Why does Baptista welcome Tranio and Petruchio into his house?

• A. He knows of Petruchio and Lucentio's fathers.
• B. He hopes they will help with Bianca's dowry.
• C. He believes they are skilled singers.
• D. He wants to test their loyalty to Baptista.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how social connections shape Baptista’s open welcome. In Padua, a suitor’s family name and what their father stands for carry real weight. Baptista isn’t just meeting two strangers; he’s meeting representatives of families he recognizes as reputable. Knowing that Lucentio (and his father, Vincentio of Pisa) and, by extension, Petruchio’s circle come from respected backgrounds gives Baptista confidence that these men will treat Bianca with propriety and honor the marriage expectations tied to her dowry. That trust is why he invites them in and engages with them rather than turning them away.

The other options don’t fit the scene as well. The idea that Baptista expects them to bring Bianca’s dowry is inconsistent with his conduct in that moment, which centers on reputation and legitimacy rather than counting on a future payout. The notions that they are skilled singers or that he’s testing their loyalty aren’t the motivating force behind his hospitality at this point in the story.