# Scene V explained — Pericles

> Chapter companion for Pericles by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

King Simonides reads a letter from his daughter Thaisa, who declares she will marry the stranger knight (Pericles) or never marry. Simonides approves but tests Pericles by accusing him of bewitching Thaisa. Pericles defends his honor courageously. Simonides reveals his approval, and the two are wed with his blessing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Kingship and Governance

Simonides demonstrates wise and benevolent rule by testing Pericles' character before approving the marriage.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Simonides feigns anger to test Pericles, while Pericles initially misinterprets the letter as a trap.

## Character check-ins

### King Simonides

Reads Thaisa's letter approving her choice, tests Pericles' courage, and ultimately blesses the marriage.

### Pericles

Defends his honor against Simonides' false accusation, declares his noble intentions, and agrees to marry Thaisa.

### Thaisa

Expresses her love for Pericles in a letter and confirms her willingness to marry him.

### Diana

Referenced as the goddess whose livery Thaisa has vowed to wear for a year.

## Key lines

> She tells me here, she’ll wed the stranger knight, Or never more to view nor day nor light.

Thaisa writes that she will marry the foreign knight or die.

_Thaisa's letter reveals her strong commitment to Pericles._

> Now, by the gods, I do applaud his courage.

Simonides admires Pericles' bravery in standing up to him.

_Simonides' aside shows his true approval of Pericles' character._

> And being join’d, I’ll thus your hopes destroy; And for a further grief—God give you joy!—

Simonides jokingly says he will ruin their hopes by giving them joy in marriage.

_Simonides uses irony to bless the union._

## Links

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