Plays · Chapter
Scene I explained
Diocletian interrogates the three sisters Agape, Chionia, and Irena, demanding they renounce Christianity and marry court nobles.
What happens
Diocletian interrogates the three sisters Agape, Chionia, and Irena, demanding they renounce Christianity and marry court nobles. They steadfastly refuse, defending their faith and purity, leading Diocletian to order their imprisonment and transfer to Governor Dulcitius for further examination.
Themes in this chapter
Chastity and Virginity
The sisters prioritize their purity and faith over marriage, refusing to deny Christ to wed court nobles.
Martyrdom and Suffering
Irena expresses a desire for cruel tortures for Christ's love, embracing martyrdom as a goal.
Christian vs. Pagan Conflict
Diocletian champions pagan worship while the sisters defend Christianity, leading to direct confrontation.
Characters to notice
- Diocletian
The emperor who interrogates the sisters and orders their imprisonment.
- Agape
The eldest sister who boldly defends her faith against Diocletian's demands.
- Chionia
The middle sister who supports Agape's defiance.
- Irena
The youngest sister who refuses to bow to idols and desires martyrdom.
- Dulcitius
The governor to whom the sisters are sent for further examination.
Key passages
“Nothing can make us deny that Name which all should confess, or let our purity be stained.”
We will never deny Christ or compromise our virginity.
Agape's declaration of unwavering faith and chastity.
“I will not dishonour this head which has been anointed with heavenly oil by abasing it at the feet of images.”
I refuse to bow to idols because my head is consecrated to God.
Irena's rejection of pagan worship based on her Christian anointing.
“That is what we desire. We ask nothing better than to suffer the most cruel tortures for the love of Christ.”
We welcome torture and death for Christ's sake.
Irena's eagerness for martyrdom.