# Scene I explained — Plays

> Chapter companion for Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters/scene-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/plays_se/chapters