# Scene IV explained — Pericles

> Chapter companion for Pericles by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

In Ephesus, Cerimon returns Thaisa's belongings and reveals that she was shipwrecked. Thaisa, believing King Pericles is dead, decides to become a vestal virgin in Diana's temple, and Cerimon offers his niece to attend her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Virtue and Chastity

Thaisa's decision to take a vestal livery underscores her commitment to chastity and devotion after losing her husband.

### Death and Rebirth

Thaisa's survival from the shipwreck and her new life as a vestal virgin symbolize a rebirth after the death of her former identity.

## Character check-ins

### Cerimon

Returns Thaisa's possessions and suggests she serve in Diana's temple.

### Thaisa

Recognizes her husband's letter, recalls being at sea, and resolves to become a vestal virgin.

## Key lines

> But since King Pericles, My wedded lord, I ne’er shall see again, A vestal livery will I take me to, And never more have joy.

Because I will never see my husband Pericles again, I will become a vestal virgin and renounce all joy.

_Thaisa expresses her grief and commitment to a life of chastity._

## Links

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