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Cymbeline

William Shakespeare (2017)

Genre

Historical Fiction

Reading Time

12 Minutes

Key Themes

See below

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A king's daughter's secret marriage begins a storm of slander, jealousy, disguise, and divine intervention, weaving a story of powerful emotions.

Synopsis

King Cymbeline of Britain, believing his two sons were abducted in infancy, dotes on his only remaining child, Imogen. Her secret marriage to the penniless Posthumus Leonatus enrages Cymbeline, who banishes Posthumus. A jealous villain, Iachimo, then slanders Imogen's fidelity to Posthumus, leading Posthumus to believe she has betrayed him and order her death. Imogen flees, disguised as a boy, embarking on a journey filled with mistaken identities, a death-like trance, and an unexpected reunion with her long-lost brothers, who have been raised in a cave. The play culminates in a complex battle between Britain and Rome, followed by a series of dramatic revelations, confessions, and divine intervention that ultimately restore order, family, and peace to the kingdom.
Difficulty
Hard
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Romantic, dramatic, fantastical, ultimately redemptive

Plot Summary

A Secret Marriage and Royal Displeasure

King Cymbeline of Britain, a widower, had two sons, Guiderius and Arviragus, who were abducted as infants. His only remaining child, Imogen, secretly married Posthumus Leonatus, an orphaned gentleman Cymbeline raised and respected. This union angered Cymbeline, who wanted Imogen to marry Cloten, the crude son of his current wife, the Queen. Cymbeline banished Posthumus. The Queen, pretending kindness, offered Imogen a sleeping potion, calling it a restorative. Posthumus, heartbroken, left for Rome, while Imogen remained upset, enduring her father's anger and Cloten's unwanted attention.

A Wager of Chastity and Deceit

In Rome, Posthumus was among gentlemen discussing women's virtues. Iachimo, a cynical Italian nobleman, doubted Posthumus's faith in Imogen's chastity. He proposed a wager: he would go to Britain and try to seduce Imogen. If he succeeded, he would win a ring from Posthumus; if he failed, he would pay a large sum. Posthumus, sure of Imogen's virtue, accepted. Iachimo left for Britain, intending to win by any means.

Iachimo's Deception

Iachimo arrived in Britain and tried to charm Imogen, but she rejected him. Frustrated, Iachimo planned. He convinced Imogen to let him store a chest in her bedchamber overnight, saying it held valuable gifts for Caesar. During the night, Iachimo came out of the chest, observed the room, and watched Imogen sleep. He noted details like a mole on her breast and stole Posthumus's bracelet from her arm. He also described her bedchamber, intending to use these details as 'proof' of his supposed seduction to win the wager.

Posthumus's Rage and Orders

Iachimo returned to Rome and showed his false evidence to Posthumus: the stolen bracelet, details of Imogen's bedroom, and the mole on her breast. Posthumus, devastated and jealous, believed Iachimo's lies. Angry at what he saw as Imogen's betrayal, he sent a letter to his loyal servant Pisanio, ordering him to take Imogen to Milford Haven, murder her, and send him a bloody token as proof. Posthumus's love turned to hatred, driven by Iachimo's deception.

Pisanio's Compassion and Imogen's Escape

Pisanio, shocked by Posthumus's cruel order, took Imogen to Milford Haven. Unable to kill her, he revealed Posthumus's letter and Iachimo's deceit. Imogen, heartbroken but strong, decided to run away. Pisanio, out of loyalty, advised her to disguise herself as a boy and seek service with Lucius, the Roman general preparing to invade Britain. He gave her a box he thought contained restorative medicine from the Queen, unaware it held a powerful sleeping potion. Imogen, disguised as 'Fidele,' went into the wilderness.

Imogen Discovers Her Brothers

Lost and tired, Imogen (as Fidele) found a cave inhabited by Belarius, an exiled nobleman, and his two sons, Guiderius and Arviragus. Unknown to anyone, Guiderius and Arviragus were Cymbeline's lost sons, abducted by Belarius for revenge after his unjust banishment. Belarius raised them in the wilderness, teaching them hunting and survival. They welcomed 'Fidele,' charmed by her gentle nature. Imogen found comfort and a sense of family with these men, unaware of their true identities or her close family connection to them.

The Queen's Plot and Cloten's Pursuit

The Queen, believing Imogen was alive, continued her schemes, hoping to secure the throne for Cloten. She gave Pisanio a strong poison, disguised as medicine, which Pisanio gave to Imogen. Meanwhile, Cloten, still wanting Imogen and revenge for her rejection, learned of Posthumus's banishment and Imogen's departure for Milford Haven. He got a suit of Posthumus's clothes from Pisanio, intending to wear them, find Imogen, assault her, and then kill Posthumus while disguised as him.

