Genre
Drama; tragicomedy
Setting and Context
Ancient Greece, Thebes and Athens
Narrator and Point of View
The Prologue can be considered the narrator of the play, although it only appears at the beginning to announce that the play is inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Knight's Tale." The Prologue asks forgiveness from the audience in the event that the play does not live up to their expectations.
Tone and Mood
Ironic, satirical, bleak, resigned
Protagonist and Antagonist
The central antagonist of the play is King Creon of Thebes. There are a number of protagonists, the most prominent of which are Arcite and Palamon.
Major Conflict
The major conflict of the play is between Palamon and Arcite as they fight for Emilia's affections.
Climax
The climax of the play occurs when Arcite defeats Palamon in battle. Shortly after, Arcite falls from his horse and dies, leaving Palamon to wed Emilia.
Foreshadowing
Arcite's death is foreshadowed by the fact he is given a black horse.
Understatement
Emilia and Hippolyta speak with understatement to Theseus as they know they cannot make decisions for him but wish to influence him as he decides what to do with the war against Creon and well as with Palamon and Arcite.
Allusions
The play makes frequent allusions to Ancient Greek mythology, including the prayers that Arcite, Palamon, and Emilia make in the temple to the gods Mars, Venus, and Diana, respectively.
Imagery
Important imagery in the play includes the three queens, roses, Hippolyta's complex character, and scenes of confinement and sanctuary.
Paradox
The central paradox of the play is that Arcite and Palamon are willing to completely overturn their former friendship in hopes of marrying a woman who does not know either man exists.
Parallelism
Arcite and Palamon are parallel characters as they both attempt to court Emilia. Arcite is more rational and straightforward, reflected in his prayers to the god of war at the end of the play. Palamon, by contrast, is more impassioned and dreamy, reflected by his prayers to the goddess of love in the temple before the battle.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
Emilia often personifies roses as maidens, suggesting that men must treat women gently and with respect.
