Pericles,
Prince of Tyre
by
William Shakespeare
(Key Facts)
Key
Facts
Full
Title:
Pericles,
Prince of Tyre
Author:
William
Shakespeare
Type
of Work:
Play
Genre:
Romantic
Tragedy, Adventure
Language:
English
Time
and Place Written:
Early
1600s, England
Date
of First Publication:
1609
(First Quarto)
Publisher:
Henry
Gosson
Tone:
The
tone of Pericles, Prince of Tyre varies throughout the play. It starts with a
dark and tragic tone, reflecting the protagonist's suffering and loss. As the
play progresses, the tone becomes more hopeful and redemptive, especially
towards the resolution.
Setting
(Time):
The
play is set in an ancient and mythical time, blending elements from different
historical periods.
Setting
(Place):
The
play is set in various locations across the Mediterranean, including Tyre,
Antioch, Tarsus, Pentapolis, Ephesus, and Mytilene.
Protagonist:
Pericles,
the Prince of Tyre, is the central character and protagonist of the play.
Major
Conflict:
The
major conflict in the play is Pericles' struggle to survive a series of tragic
events, including the pursuit by the king of Antioch, the loss of his wife and
daughter, and his long journey to reunite with his family.
Rising
Action:
The
rising action includes Pericles' discovery of the incestuous relationship
between Antiochus and his daughter, his subsequent flight from Antioch, and the
series of trials he faces, including shipwrecks and the loss of his loved ones.
Climax:
The
climax occurs when Pericles is reunited with his daughter Marina in Mytilene.
This emotional reunion marks the turning point of the play and sets the stage
for the resolution of the remaining conflicts.
Falling
Action:
The
falling action follows Pericles' reunion with his wife, Thaisa, in Ephesus,
leading to the resolution of the play's conflicts and the restoration of
Pericles' happiness and family.
Themes:
- Suffering
and Redemption: The play explores the theme of suffering and eventual
redemption, as Pericles endures numerous hardships before finding peace and
happiness.
- Fate
and Providence: The role of fate and divine intervention is significant,
guiding Pericles through his trials and leading to his ultimate reunion with
his family.
- Family
and Reconciliation: The importance of family and the joy of reconciliation are
central to the play's resolution.
Motifs:
- Journeys
and Voyages: Pericles' travels across the Mediterranean symbolize his internal
journey and personal growth.
- Storms
and Shipwrecks: These natural events reflect the turmoil in Pericles' life and
serve as metaphors for his struggles.
Symbols:
- The
Sea: The sea represents both the danger and uncertainty of life, as well as the
possibility of renewal and change.
- Marina's
Purity: Marina symbolizes innocence and purity, her character serving as a
beacon of hope and goodness.
Foreshadowing:
-
The riddle at the beginning of the play foreshadows the dark secrets and
tragedies that will unfold.
-
The various prophecies and dreams experienced by characters hint at the
eventual reunions and resolutions.
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