Take 5: The Taming of the Shrew

Petruchio

Father, 'tis thus: yourself and all the world 

That talked of her have talked amiss of her. 

If she be curst, it is for policy,

For she's not froward, but modest as the dove;

She is not hot, but temperate as the morn. 

For patience she will prove second Grissel, 

And Roman Lucrece for her chastity.

And to conclude, we have 'greed so well together

That upon Sunday is the wedding day. 

Act 2. Sc 1. Lines 307 - 315 

Petruchio is quite the gentleman, but at the same time he is very sneaky. This passage tells a lot about his character. Lines before he makes this statement, Katherine is refusing to marry him and telling everyone that she hates him and his company. However, Petruchio knows what he wants, and that is money. He knows that if he marries Katherine, whether he loves her or not, he will be given half of Baptista's wealth when he passes on. In addition to the indirect characterization present, Shakespeare also references two ancient woman that symbolize Katherine. This passage is also filled with multiple metaphors. For example "She is not hot, but as temperate as the morn." The point of this is to prove to the audience, and the rest of the cast, that Katherine is not terrible or curst, but is actually quite a gem. 

Take 4: Taming of the Shrew

Petruchio: 

I pray you do. I'll attend her here -- 

(all but Petruchio exit.)

And woo her with some spirit when she comes! 

Say that she rail, why then I'll tell her plain

She sings as sweetly as a nightingale.

Say that she frown, I'll say she looks as clear

As morning roses newly washed with dew. 

Say she be mute and will not speak a word,

Then I'll commend her volubility

And say she uttereth piercing eloquence.

If she do bid me stay by her a week.

If she deny to wed, I'll crave the day

When I shall ask the banns, and when be married.

But here she comes--and now, Petruchio, speak.   (act 2. scene 1. pg 87)

This passage is significant because it is written in iambic pentameter with ten syllables in each line. This means that Petruchio is speaking in a courtly manner, as opposed to having a more relaxed conversation. This passage is also a soliloquy because Petruchio is thinking aloud with the audience listening. Other characters in the play are not meant to hear what he is saying. Shakespeare also enters multiple metaphors in this passage to describe Katherine. He writes "She sings as sweetly as a nightingale," and "She looks as clear as morning roses newly washed with dew." Petruchio thinks that these metaphors and kings words will woo Katherine into spending her life with him.