Act III, Scene 4

Summary

Thaisa, restored to health, is talking to Cerimon at Ephesus. She confirms that the writing on the scroll is that of Pericles, her husband, but cannot remember any other events on the ship. She is even unaware of the fact that she has given birth to a child. Believing that Pericles has died, she decides to serve in Diana's temple as a priestess. Cerimon offers to send her there. She thanks him and the scene ends.

The playwright portrays Thaisa as the model daughter and wife. She is never fleshed out as a rounded character. This brief scene prepares the audience for the denouement, in which the main characters are reunited with the implicit blessing of the Goddess Diana. The incident also reveals the chastity of Thaisa, who renounces the world, thinking her husband is lost to her.

Table of Contents | Printable Version