# Scene VI explained — Pericles

> Chapter companion for Pericles by William Shakespeare.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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