The Two Noble Kinsmen · Chapter
Scene II explained
Palamon and Arcite discuss the corrupt state of Thebes under Creon's tyranny and decide to leave the city to preserve their honor.
What happens
Palamon and Arcite discuss the corrupt state of Thebes under Creon's tyranny and decide to leave the city to preserve their honor. Valerius arrives with news that Theseus has declared war on Thebes. The cousins resolve to fight for Thebes despite their disdain for Creon, accepting their fate.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Chivalry
Palamon and Arcite debate the importance of maintaining personal honor in a corrupt court, choosing to fight for their city despite their ruler's tyranny.
Fate and Free Will
The cousins acknowledge the power of fate, deciding to 'follow the becking of our chance' as they face the coming war.
Characters to notice
- Palamon
Palamon expresses disgust with Thebes' corruption and Creon's tyranny, but resolves to fight for Thebes when war is declared.
- Arcite
Arcite urges leaving Thebes to avoid moral contamination, but agrees with Palamon to stand with Thebes against Theseus.
- Valerius
Valerius enters to deliver news of Theseus's defiance and the impending war against Thebes.
Key passages
“Dear Palamon, dearer in love than blood, And our prime cousin, yet unharden’d in The crimes of nature; let us leave the city Thebes, and the temptings in’t, before we further Sully our gloss of youth”
Arcite urges Palamon to leave Thebes to avoid being corrupted by its vices.
Arcite's opening plea sets the moral tone of the scene.
“Our services stand now for Thebes, not Creon: Yet, to be neutral to him were dishonour, Rebellious to oppose; therefore we must With him stand to the mercy of our fate”
Palamon argues they must fight for Thebes despite their hatred of Creon, as neutrality would be dishonorable.
Palamon's decision highlights the conflict between personal morality and civic duty.