# Scene X explained — Plays

> Chapter companion for Plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim.

## What happens

Sisinnius orders his soldiers to separate Irena from her sisters Agape and Chionia, believing she may be more easily influenced if interrogated alone.

## Themes in this chapter

### Martyrdom and Suffering

The sisters face torture for their faith, with Sisinnius manipulating the situation.

### Female Agency and Virtue

Irena's youth is seen as a vulnerability, yet the sisters' steadfastness is implied.

## Character check-ins

### Sisinnius

Orders the separation of Irena from her sisters to manipulate her.

### Irena

Young sister kept back from the others for separate treatment.

### Agape

One of the sisters to be brought forward for torture.

### Chionia

One of the sisters to be brought forward for torture.

## Key lines

> Sisinnius Soldiers, where are these impudent hussies who are to be put to the torture?

Sisinnius demands to know the location of the insolent women who are to be tortured.

_Sisinnius uses derogatory language to demean the sisters before their torture._

> She is young, and besides she may be more easily influenced when not intimidated by her sisters.

He believes her youth makes her more susceptible to persuasion if she is separated from her sisters.

_Sisinnius exploits Irena's age and isolation to try to break her resolve._

## Links

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