Cymbeline - William Shakespeare

Summary

Cymbeline tells the story of Imogen, the virtuous daughter of King Cymbeline of Britain. She secretly marries Posthumus Leonatus, an orphaned gentleman raised at court, defying her father's wishes for her to marry his stepson, Cloten. Enraged, Cymbeline banishes Posthumus. In Italy, Posthumus boasts of Imogen's fidelity, leading to a wager with the cunning Iachimo, who bets he can corrupt her. Iachimo fails to seduce Imogen but gains access to her bedchamber by trickery, stealing a bracelet and noting details of her room and body to convince Posthumus of her infidelity.

Heartbroken and enraged, Posthumus orders his servant Pisanio to kill Imogen. Pisanio, loyal to Imogen, helps her escape by feigning her death and giving her a sleeping potion, advising her to disguise herself as a boy, Fidele. Imogen, disguised, wanders into a cave inhabited by Belarius, an old nobleman unjustly banished by Cymbeline, and his two "sons," Guiderius and Arviragus, who are unknowingly Cymbeline's long-lost sons, kidnapped by Belarius in revenge.

Meanwhile, Rome demands tribute from Britain, which Cymbeline, instigated by his Queen, refuses, leading to war. Cloten, seeking revenge on Imogen, follows her into the wilderness but is killed by Guiderius. Imogen, taking the sleeping potion, appears dead and is mourned by the cave dwellers alongside Cloten's headless body. She is later found by the Roman general Caius Lucius and taken into his service as a page.

During the war, Posthumus, regretting his hasty judgment, returns to Britain disguised as a common soldier to fight for his country. He, along with Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus, fights heroically and turns the tide of the battle against the Romans. In the aftermath, a series of revelations unfolds: Iachimo confesses his deceit, Imogen reveals her identity, the wicked Queen dies, Pisanio reveals the Queen's true nature, and Belarius reveals that Guiderius and Arviragus are Cymbeline's sons. Posthumus and Imogen are reconciled, and Cymbeline, joyfully reunited with his children, makes peace with Rome, promising tribute.

Book Sections

Section 1: The Banishment and the Wager

King Cymbeline of Britain is enraged because his virtuous daughter, Imogen, has secretly married Posthumus Leonatus, an orphaned gentleman raised at court, instead of his boorish stepson, Cloten (son of the wicked Queen). Cymbeline banishes Posthumus, who leaves Britain for Italy. Before Posthumus departs, Imogen gives him a ring, and he gives her a bracelet as tokens of their love. The Queen pretends to be kind to Posthumus and Imogen but secretly plots against them and promotes Cloten's interests. Imogen is heartbroken by Posthumus's banishment and her father's anger.

In Italy, Posthumus meets Iachimo, an Italian nobleman, who challenges Posthumus's extravagant claims about Imogen's unparalleled virtue and chastity. Iachimo wagers that he can travel to Britain and seduce Imogen, proving her unfaithful. Posthumus, confident in Imogen's fidelity, accepts the wager, betting his ring against a substantial sum of money.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Cymbeline	King of Britain, stubborn, easily swayed by his wife, initially harsh but ultimately just.	Maintain royal authority, secure a political marriage for his daughter with Cloten, avenge perceived defiance.
Imogen	Virtuous, intelligent, loyal, resilient, deeply in love with Posthumus.	Remain faithful to Posthumus, navigate her father's displeasure, uphold her honor.
Posthumus Leonatus	Honorable, brave, but also impulsive, prone to jealousy and rage when provoked.	Marry for love, maintain his honor, defend Imogen's virtue, later seek revenge for perceived betrayal.
The Queen	Cunning, manipulative, ambitious, deceitful, wicked.	Further her son Cloten's advancement, gain power, potentially usurp the throne for her lineage.
Cloten	Boorish, arrogant, foolish, obsessed with marrying Imogen, easily manipulated.	Marry Imogen to become king, satisfy his vanity, harass Posthumus.
Iachimo	Cunning, cynical, manipulative, charming but deceitful.	Prove his skeptical view of female chastity, win the wager against Posthumus, perhaps for financial gain or mere sport.
Pisanio	Loyal servant to Posthumus and deeply devoted to Imogen, honorable.	Serve his masters faithfully, protect Imogen.

Section 2: The Deception and the Evidence

Iachimo travels to Britain and attempts to seduce Imogen. He tries to win her over with flattering words, gifts, and subtle innuendos, suggesting Posthumus is unfaithful. However, Imogen rebuffs his advances and remains steadfastly loyal to her husband. Frustrated by her virtue, Iachimo resorts to trickery. He fabricates a story about wanting to store a valuable trunk in Imogen's bedchamber overnight for safekeeping before returning to Italy. Imogen, unsuspecting, agrees.

During the night, Iachimo emerges from the trunk. He does not attempt to physically assault Imogen but instead meticulously observes her room. He notes specific details: a mole on her breast, a bracelet on her arm (the one Posthumus gave her), and the intricate details of her bedchamber decorations. He then steals the bracelet from her arm. Satisfied that he has enough "proof" to convince Posthumus of her infidelity, he returns to Italy, leaving Imogen's honor intact but her future imperiled.

Section 3: The King's Anger and the Plot Against Imogen

Upon Iachimo's return to Italy, he presents the stolen bracelet and the detailed descriptions of Imogen's room and person to Posthumus. He even describes the mole on her breast, a detail only a lover would know. Posthumus, completely convinced by Iachimo's fabricated evidence, is consumed by jealousy and rage. He believes Imogen has betrayed him and falls into despair, vowing revenge.

