Act III, Scene 3

Summary

Pericles arrives at Tarsus with Lychorida and the baby, named Marina since she was born on the sea. They go to Cleon's house, where Pericles explains his urgent need to reach Tyre before the end of the year. He thanks the governor and his wife when they agree to look after his infant Marina. He appeals to them to raise her according to her status. Cleon promises to live up to his trust. He declares his obligation to Pericles, since Pericles saved Tarsus from the famine. Dionyza also swears she will raise Marina as her daughter, making no distinction between her own child, also a girl. Pericles bids them farewell, swearing he will leave his hair uncut till Marina marries.

This scene serves to bring out Pericles' deep love for his child. In his helpless state, he is obliged to keep her with those he considers trusted friends. He also hopes to spare her the hazardous voyage to Tyre.

On the other hand, Cleon and Dionyza will turn out to be hypocrites. Their declarations of gratitude and friendship will be belied by their later attempt to get rid of Marina. As with Thaisa in Scene 2, this disposal of Marina to a faraway place is supposed to make the reunion of Pericles' family more dramatic.

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