Pericles

Ranging across the ancient Mediterranean, this late romance follows the Prince of Tyre through shipwreck, loss, and eventual reunion. Fleeing the violent anger of a tyrant whose dark secret he has uncovered, Pericles is driven from one kingdom to another, marries and loses his wife to an apparent death at sea, and is parted for years from the daughter born during the storm. Narrated in part by the medieval poet Gower, who steps forward like a storyteller between scenes, the play trades tight plotting for a fairy-tale sweep of wonder and grief. Its closing scenes of recognition rank among Shakespeare’s most moving.