Plot Summary

Pericles

William Shakespeare
Guide cover placeholder

Pericles

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1609

Book Brief

William Shakespeare

Pericles

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1609
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Various Port Cities • Antiquity

Publication Year

1609

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Pericles by William Shakespeare is a late romantic comedy, written around 1606, that follows Pericles, Prince of Tyre, on his journey to be reunited with his family after a storm at sea separates them. As Pericles navigates through various challenges including puzzles, treachery, and shipwrecks, he seeks to reclaim his loved ones and his rightful place, experiencing loss, identity struggles, and eventual reconnection.

Mysterious

Melancholic

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

4.0

8,383 ratings

49%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Pericles by William Shakespeare receives praise for its adventurous plot and poetic language, showcasing the playwright’s creativity. Critics appreciate its unique narrative structure but note that the play’s uneven pacing and fragmented acts may challenge readers. The blend of mythical elements with dramatic storytelling remains a spectacle of Shakespeare’s ingenuity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Pericles?

Fans of epic tales and maritime adventures will enjoy William Shakespeare’s Pericles. This romantic drama appeals to those who appreciate intricate plots, lyrical language, and themes of resilience. Comparable to works such as Homer’s The Odyssey and Shakespeare’s own The Tempest, it captivates with its blend of intrigue and redemptive journeys.

4.0

8,383 ratings

49%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Various Port Cities • Antiquity

Publication Year

1609

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!