# Scene II explained — Pericles

> Chapter companion for Pericles by William Shakespeare.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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