance vs. reality as it applies to the relationship between Petruchio and Kate in The Taming of the Shrew, Act III scene 2.

The theme of appearance vs. reality seems to be an
omnipresent theme in many of Shakespeare's comedies, and this excellent play is no
exception. Of course, in this scene, Act III scene 2, the discrepancy between these two
states is in the role that Petruchio plays as a new husband, and how he commands (and
shames) his wife, inventing an excuse to deliberately "tame" her from her shrewish ways
and giving him ample opportunity to state his authority over her as her husband. Note
how Petruchio is quick to inconvenience Kate and deliberately provoke a response from
her:

I must
away today, before night come.

Make it no wonder. If you
knew my business,

You would entreat me rather go than
stay.

It is impossible to
imagine a bridegroom insisting on leaving with his bride before their wedding feast, and
even before she is able to bid farewell to friends and family, but Petruchio does this,
and in addition, leaving in such a mad state as to embarrass Katharina and humiliate
her:

readability="15">

Grumio,

Draw forth
thy weapon; we are beset with thieves.

Rescue thy mistress,
if thou be a man--

Fear not, sweet wench, they shall not
touch thee, Kate!

I'll buckler thee against a
million.

It is hard to escape
the conclusion that Petruchio is playing a deliberately artificial role as part of his
campaign to tame his wife. Appearance is not what it seems, and the reality of Petruchio
is carefully hidden until his campaign has been successful.