Cloten's Demise and Imogen's Trance

Cloten, disguised in Posthumus's clothes, confronted Guiderius in the wilderness. Cloten insulted Guiderius and challenged him to a fight, boasting of his royal birth. Guiderius, unaware of Cloten's identity but angered by his arrogance, killed and decapitated him. Shortly after, Imogen, feeling unwell, took the sleeping potion Pisanio gave her, thinking it was a restorative. She fell into a deep, death-like trance. Belarius and her brothers found her seemingly lifeless body, placing it next to Cloten's headless corpse, mistakenly believing both were dead.

The Roman Invasion and Battle

Lucius, the Roman general, landed in Britain with his forces, including Iachimo. Posthumus, filled with regret for his hasty order against Imogen, joined the Roman army, intending to die in battle. However, his conscience troubled him, and he decided to fight for Britain. The battle began, with the British initially losing. During the chaos, Posthumus, disguised as a common soldier, fought bravely alongside Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus. Their combined courage turned the tide, leading to a British victory against the Romans, despite being outnumbered.

The Discovery of Identities and Jupiter's Vision

Imogen awoke from her trance beside Cloten's headless body, still wearing Posthumus's clothes. Believing it was Posthumus, she grieved deeply. The Roman general Lucius later found her, and impressed by 'Fidele's' spirit, took her into his service as a page. Meanwhile, Posthumus, having fought bravely for Britain, was captured by the British and imprisoned. In his cell, he had a vivid dream of his deceased family and the god Jupiter, who assured him that his troubles would end happily and all wrongs would be corrected.

The Grand Revelation and Reconciliation

In a final scene, all the main characters were brought before Cymbeline. Imogen, still disguised as Fidele, exposed Iachimo's treachery, leading to his confession. Posthumus, seeing this, rushed forward, revealing his identity and his regret. Cymbeline discovered that Belarius was innocent and that Guiderius and Arviragus were his lost sons. The Queen's evil was exposed, and she died. Amidst these revelations, Imogen and Posthumus were joyfully reunited, and Cymbeline reconciled with Belarius and his sons, restoring peace to the kingdom.

A Kingdom Restored and Forgiveness

With all truths revealed and the villains punished (the Queen dead, Cloten killed, Iachimo repentant), Cymbeline felt great joy and relief. He pardoned Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus, embracing his rediscovered sons. He forgave Posthumus and blessed his marriage to Imogen. Cymbeline also granted peace to the defeated Roman general Lucius, choosing to continue paying tribute to Rome, not as a conquered king, but as a voluntary act of friendship. The play ended with harmony, forgiveness, and the restoration of family and political order.

Principal Figures

Imogen

The Protagonist

From a heartbroken, banished wife, she transforms into a resilient survivor who actively seeks truth and justice, ultimately reuniting her family.

Posthumus Leonatus

The Protagonist

He descends from a loving husband to a jealous murderer (in intent), then finds profound remorse and seeks redemption through battle and confession.

Cymbeline

The Supporting

He evolves from a manipulated, short-sighted ruler to a wise, forgiving king who reclaims his family and establishes peace.

The Queen

The Antagonist

She remains consistently villainous, her schemes culminating in her death and the exposure of her wickedness.

Cloten

The Antagonist

He remains a consistently unpleasant and foolish character, meeting a deserved end due to his arrogance and aggression.

Iachimo

The Antagonist (initially), Supporting (later)

From a deceitful, misogynistic instigator of conflict, he transforms into a repentant figure who confesses his wrongs.

Belarius

The Supporting

From an exiled, vengeful abductor, he becomes a heroic figure who helps save Britain and facilitates the reunion of the royal family.

Guiderius

The Supporting

Discovers his royal lineage and fulfills his destiny as a heroic prince.

Arviragus

The Supporting

Discovers his royal lineage and fulfills his destiny as a heroic prince.

Pisanio

The Supporting

Remains steadfastly loyal and moral, serving as a protective force for Imogen throughout her trials.

Themes & Insights

Jealousy and Deception

This theme is central to the play, driving much of the tragic action. Iachimo's deceitful wager, fueled by cynicism, planted seeds of doubt in Posthumus's mind. Posthumus's jealousy, though unfounded, quickly led to murderous rage, showing how easily trust can be broken by false appearances. The Queen's constant deception and manipulation of Cymbeline further highlight the destructive power of treachery, illustrating how lies can corrupt relationships, distort perception, and lead to suffering and chaos within a family and a kingdom.

“O, I should write you down that you were false / To your own bed, and therefore false to 's bed / Wherein he sleeps.”

