During the trip, who is struck by Petruchio after Katherine's fall?

• A. Grumio
• B. Katherine
• C. Petruchio
• D. A horseman

Answer: (A)

This item tests understanding of Petruchio’s early, coercive approach to control. On the journey after Katherine’s fall, Petruchio’s mood is stormy, and he uses force to assert authority. He strikes his servant Grumio to publicly demonstrate who’s in charge and to establish a pattern of obedience that he intends to impose on those around him. This moment shows the blunt, disciplinary tactics Petruchio will rely on as part of his plan to tame Katherine, framing his relationship with his household staff as a rehearsal for his control over his wife as well. The other figures aren’t the target here: Katherine isn’t struck in this scene, a horseman isn’t involved in the action, and it wouldn’t make sense for Petruchio to strike himself.