Pericles · Chapter
Scene II explained
Pericles, troubled by melancholy and fear of Antiochus, confides in his loyal counselor Helicanus.
What happens
Pericles, troubled by melancholy and fear of Antiochus, confides in his loyal counselor Helicanus. He reveals the incestuous secret he discovered in Antioch and his dread of the tyrant's retaliation. Helicanus advises him to travel for safety, and Pericles decides to leave Tyre in Helicanus's hands while he journeys to Tarsus.
Themes in this chapter
Incest and Corruption
Pericles reveals the 'black as incest' secret of Antiochus, which is the root of his fear and the catalyst for his flight.
Kingship and Governance
Pericles demonstrates responsible kingship by prioritizing his subjects' safety over his own comfort, and entrusts Helicanus with rule during his absence.
Appearance vs. Reality
Pericles notes that tyrants 'seem not to strike, but smooth,' highlighting the deceptive nature of Antiochus's outward behavior.
Characters to notice
- Pericles
Struggles with melancholy and fear of Antiochus; confides in Helicanus about the incestuous secret and decides to travel to Tarsus.
- Helicanus
Loyal counselor who rebukes flattery, advises Pericles to travel for safety, and is entrusted with the governance of Tyre.
- Antiochus
Feared tyrant whose incestuous secret Pericles discovered; his potential retaliation drives Pericles' actions.
Key passages
“Her face was to mine eye beyond all wonder; The rest—hark in thine ear—as black as incest”
Her beauty was astonishing, but the truth behind it is as dark and corrupt as incest.
Pericles confides to Helicanus the horrifying secret of Antiochus's incestuous relationship.
“Tis time to fear when tyrants seem to kiss.”
You should be wary when a tyrant appears friendly.
Pericles warns that Antiochus's calm demeanor is a sign of hidden danger.
“I thought it princely charity to grieve them.”
I believed it was a ruler's duty to feel sorrow for his people.
Pericles explains that his melancholy stems from concern for his subjects, not just himself.