# Scene I explained — The Two Noble Kinsmen

> Chapter companion for The Two Noble Kinsmen by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Theseus's wedding procession to the temple is interrupted by three queens who plead for his help against Creon, who refuses to allow their slain husbands proper burial. Despite his initial reluctance due to his marriage, Theseus is moved by their plight and agrees to postpone the wedding festivities to lead a war against Creon. Hippolyta and Emilia also advocate for the queens, and Theseus commands Artesius to raise forces while he proceeds with the marriage ceremony before departing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Chivalry

Theseus's decision to postpone his wedding to wage war for the queens' cause exemplifies the chivalric duty to protect the helpless and uphold honor.

### Justice and Mercy

The queens' plea for justice against Creon's cruelty and Theseus's compassionate response highlight the tension between martial law and mercy.

### Gender and Power

Hippolyta and Emilia use their influence over Theseus to advocate for the queens, demonstrating the power of women's voices in a patriarchal society.

## Character check-ins

### Theseus

Theseus is preparing to marry Hippolyta but is persuaded by the three queens to delay his wedding and lead a war against Creon to secure proper burial for their husbands.

### Hippolyta

Hippolyta supports the queens' cause and urges Theseus to prioritize their plea over the wedding, offering to lend her influence.

### Emilia

Emilia shows compassion to the third queen and promises to advocate for her, even vowing not to marry if Theseus refuses to help.

### Pirithous

Pirithous leads Hippolyta in the wedding procession and is instructed by Theseus to continue the feast in his absence.

### Three Queens

The three queens, widowed by Creon, interrupt the wedding to beg Theseus for aid in recovering their husbands' bodies for proper burial.

### Artesius

Artesius is commanded by Theseus to raise forces and meet him at Aulis for the campaign against Creon.

## Key lines

> For pity's sake and true gentility's, Hear, and respect me!

Please listen to me out of compassion and noble character.

_The first queen appeals to Theseus's sense of honor and pity._

> I was transported with your speech, and suffer'd Your knees to wrong themselves.

I was so moved by your words that I let you kneel too long.

_Theseus expresses regret for allowing the queens to kneel, showing his respect for their royal status._

> This good deed Shall raze you out o' the book of trespasses All you are set down there.

This noble act will erase all your sins from the record.

_The third queen promises spiritual reward for helping them._

## Links

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