Pericles, Prince of Tyre facts for kids
Pericles, Prince of Tyre is an exciting play written by the famous English writer William Shakespeare. It's a story full of adventure, challenges, and happy reunions, often called a "tragicomedy" because it has both sad and funny parts. Shakespeare likely wrote this play around 1608 or 1609. He got many ideas for the story from an older book called The Patterne of Painefull Adventures by Lawrence Twine.
Contents
About Pericles, Prince of Tyre
This play tells the tale of Prince Pericles, who rules a place called Tyre. His journey is long and full of unexpected events. He travels across the seas, faces dangers, and experiences great sadness. But through it all, he shows courage and kindness.
The Story of the Play
The adventure begins when Prince Pericles tries to win the hand of a princess in Antioch. He discovers a dangerous secret there, which forces him to leave his home to protect his people.
Pericles's Journeys
Pericles sails to different lands, trying to escape danger. He helps people in need, showing his good heart. During his travels, he ends up in a place called Pentapolis. There, he enters a knight's tournament and wins the heart of a kind princess named Thaisa. They fall in love and get married.
A Storm at Sea
As Pericles and Thaisa sail back to Tyre, a terrible storm hits their ship. Thaisa becomes very ill and seems to die. Heartbroken, Pericles places her in a chest and sets her adrift at sea. Unknown to him, Thaisa is later rescued by a kind doctor and brought back to life.
Marina's Childhood
Pericles continues his journey, believing his wife is gone. He leaves their newborn daughter, Marina, with friends in Tarsus, hoping she will be safe. Marina grows up to be a wonderful and talented young woman. However, the woman who was supposed to care for her becomes jealous of Marina's beauty and goodness. She tries to harm Marina.
Marina's Courage
Luckily, Marina is kidnapped by pirates instead of being harmed by her jealous guardian. The pirates sell her into a difficult life. But even in tough times, Marina remains strong and pure. She uses her talents to help others and keep her spirits up.
A Happy Reunion
Years pass, and Pericles is still grieving, believing both his wife and daughter are lost. By chance, he meets Marina, but neither recognizes the other at first. Through a series of events, they finally realize they are father and daughter. Their reunion is incredibly joyful. Later, Pericles and Marina also find Thaisa, who is alive and well. The family is finally together again after many years of separation and hardship.
When Was It Written?
Pericles, Prince of Tyre was likely first performed on stage between 1608 and 1609. It was also printed as a book, called a "quarto," in 1609. This allowed more people to read the play.
Images for kids
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Marina singing before Pericles, a painting by Thomas Stothard from 1825.
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See also
In Spanish: Pericles, príncipe de Tiro para niños
