Pericles · Chapter
Scene VI explained
In the brothel, Marina resists the advances of Lysimachus, the governor of Mytilene, by appealing to his honor and virtue.
What happens
In the brothel, Marina resists the advances of Lysimachus, the governor of Mytilene, by appealing to his honor and virtue. Lysimachus is moved by her eloquence and chastity, gives her gold, and leaves. Boult and the Bawd are furious, but Marina persuades Boult to let her teach instead of prostituting herself, offering to use her skills in singing, weaving, sewing, and dancing to earn money.
Themes in this chapter
Virtue and Chastity
Marina's unwavering chastity and persuasive speech convert Lysimachus and challenge the brothel's corruption, highlighting the power of virtue.
Resilience and Endurance
Marina endures the threats and violence of the brothel, using her wits and skills to negotiate a way out of prostitution.
Characters to notice
- Marina
Marina defends her chastity with eloquent speech, converts Lysimachus, and negotiates with Boult to teach rather than be a prostitute.
- Lysimachus
Lysimachus, the governor of Mytilene, is moved by Marina's virtue, gives her gold, and leaves the brothel without forcing her.
- Bawd
The Bawd is angry at Marina for driving away customers and orders Boult to rape her to make her compliant.
- Boult
Boult initially threatens to rape Marina but is persuaded by her offer to teach and agrees to help her find honest work.
- Pandar
Pandar complains about Marina's negative impact on the brothel's business and agrees with the Bawd's plan to force her.
Key passages
“If you were born to honour, show it now; If put upon you, make the judgment good That thought you worthy of it.”
If you are truly honorable by birth or by reputation, prove it now by acting with integrity.
Marina appeals to Lysimachus's sense of honor to dissuade him from forcing her.
“I did not think Thou couldst have spoke so well; ne'er dream'd thou couldst. Had I brought hither a corrupted mind, Thy speech had alter'd it.”
I never imagined you could speak so eloquently. If I had come with evil intentions, your words would have changed my mind.
Lysimachus is impressed by Marina's virtuous speech and decides to leave her untouched.
“Proclaim that I can sing, weave, sew, and dance, With other virtues, which I'll keep from boast; And I will undertake all these to teach.”
Announce that I can sing, weave, sew, and dance, along with other skills I won't brag about, and I will teach them to others.
Marina offers to use her talents to earn an honest living instead of being a prostitute.