Boating

In the novel, boating symbolizes personal restlessness. Pericles’ passion is traveling the world by boat, and this wanderlust prevents him from investing himself in other responsibilities. He does not want to rule Tyre, and he does not want to raise a daughter. Thus, this restlessness ultimately becomes a form of selfishness.

Sexual Abuse

In the novel, sexual abuse symbolizes the horror and deleteriousness of perverted familial relationships. Specifically, Philippe rapes Angelica frequently over the years. Angelica suffers much trauma due to this abuse, but both practical and psychological factors prevent her from escaping. The pattern of abuse only ends when both of them die due to a house fire.

Darius’ Vision

Darius’ vision symbolizes the parallels between literary and metaphysical connections. Many elements of the modern-day narrative share parallels with the Pericles narrative. At one point, Darius even has a vision that he is Pericles. This...