Cymbeline
What is Cymbeline about?
King Cymbeline had plans to arrange the marriage between his daughter Imogen and his son-in-law Cloten. Instead, she secretly marries Posthumus Leonatus, a poor gentleman. Before Cymbeline banishes Posthumus, Imogen is gifted a beautiful bracelet that she vows never to remove, while Posthumus is given an expensive ring. While on his way to Rome, Posthumus meets Iachimo, who is heading to Britain, and the two make a bet: If Iachimo can seduce Imogen and provide proof of her adultery, Posthumus must hand over his ring. Cymbeline is set in pre-Roman Britain during the 1st century AD. The plot is inspired by the story of King Cunobeline, most likely sourced from Holinshed’s Chronicles . Shakespeare also drew from other sources; Boccaccio’s Decameron tells of a similar wager involving hiding in a trunk. This Standard Ebooks edition is based on William George Clark and William Aldis Wright’s 1887 Victoria edition, which is taken from the Globe edition.
Main themes in Cymbeline
Fidelity and testing
Cymbeline thoughtfully explores fidelity and testing through its central conflicts.
Britain and Rome
In Cymbeline, britain and rome provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Appearance versus reality
The presence of appearance versus reality in Cymbeline connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Forgiveness and reunion
In Cymbeline, forgiveness and reunion provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Why Cymbeline is still relevant today
Cymbeline blends fairy tale, Roman history, and pastoral romance into Shakespeare's most elaborately plotted play. Its heroine Imogen, praised by many as Shakespeare's most admirable woman, endures trials including false accusation and attempted murder before reuniting with her husband. The play's celebration of Britain and complex redemption narrative made it popular in the 19th century.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cymbeline about?
Imogen, daughter of British King Cymbeline, secretly marries Posthumus, who is banished. A villain tricks Posthumus into believing Imogen unfaithful, leading to attempted murder. Meanwhile, Cymbeline's lost sons are discovered, Rome invades, and all is resolved in an elaborate final scene.
When is Cymbeline set?
Cymbeline is set in ancient Britain during Augustus Caesar's reign, blending Romano-British history with Italian Renaissance settings and fairy tale elements. The anachronistic mix is typical of Shakespeare's romances.
Who is Imogen in Cymbeline?
Imogen is Cymbeline's daughter, often considered Shakespeare's most admirable heroine. She remains faithful despite slander, survives murder attempts, and disguises herself as a boy to find her husband. Her constancy anchors the play's complex plot.
Is Cymbeline hard to follow?
Cymbeline has one of Shakespeare's most intricate plots, with multiple storylines converging in a famous final scene featuring over twenty revelations. Reading carefully or watching attentively rewards patience with a satisfying resolution.