Scene III explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family and Reunion

  Pericles' separation from his daughter Marina and his hope for her future marriage reflect the theme of family bonds and the promise of eventual reunion.

• Virtue and Chastity

  Pericles vows to remain 'unscissor'd' and chaste until Marina's marriage, emphasizing personal virtue and devotion.

• Kingship and Governance

  Pericles' decision to leave Marina in Tarsus and return to Tyre highlights his responsibilities as a ruler balancing personal loss with political duty.

Characters to notice

• Pericles

  Bids farewell to Cleon and Dionyza, entrusts Marina to their care, and vows chastity until her marriage.

• Cleon

  Accepts responsibility for Marina's upbringing, recalling Pericles' aid to Tarsus.

• Dionyza

  Promises to treat Marina as dearly as her own child.

• Lychorida

  Holds the infant Marina and is comforted by Pericles.

• Marina

  Infant daughter of Pericles, left in the care of Cleon and Dionyza.

Key passages

• “My gentle babe Marina, whom, For she was born at sea, I have named so, here I charge your charity withal, leaving her The infant of your care; beseeching you To give her princely training, that she may be Manner’d as she is born.”

  Pericles entrusts his infant daughter Marina, named for her birth at sea, to Cleon and Dionyza, asking them to raise her in a manner befitting her noble birth.

  Pericles formally hands over Marina's care, emphasizing her royal lineage and his expectations for her upbringing.

• “Till she be married, madam, By bright Diana, whom we honour, all Unscissor’d shall this hair of mine remain, Though I show ill in’t.”

  Pericles swears by the goddess Diana that he will not cut his hair until Marina is married, even if it makes him appear unkempt.

  This vow underscores Pericles' commitment to chastity and his devotion to Diana, the goddess of chastity.