Pericles · Chapter
Scene I explained
Pericles, aboard a storm-tossed ship, learns that his wife Thaisa has died in childbirth.
What happens
Pericles, aboard a storm-tossed ship, learns that his wife Thaisa has died in childbirth. Lychorida presents him with their newborn daughter. Sailors insist Thaisa's body be cast overboard due to superstition. Pericles reluctantly agrees and decides to head for Tarsus to leave the infant with Cleon for safekeeping.
Themes in this chapter
Death and Rebirth
Thaisa's death in childbirth and the birth of Marina symbolize the cycle of loss and new life.
Resilience and Endurance
Pericles endures the storm and personal tragedy, striving to protect his daughter.
Characters to notice
- Pericles
Grieves the death of his queen and struggles to protect his newborn daughter amid the storm.
- Lychorida
Attends to the queen in childbirth and presents the infant to Pericles, urging him to be patient.
- Thaisa
Dies in childbirth at sea; her body is to be cast overboard.
- Marina
Born during the storm; Pericles decides to leave her in Tarsus for safety.
- Cleon
Mentioned as the intended caretaker for the infant in Tarsus.
Key passages
“Here is a thing too young for such a place, Who, if it had conceit, would die, as I Am like to do: take in your arms this piece Of your dead queen.”
Lychorida presents the newborn infant to Pericles, saying the baby is too innocent for this harsh world and would perish if it understood its plight, just as she herself might.
Highlights the vulnerability of Marina and the sorrow of Thaisa's death.
“Sir, your queen must overboard: the sea works high, the wind is loud, and will not lie till the ship be cleared of the dead.”
A sailor insists that Thaisa's body must be thrown overboard because the storm will not subside until the ship is rid of the dead.
Reflects ancient maritime superstition and the harsh necessities of life at sea.