Why is Baptista happy to marry Katherine off to Petruchio?

• A. Petruchio lies to Baptista that Katherine is in love with him when they are alone
• B. Katherine promises her dowry to Petruchio
• C. Petruchio vows to reform Katherine's behavior immediately
• D. The match secures Bianca's freedom to marry Lucentio

Answer: (A)

The question is about why Baptista wants Katherine to marry Petruchio, and the key idea is that Baptista hopes the husband will tame Katherine and end the household upheaval she causes. Petruchio signals to Baptista that Katherine is in love with him when they speak in private, which makes Baptista confident the marriage will be harmonious and effectively restore order. He’s eager for Katharine to be under control so Bianca’s forthcoming marriage can proceed and the family can move past Katherine’s outbursts. The other options miss what actually motivates Baptista: the lie about Katharine’s love is what convinces him, while the dowry, immediate reform, or Bianca’s freedom are not the central reasons Baptista welcomes the match.