It is not much different from what most of the characters in tonight's play think and say about Katherina.
Shrews are very active, solitary, surface dwellers. . .
They are very voracious and suffer from a lack of food within a few hours, adjusting for a rapid turnover in energy. . . Most 'fights' do not involve actual physical contact, the outcome being decided by screaming contests. Many fights are decided without anything more serious than one contestant apparently becoming intimidated by the squeaks of another. Finally, note falconry images throughout the play. When successfully completed, a special relationship is established between falconer and bird that makes them an efficient hunting team.