# Scene II explained — Plays

> Chapter companion for Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim.

## What happens

Dulcitius, captivated by the beauty of the imprisoned Christian women, plots to woo them with sweet words or torture. He orders them locked in a room near the kitchen pots and pans so he can visit them frequently.

## Themes in this chapter

### Chastity and Virginity

The women's steadfast faith and rejection of Dulcitius's advances underscore their commitment to Christian chastity.

### Martyrdom and Suffering

Dulcitius's threats of torture highlight the impending suffering the women face for their faith.

## Character check-ins

### Dulcitius

The governor who becomes infatuated with the prisoners and schemes to win their affection through flattery or force.

### Agape

One of the imprisoned Christian women whose beauty captivates Dulcitius.

### Chionia

Another imprisoned Christian woman admired by Dulcitius.

### Irena

The third imprisoned Christian woman, part of the group that Dulcitius desires.

## Key lines

> Ye Gods, but these girls are beautiful! What grace, what charm!

Dulcitius exclaims over the prisoners' beauty and elegance.

_Dulcitius's immediate attraction to the women sets the stage for his subsequent actions._

> Their faith is too strong.

The soldiers warn that the women's religious conviction makes them resistant to seduction.

_Highlights the central conflict between pagan authority and Christian faith._

> Lock them in the inner room—the one leading out of the passage where the pots and pans are kept.

Dulcitius orders the women to be imprisoned in a room adjacent to the kitchen storage area.

_Foreshadows the humiliating incident where Dulcitius will be befouled by the pots._

## Links

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