The Two Noble Kinsmen · Chapter
Scene III explained
Arcite, banished from Athens, laments his separation from Emilia and envies Palamon's continued proximity to her.
What happens
Arcite, banished from Athens, laments his separation from Emilia and envies Palamon's continued proximity to her. Resolving to defy his exile, he decides to disguise himself and participate in the May Day games near Athens, hoping to remain near Emilia. He encounters country folk heading to the games and learns of the wrestling and running contests, which he plans to enter.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Free Will
Arcite's decision to defy his banishment and disguise himself to stay near Emilia reflects a struggle between accepting fate and exercising free will.
Love and Madness
Arcite's intense longing for Emilia drives him to irrational actions, such as risking capture by staying in Athens in disguise.
Characters to notice
- Arcite
Bitterly laments his banishment and envies Palamon's chance to see Emilia daily; resolves to stay in disguise and enter the games.
- First Countryman
Leads the group of country folk heading to the May Day games; expresses suspicion about Arcite's wrestling ability.
Key passages
“Banish’d the kingdom? ’tis a benefit, A mercy, I must thank ’em for; but banish’d The free enjoying of that face I die for, O, ’twas a studied punishment, a death Beyond imagination!”
Being banished from the kingdom is a kindness I should thank them for, but being banished from the sight of the face I love is a deliberate punishment worse than death.
Arcite expresses the paradox of his banishment: exile from the kingdom is bearable, but separation from Emilia is unbearable.
“I am resolv’d: another shape shall make me, Or end my fortunes; either way, I’m happy: I’ll see her, and be near her, or no more.”
I have decided: I will either change my appearance and succeed, or lose everything; either way, I will be content—I will see her and be near her, or die.
Arcite resolves to disguise himself and risk all for a chance to be near Emilia.