The Taming of the Shrew Biondello Quotes

Biondello

Quote 1

BIONDELLO
Why, Petruchio is coming in a new hat and
an old jerkin, a pair of old breeches thrice turned,
a pair of boots that have been candle-cases, one
buckled, another laced; an old rusty sword ta'en
out of the town-armory, with a broken hilt, and
chapeless; with two broken points; his horse
hipped, with an old mothy saddle and stirrups of no
kindred. (2.2.42-49)

The play is full of narrations of off-stage events. What interests us here is Biondello's description of Petruchio's crazy get-up. Before Petruchio arrives for his wedding, we know that he's coming in costume and we're prepared for some kind of dramatic performance.

Biondello > Lucentio

Quote 2

BIONDELLO
My master hath appointed me to go to Saint
Luke's, to bid the priest be ready to come against
you come with your appendix. (4.4.104-106)

When Biondello tells Lucentio to hurry to the church to elope with Bianca, he refers to Bianca as Lucentio's "appendix" or, appendage. This recalls the Genesis story of Eve being created from Adam's rib and implies that as his (future) wife, Bianca will cease to be a separate and whole person without her husband.