Two princes disguise themselves as shepherds to infiltrate the household of a duke and pursue his daughters, setting off a complex chain of romantic and political complications. The narrative follows the princes Pyrocles and Musidorus as they navigate the pastoral landscape of Arcadia, attempting to win the affections of Philoclea and Pamela. Their efforts are constrained by the strict social hierarchies of the court, the protective nature of the Duke, and the inherent instability of their assumed identities. The text utilizes a multi-layered prose style that integrates formal speeches, philosophical debates, and intricate plot maneuvers to explore the intersection of desire and duty.

Discussion often centers on the stylistic evolution of the work compared to the later, more revised version of the text. Readers frequently highlight the density of the prose and the deliberate pacing that characterizes the Elizabethan literary tradition. Critics often examine how the inclusion of numerous poems serves to heighten the emotional stakes of the romantic encounters within the narrative. The work is recognized for its influence on later English drama and its role in establishing the conventions of the pastoral romance genre.