# Scene IV: The Counsel of Tyre explained — Pericles

> Chapter companion for Pericles by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Helicanus informs Escanes of the divine punishment of Antiochus and his daughter, who were consumed by fire from heaven for their incest. Lords of Tyre, concerned about Pericles' prolonged absence, propose electing Helicanus as king. Helicanus refuses, urging them to wait a year and search for Pericles instead, emphasizing loyalty and unity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fortune and Divine Justice

Antiochus's incest is punished by a fire from heaven, illustrating the theme of divine retribution for sin.

### Kingship and Governance

The lords of Tyre debate leadership in Pericles's absence, highlighting the importance of a rightful king and the dangers of a kingdom without a head.

## Character check-ins

### Helicanus

Reports Antiochus's divine punishment and persuades the lords to delay electing a new king, advocating loyalty to Pericles.

### Escanes

Listens to Helicanus's account of Antiochus's fate and acknowledges the justice of the gods.

### Pericles

Absent from Tyre; his loyal subjects debate his fate and seek his return.

### Antiochus

Mentioned as having been punished by divine fire for his incest with his daughter.

## Key lines

> Antiochus from incest lived not free: For which, the most high gods not minding longer To withhold the vengeance that they had in store, Due to this heinous capital offence, Even in the height and pride of all his glory, When he was seated in a chariot Of an inestimable value, and his daughter with him, A fire from heaven came and shrivell'd up Their bodies, even to loathing; for they so stunk, That all those eyes adored them ere their fall Scorn now their hand should give them burial.

Antiochus did not escape punishment for his incest; the gods, no longer delaying their vengeance, sent a fire from heaven that consumed him and his daughter in their chariot, leaving their bodies so foul that those who once admired them now refuse to bury them.

_Helicanus recounts the divine punishment of Antiochus, reinforcing the theme of justice._

> And knowing this kingdom is without a head⁠— Like goodly buildings left without a roof Soon fall to ruin⁠—your noble self, That best know how to rule and how to reign, We thus submit unto⁠—our sovereign.

Since our kingdom lacks a ruler, like a fine building without a roof that quickly decays, we submit to you, noble Helicanus, as our sovereign, for you know best how to govern.

_The lords express their desire to elect Helicanus as king due to Pericles's absence._

## Links

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