Arcite

Play

The Two Noble Kinsmen

Summary

The other Theban kinsman — somewhat more measured and chivalric than Palamon — who competes with his cousin for the love of Emilia. He wins the tournament through Mars's favor and is on the verge of claiming Emilia when his horse crushes him. His dying speech, giving Emilia as a gift to Palamon, is the play's most moving moment: he wins, then loses, then gives away the prize with grace. The play's title, "The Two Noble Kinsmen," applies most fully to him.

Notable Quotations

"O cousin, / That we should things desire which do cost us / The loss of our desire! That nought could buy / Dear love, but loss of dear love!" *(V.iv)*

Cross-references

• The Two Noble Kinsmen — the play
• Romances (Late Plays)
• character_palamon — his cousin and rival
• character_emilia_2nk — the woman for whom he dies
• character_theseus_2nk — who judges the contest