Incest and Corruption
The play opens with the incestuous relationship between King Antiochus and his daughter, which sets the plot in motion and symbolizes the corruption at the heart of royal power, leading to destruction and divine punishment.
Where it surfaces
Scene I
The central revelation: Antiochus and his daughter are engaged in an incestuous relationship, hidden behind a facade of honor.
Scene II
Pericles reveals the 'black as incest' secret of Antiochus, which is the root of his fear and the catalyst for his flight.
Scene III
Dionyza's murderous plot and manipulation of Cleon reflect the corruption that pervades familial and political bonds.
Fortune and Divine Justice
Pericles endures a series of shipwrecks, losses, and reunions that illustrate the whims of fortune, yet the narrative ultimately affirms divine justice as virtuous characters are rewarded and the wicked punished.
Where it surfaces
Scene IV: The Relief of Tarsus
Cleon describes how Tarsus fell from plenty to famine, attributing the change to heaven's power, while Pericles' arrival offers a turn of fortune.
Scene I
Pericles thanks fortune for the recovery of his father's armor, seeing his shipwreck as a turn of fate that may lead to better prospects.
Scene II
Pericles' motto 'In hac spe vivo' (In this hope I live) reflects his reliance on hope and fortune to rise from his dejected state, a recurring motif in his journey.
Scene III
Pericles reflects on his fall from princely glory to a shipwrecked stranger, highlighting the capricious nature of fortune.
Scene IV: The Counsel of Tyre
Antiochus's incest is punished by a fire from heaven, illustrating the theme of divine retribution for sin.
Scene I
The vision of Diana and the eventual reunion suggest divine justice and the turning of fortune from sorrow to joy.
Resilience and Endurance
Pericles repeatedly faces devastating losses—his wife, his daughter, his kingdom—yet perseveres through suffering, embodying the theme of human endurance in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Where it surfaces
Scene I
Despite being cast ashore and losing everything, Pericles resolves to compete in the tournament, showing his determination to rise again.
Scene I
Pericles endures the storm and personal tragedy, striving to protect his daughter.
Scene I
Marina's survival instinct and plea for mercy highlight her enduring spirit.
Scene IV
Pericles endures the tempest of grief and continues his journey despite overwhelming sorrow.
Scene VI
Marina endures the threats and violence of the brothel, using her wits and skills to negotiate a way out of prostitution.
Scene I
Marina's endurance through her trials and Pericles' long grief highlight the theme of enduring suffering.
Family and Reunion
The central emotional arc of the play involves the separation and eventual reunion of Pericles with his wife Thaisa and daughter Marina, highlighting the power of familial bonds and recognition.
Where it surfaces
Scene III
Pericles' separation from his daughter Marina and his hope for her future marriage reflect the theme of family bonds and the promise of eventual reunion.
Scene I
The central event of the chapter is the emotional reunion of Pericles with his daughter Marina, restoring familial bonds.
Scene II
The impending marriage of Pericles and Marina symbolizes the restoration of family bonds and the culmination of their journey.
Scene III
The chapter culminates in the joyful reunion of Pericles, Thaisa, and Marina at Diana's temple, fulfilling the play's central theme of family restored.
Appearance vs. Reality
Characters and situations often deceive through outward appearances, such as Antiochus's seeming courtesy hiding incest, or the brothel's facade masking exploitation, emphasizing the need to look beyond surfaces.
Where it surfaces
Scene I
The princess appears beautiful and virtuous, but the riddle reveals her moral corruption; Antiochus feigns courtesy while plotting murder.
Scene II
Pericles notes that tyrants 'seem not to strike, but smooth,' highlighting the deceptive nature of Antiochus's outward behavior.
Scene III
Thaliard outwardly presents himself as a messenger while secretly plotting murder, and Helicanus feigns ignorance of the true threat.
Scene II
Simonides explicitly warns against judging by outward show, and Pericles' rusty armor contrasts with the crowd's eventual acclaim, highlighting the theme that true worth is not always visible.
Scene III
Pericles appears as a simple country gentleman but is revealed to be a prince of Tyre; Thaisa's outward obedience masks her inner desire.
Scene V
Simonides feigns anger to test Pericles, while Pericles initially misinterprets the letter as a trap.
Virtue and Chastity
Marina's unwavering chastity and virtue protect her in the brothel and convert others, demonstrating the power of moral integrity to overcome corruption and inspire redemption.
Where it surfaces
Scene II
Cerimon's selfless charity and dedication to healing, contrasting with worldly pursuits, exemplify true virtue.
Scene III
Pericles vows to remain 'unscissor'd' and chaste until Marina's marriage, emphasizing personal virtue and devotion.
Scene IV
Thaisa's decision to take a vestal livery underscores her commitment to chastity and devotion after losing her husband.
Scene II
Marina's steadfast refusal to submit to the brothel's demands highlights the theme of chastity and moral integrity.
Scene V
Marina's virtuous preaching in a brothel inspires the gentlemen to renounce lechery and seek virtue.
Scene VI
Marina's unwavering chastity and persuasive speech convert Lysimachus and challenge the brothel's corruption, highlighting the power of virtue.
Kingship and Governance
The play contrasts good rulers like Pericles and Simonides, who govern with wisdom and care for their subjects, with tyrants like Antiochus, whose abuse of power leads to chaos and downfall.
Where it surfaces
Scene I
Antiochus abuses his royal power to conceal sin and order murder, contrasting with Pericles' principled restraint.
Scene II
Pericles demonstrates responsible kingship by prioritizing his subjects' safety over his own comfort, and entrusts Helicanus with rule during his absence.
Scene III
Helicanus assumes responsibility in Pericles' absence, demonstrating the importance of trusted advisors in maintaining order.
Scene IV: The Relief of Tarsus
Cleon's leadership is tested by crisis; Pericles demonstrates wise and compassionate governance by aiding a neighboring city.
Scene I
The fishermen praise King Simonides for his 'peaceable reign and good government,' contrasting with the corrupt rule of Antiochus.
Scene III
Simonides models a gracious king who honors guests and commands respect, contrasting with the corrupt Antiochus.
Death and Rebirth
Pericles, Thaisa, and Marina all experience symbolic deaths—through shipwreck, apparent drowning, and presumed murder—only to be restored to life, underscoring themes of renewal and hope.
Where it surfaces
Scene I
Thaisa's death in childbirth and the birth of Marina symbolize the cycle of loss and new life.
Scene II
Thaisa's apparent death and miraculous revival by Cerimon symbolizes the theme of rebirth and the power of virtue to overcome mortality.
Scene IV
Thaisa's survival from the shipwreck and her new life as a vestal virgin symbolize a rebirth after the death of her former identity.
Scene IV
Marina's apparent death is a falsehood, setting the stage for her eventual reunion and symbolic rebirth.
