In the movie, The Taming of the Shrew, how old are Hortensio and Grumio? and what is their function ?

Question

in the movie?

Answer 1

They are both older - about Baptista's age...

Do your homework.

Answer 2

I'm not sure that their ages are ever revealed. I've seen them played as young men, and as much older men.

Their function is much clearer. Both of them are suitors for Baptista's younger daughter, Bianca, and they are rivals for her affections. However, Bianca isn't free to be courted by any man until her older sister, Katherine, is married. For this reason, Hortensio and Grumio have to resort to all sorts of tricks to get close to Bianca (Hortensio disguising himself as the music instructor, for instance).

Ultimately, Grumio sort of drops out of the competition, and Hortensio becomes involved with The Widow, ultimately marrying her. Hortensio/Widow are one of the three married couples onstage in the final scene, along with Lucentio/Bianca and Kate/Petruchio.