A motif in Taming of the Shrew is disguises, and it is shown that clothes do not make a man. A multitude of characters use disguises to overcome an inability to do something that they might not be able to, due to their class. For example, Tranio (a servant) dresses up like his master, Lucentio in order to secure permission from Bianca's father, which eventually works, however he is discovered by Lucentio's father. In the introduction, Sly is dressed up like a lord and tricked into thinking he is one. He is fooled by this, but only after other evidence is displayed to him, which shows that clothes alone do not make a person someone else. Finally, Petruchio dresses ridiculously on his wedding day, much to the disdain of all in attendance. Although not a disguise, per say, Petruchio proves that clothes are unimportant by saying: "To me she is married, not unto my clothes", implying that the person is important, not what he wears. Taming of the Shrew teaches an important lessen here, showing that it's whats inside that counts.
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Taming of the Shrew shows a different side of marriage, for profit rather than love. Unlike other Shakespeare plays that revolve around love, Taming of the Shrew displays how marriage can be used for economic gain, rather than love. The play shows how the wealth of people determines who will marry who, instead of basing it on emotions. Furthermore, the play also displays how families (specifically the fathers) will give their consent to the richest man. For example, Luciento must masquerade as a wealthy tutor in order to convince Bianca's father. Finally, the play dictates that love is not the only way to achieve a happy marriage. Petruchio doesn't care about who he marries, as long as she is rich, proved by him marrying the shrewish Katherina. Taming of the Shrew puts happiness of marriage in a different yet not so uncommon light.
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The relationship between Petruchio and Katherina is a unique one, unlike most other relationships. Petruchio comes to Padua seeking a wealthy bride, not caring about who he is wed to. Katherina is the one he chooses to marry, despite her seemingly hating him. Katherina is described as being shrewish and not wanting to be married. The only reason she decides to marry Petruchio (other than him tricking her father) is because she doesn't want to turn into an old unmarried woman. FInally, Petruchio tries to "tame Kate", which succeeds in later in the book, much to the surprise of the other characters in the end of the book, and Horentio claims: "thou hast tamed a curst shrew". This is surprising, as at first Kate was so against marrying, however in time she is transfermed into an apathetic wife upon realizing that she can never push away Petruchio. All of these reasons prove that the relationship between Petruchio and Kate is strange and unique.
