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Cover of Pericles, Prince of Tyre

Pericles, Prince of Tyre

Written by William Shakespeare

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PrincesTragicomedyTyre (Lebanon)

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About this book

"Pericles, Prince of Tyre" by William Shakespeare is a tragic play written during the early 17th century, thought to be around the same period as many of Shakespeare's other works. The play follows the journey of Prince Pericles as he faces a series of catastrophic events, including a deadly riddle posed by King Antiochus of Antioch and a shipwreck that leads to the loss and eventual quest to reunite with his estranged family. The opening of the play introduces the ominous riddle posed by Antiochus to Pericles, which serves as a catalyst for the prince's journey. Pericles' boldness in facing the riddle and his subsequent flight from Antioch highlight the themes of duty, honor, and the search for truth. The narrative sets the stage for Pericles' encounters with various characters as he navigates through political intrigue, loss, and hope, ultimately shaping his quest for family and identity amidst the trials he faces.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Pericles, Prince of Tyre, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • melancholy
  • adventurous
  • hopeful

Pericles, Prince of Tyre, is an episodic tragicomedy by William Shakespeare, following the titular prince through a series of harrowing losses and miraculous reunions. Fleeing a deadly riddle revealing King Antiochus's incestuous secret, Pericles embarks on a journey plagued by shipwrecks, famine, and the supposed deaths of his wife, Thaisa, and daughter, Marina. Despite immense suffering, Marina's unwavering virtue shines through adversity, ultimately leading to her recognition and the astonishing reunion of the entire family through the intervention of divine providence. The play explores themes of fate, resilience, and the redemptive power of innocence amidst a world of corruption and misfortune.

“You are a fair viol, and your sense the strings; Who, finger'd to make man his lawful music, Would draw heaven down and all the gods to hearken.”

Key themes

Suffering and Redemption
This is the central theme of the play, portraying Pericles's journey through immense personal loss, grief, and despair, which ultimately leads to a profound spiritual renewal and the miraculous restoration of his family. The suffering is presented as a test of virtue and patience, through which characters emerge purified and deserving of their final happiness.
Providence and Fortune
The play heavily emphasizes the role of a higher power, whether divine providence or capricious fortune, in guiding human events. Characters are often at the mercy of external forces – storms, pirates, famine – but these misfortunes are ultimately orchestrated towards a benevolent end, suggesting a divine plan at work.
Virtue and Corruption
The play starkly contrasts characters embodying pure virtue (Pericles, Marina, Thaisa, Cerimon) with those consumed by vice and corruption (Antiochus, Dionyza, the brothel keepers). Marina's unwavering innocence and moral strength are particularly highlighted as she navigates and ultimately transforms the morally degraded environment of the Mytilene brothel.

Worth discussing

How does the episodic structure of 'Pericles' contribute to or detract from its dramatic impact? How does Gower's role as chorus shape our understanding of the narrative?

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