# Scene II explained — The Two Noble Kinsmen

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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