Pericles · Chapter
Scene V explained
King Simonides reads a letter from his daughter Thaisa, who declares she will marry the stranger knight (Pericles) or never marry.
What happens
King Simonides reads a letter from his daughter Thaisa, who declares she will marry the stranger knight (Pericles) or never marry. Simonides approves but tests Pericles by accusing him of bewitching Thaisa. Pericles defends his honor courageously. Simonides reveals his approval, and the two are wed with his blessing.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Thaisa’s despair…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Kingship and Governance
Simonides demonstrates wise and benevolent rule by testing Pericles' character before approving the marriage.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Simonides feigns anger to test Pericles, while Pericles initially misinterprets the letter as a trap.
Characters to notice
- King Simonides
Reads Thaisa's letter approving her choice, tests Pericles' courage, and ultimately blesses the marriage.
- Pericles
Defends his honor against Simonides' false accusation, declares his noble intentions, and agrees to marry Thaisa.
- Thaisa
Expresses her love for Pericles in a letter and confirms her willingness to marry him.
- Diana
Referenced as the goddess whose livery Thaisa has vowed to wear for a year.
Key passages
“She tells me here, she’ll wed the stranger knight, Or never more to view nor day nor light.”
Thaisa writes that she will marry the foreign knight or die.
Thaisa's letter reveals her strong commitment to Pericles.
“Now, by the gods, I do applaud his courage.”
Simonides admires Pericles' bravery in standing up to him.
Simonides' aside shows his true approval of Pericles' character.
“And being join’d, I’ll thus your hopes destroy; And for a further grief—God give you joy!—”
Simonides jokingly says he will ruin their hopes by giving them joy in marriage.
Simonides uses irony to bless the union.