— Iachimo (falsely accusing Imogen)

Appearance vs. Reality

The play explores the difference between how things seem and how they truly are. Imogen's disguise as 'Fidele' allows her to navigate a dangerous world while hiding her identity. Iachimo's fabricated evidence of Imogen's infidelity, based on stolen items and observations of a sleeping woman, convinces Posthumus of a false reality. Cymbeline is similarly misled by his Queen's feigned kindness. The play's resolution depends on revealing these illusions, showing the true identities, loyalties, and virtues hidden by deceit and mistaken perceptions.

“All curses madded Hecuba gave the Greeks, / And mine to boot, be darted on thy head!”

— Posthumus (believing Imogen's infidelity based on false evidence)

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Despite deep betrayals and serious errors, the play moves towards forgiveness and reconciliation. Cymbeline forgives Belarius for abducting his sons, Posthumus for his rash anger, and even Iachimo for his deceit. The reunion of Imogen and Posthumus, and Cymbeline with his long-lost sons, symbolizes the healing of broken relationships and the restoration of family and political harmony. This theme emphasizes the power of mercy and humanity's ability to overcome past wrongs, leading to renewed peace, typical of Shakespeare's late romances.

“Pardon's the word to all.”

— Cymbeline

Nature vs. Nurture

This theme is explored through Guiderius and Arviragus. Raised in the wilderness by Belarius, away from court corruption, they still show innate nobility, courage, and virtue, proving their royal lineage through their actions. Their inherent greatness, which appears despite their rustic upbringing, suggests that true nobility is an intrinsic quality that environment cannot suppress. This contrasts with Cloten, who, despite his royal upbringing, remains crude, reinforcing the idea that character is more determined by intrinsic nature than by social conditioning.

“How hard it is to hide the sparks of nature!”

— Belarius (observing the noble qualities of Guiderius and Arviragus)

Justice and Divine Intervention

While human actions drive much of the plot, there is a strong sense of cosmic justice and divine oversight. The wicked Queen and Cloten meet their deserved ends, while the virtuous characters endure trials before finding happiness. Jupiter's appearance in Posthumus's vision, promising a happy resolution, explicitly introduces the idea that a higher power guides events toward a just outcome. This divine intervention assures the audience that despite chaos and suffering, an overarching order will ensure wrongs are righted and virtue is rewarded, leading to the play's harmonious conclusion.

“Whom best I love, I cross; to make my gifts / The more enhanced, and most to bless'd, that suffer.”

— Jupiter

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

Disguise

Imogen's cross-dressing as 'Fidele' to escape and survive.

The device of disguise is crucial, primarily through Imogen's transformation into the boy 'Fidele.' This allows her to escape detection, navigate a dangerous world, and interact with characters (like her brothers and the Roman general) in a new capacity, facilitating plot advancement and revealing different facets of her character. It also serves to highlight the theme of appearance versus reality, as her true identity and gender are concealed, leading to mistaken perceptions and dramatic irony. The use of Posthumus's clothes by Cloten also falls under this, leading to his mistaken identity and death.

The Sleeping Potion

A drug inducing a death-like trance, mistaken for poison.

The sleeping potion, mistakenly believed by Pisanio and Imogen to be a restorative medicine (and later by Imogen to be a poison), is a pivotal plot device. It causes Imogen to fall into a death-like trance, leading to her being presumed dead. This allows for dramatic moments of mourning, particularly when she awakens next to Cloten's headless body, believing it to be Posthumus. It heightens the sense of tragedy and confusion, while ultimately providing a temporary, non-fatal solution that allows for the eventual resolution and reunion, characteristic of romance plays.

The Wager

Iachimo's bet on Imogen's chastity, initiating the central conflict.

The wager between Posthumus and Iachimo concerning Imogen's fidelity serves as the primary catalyst for the entire plot. It is a classic device to introduce conflict, driven by Iachimo's cynical challenge to Posthumus's unwavering faith. This bet directly leads to Iachimo's deceitful actions, Posthumus's jealousy and murderous command, and Imogen's subsequent trials. Without this initial challenge, the intricate web of lies, mistaken identities, and suffering would not unfold, making it the foundational element from which the rest of the narrative springs.

Lost Children/Recognition Scene

The abduction and eventual discovery of Cymbeline's sons.

The abduction of Cymbeline's two sons, Guiderius and Arviragus, and their subsequent raising in the wilderness by Belarius, is a key plot device common in romance. It sets up the eventual 'recognition scene' (anagnorisis) at the play's climax, where their true identities are revealed. This device allows for the exploration of themes like nature vs. nurture and divine providence. Their reintroduction into the royal family not only provides a dramatic resolution but also restores the rightful line of succession and brings a sense of completeness and harmony back to the kingdom and Cymbeline's family.

Critical analysis

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Cymbeline is a play by William Shakespeare that tells the story of a British king and his family. It features a secret marriage, betrayal, disguises, and dramatic plot twists, all presented in a fairy tale-like atmosphere.

About the author

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.