Pericles · Chapter
Scene V explained
Two gentlemen exit a brothel in Mytilene, marveling at the virtuous influence of a woman who preached divinity there, vowing to abandon bawdy houses and pursue virtue.
What happens
Two gentlemen exit a brothel in Mytilene, marveling at the virtuous influence of a woman who preached divinity there, vowing to abandon bawdy houses and pursue virtue.
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 Falling action.
- 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
- Virtue and Chastity
Marina's virtuous preaching in a brothel inspires the gentlemen to renounce lechery and seek virtue.
- Appearance vs. Reality
The brothel, a place of vice, becomes a site of divine preaching, challenging expectations.
Characters to notice
- Marina
Though not present on stage, her preaching of divinity within the brothel has transformed the gentlemen's attitudes.
Key passages
“But to have divinity preached there! did you ever dream of such a thing?”
The first gentleman expresses astonishment that religious teachings occurred in a brothel.
Highlights the transformative impact of Marina's presence.
“I’ll do any thing now that is virtuous; but I am out of the road of rutting for ever.”
The first gentleman declares he will pursue virtuous actions and abandon a life of lust.
Shows the moral reformation inspired by Marina.
