Many critics accuse Shakespeare of being a misogynist by presenting silly, idiotic, and unintelligent women in his plays who are ultimately dominated by the strong, intelligent, and sensible male characters. At first glance of the shrewish subject of The Taming of the Shrew, Katherine, this supposition may in fact be worthy of consideration. Katherine while beautiful, is headstrong, obnoxious, and unwilling to fulfill her role as a dutiful daughter to Baptista. Her independence may be considered silly, idiotic, and unintelligent to some who feel that she should simply conform to societal pressures that surround her; comply to her father's wishes, marry a suitor of his choosing, and live with her husband happily ever after, whether she is actually happy or not. To others, like Petruchio, Katherine's character and personality was appreciated and even desired. Although it may seem that Petruchio "tames" Katherine by his sometimes domineering and uncanny antics, it is actually his desire to marry a woman with attributes similar to himself that leads to a successful and faithful relationship between him and Katherine at the end of the play.
             In act I, scene II, Petruchio is introduced for the first time and is shown to be a lively and pleasant young man, although his arrogance and sense of humor are noticed more later on. He has come to Padua to seek a wife, for his father has passed away and he is ready to settle down. On hearing of Katherine's large dowry, he quickly determines to woo her in spite of her unpleasant personality. Since he is looking for a bride, he decides she might as well be a wealthy one. Judging by this, it would seem apparent that Petruchio only is willing to meet Katherine because of her wealth. It is intriguing to note, however, that Petruchio is already very wealthy in his own regard. "...Crowns in my purse I have, and goods at home, and so am come abroad to see the world&...