What does Petruchio claim is the reason for starving Kate?

• A. He says it is for her perfection and that she must show gratitude.
• B. He wants to test her endurance.
• C. He is hungry and wants a meal.
• D. He aims to starve Bianca.

Answer: (A)

Petruchio presents his harsh treatment as a purposeful training method to improve Kate. He frames the deprivation as a way to bring out her better qualities—in particular, perfection in her behavior and a sense of gratitude for the care he’s giving her—so that she becomes a loyal, compliant wife. The point isn’t that he’s hungry or simply testing her endurance; it’s that he claims this hardship will refine her character. Bianca isn’t the focus of this tactic, and the action isn’t about satisfying his own hunger, but about shaping Kate’s conduct from his stated benevolent viewpoint.