In Act 2 of "The Taming of the Shrew," the rising action of the play continues to build as Petruchio and Kate's tumultuous relationship is further explored. Petruchio attempts to tame Kate by using unconventional methods, such as denying her food and sleep, in order to break her spirit. Meanwhile, Lucentio continues to woo Bianca disguised as a tutor, and various schemes and disguises come into play as the characters navigate the complexities of love and marriage. The tension and conflict between characters intensify as Petruchio's methods become more extreme, setting the stage for the climax of the play.