# Scene I explained — Pericles

> Chapter companion for Pericles by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Pericles arrives at Antioch to win the princess by solving a riddle, but discovers the incestuous relationship between Antiochus and his daughter. He refuses to expose the truth openly, and Antiochus, realizing Pericles knows the secret, plots to have him killed. Pericles flees to save his life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Incest and Corruption

The central revelation: Antiochus and his daughter are engaged in an incestuous relationship, hidden behind a facade of honor.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The princess appears beautiful and virtuous, but the riddle reveals her moral corruption; Antiochus feigns courtesy while plotting murder.

### Kingship and Governance

Antiochus abuses his royal power to conceal sin and order murder, contrasting with Pericles' principled restraint.

## Character check-ins

### Pericles

Boldly undertakes the riddle challenge, discovers the incest, and flees to avoid assassination.

### Antiochus

Hosts the deadly contest, conceals his incest, and orders Thaliard to kill Pericles.

### Thaliard

Tasked by Antiochus to assassinate Pericles.

## Key lines

> I am no viper, yet I feed / On mother's flesh which did me breed.

The princess confesses she is nourished by her mother's flesh, implying incest with her father.

_Key line from the riddle revealing the incestuous relationship._

> Few love to hear the sins they love to act; / 'Twould braid yourself too near for me to tell it.

Pericles hints that Antiochus would be implicated if he spoke the truth openly.

_Pericles' diplomatic refusal to expose the king directly._

> He must not live to trumpet forth my infamy, / Nor tell the world Antiochus doth sin / In such a loathed manner.

Antiochus decides Pericles must die to keep his incestuous crime secret.

_Antiochus' motive for ordering the assassination._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pericles_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pericles_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pericles_se/chapters