In his fury, Posthumus writes a letter to his loyal servant, Pisanio, instructing him to take Imogen to Milford Haven, a secluded spot, and murder her. He also sends a separate letter to Imogen, asking her to meet him there, thus luring her into the trap. Posthumus's judgment is completely clouded by his pain and anger.

Meanwhile, news arrives in Britain that the Roman Emperor demands tribute from Cymbeline, which has been unpaid for years. Cymbeline, influenced by his Queen, who hates Rome, decides to refuse the tribute, setting Britain on a collision course with the mighty Roman Empire. Caius Lucius is introduced as the Roman ambassador who delivers the demand and later becomes the general of the invading Roman forces.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Caius Lucius	Roman General, honorable, stern but fair, representative of Roman authority.	Enforce Roman law and tribute, lead the Roman army in the invasion of Britain.
Posthumus	Now consumed by jealousy and a desire for revenge, driven by Iachimo's deceit.	Avenge the perceived betrayal of Imogen, reclaim his honor, blinded by rage.
The Queen	Continues to manipulate Cymbeline, pushing for war with Rome.	Maintain her influence over the King, promote her son's status, resist external authority.

Section 4: Imogen's Flight and Disguise

Pisanio receives Posthumus's letter ordering Imogen's death. He takes Imogen to Milford Haven, as instructed, but when she eagerly awaits her husband, he reveals Posthumus's terrible command and the false accusations against her. Imogen is devastated but refuses to believe she is guilty. Pisanio, unable to kill her due to his loyalty and love for her goodness, devises a plan. He gives her a male disguise, a letter from Posthumus (a fabricated one), and a box containing what he believes to be a healing cordial (but which was actually a powerful sleeping drug given to him by the Queen for nefarious purposes, mistakenly believing it to be a deadly poison). He advises her to flee, adopt the name Fidele, and seek service as a page. Imogen, heartbroken but resolute, agrees.

Wandering alone in the wilderness, Imogen, as Fidele, discovers a cave and cautiously enters. There she encounters Belarius, an old nobleman unjustly banished by Cymbeline twenty years prior, and his two "sons," Guiderius and Arviragus. Unbeknownst to them, these two young men are actually Cymbeline's own sons, who Belarius kidnapped in infancy to spite the King for his unjust banishment. Belarius has raised them in the wild, teaching them to hunt and live simply, while preserving their noble bearing. They welcome Fidele into their simple home, appreciating her gentle nature.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Pisanio	Still loyal, but now actively defying Posthumus's murderous command to save Imogen, showing great moral courage.	Protect Imogen's life and honor, remain faithful to his moral compass despite conflicting orders.
Fidele (Imogen in disguise)	Resilient, resourceful, adaptable, maintaining her virtue and dignity despite immense hardship.	Survive, clear her name, understand Posthumus's actions, find justice.
Belarius	Old, exiled nobleman, wise, fiercely protective of his "sons," carries a long-standing grudge against Cymbeline.	Care for and raise Guiderius and Arviragus (Cymbeline's sons, whom he kidnapped out of revenge), maintain their simple life, avoid detection, reconcile with his past grievances.
Guiderius	One of Cymbeline's lost sons, raised wild, brave, strong, spirited, somewhat rebellious against their secluded life.	Live freely, prove his strength, challenge authority (Belarius's), seek a more adventurous life.
Arviragus	The other lost son, more gentle, contemplative, and sensitive than Guiderius, also yearns for a life beyond the cave.	Live peacefully, support his brother, explore the world, longs for understanding and connection.

Section 5: War and Accidental Poisoning

Cloten, still obsessed with Imogen and seeking revenge on Posthumus, follows her trail to Milford Haven. He obtains Posthumus's old clothes from Pisanio (who gave them to him to get rid of him) and intends to confront Imogen while dressed as her banished husband, hoping to rape her. He stumbles upon the cave and encounters Guiderius. A fierce argument ensues, leading to a duel in which Guiderius, offended by Cloten's arrogance, kills him and decapitates his body.

Meanwhile, the Roman invasion force, led by Caius Lucius, lands in Britain. Imogen, still disguised as Fidele, feeling unwell and exhausted, takes the drug Pisanio gave her, believing it to be a healing cordial. It is, in fact, the Queen's powerful sleeping potion. She falls into a deep, death-like trance. Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus find Fidele seemingly dead alongside Cloten's headless body. They mourn her deeply, believing she has died of illness. They place her body beside Cloten's in a cave, covering them with flowers, and recite a beautiful lament.

Later, Caius Lucius and his Roman soldiers discover the bodies. Assuming Fidele is a young male soldier, Lucius is moved by her apparent youth and peaceful "death." He orders his soldiers to bury Cloten but takes "Fidele" into his service as a page, believing her a promising youth. Imogen, still in her trance, is thus unknowingly rescued by the enemy general.

Section 6: The Battle and Posthumus's Regret

The war between Britain and Rome intensifies. Posthumus, filled with remorse for ordering Imogen's death, returns to Britain. He is conflicted, fighting initially on the Roman side but then, in a dramatic change of heart and filled with patriotism and guilt, dons the disguise of a common British soldier. He fights valiantly, driven by a desire to die honorably and avenge his country, even as he seeks a penance for his imagined crime against Imogen.

In a key moment of the battle, the tide turns when three unknown men – Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus – fight with extraordinary courage and skill. They hold a narrow pass against overwhelming Roman forces, allowing the retreating British army to regroup. Cymbeline himself, along with Lucius, is almost captured, but the "three peasants" save them. Posthumus, in his common soldier disguise, also fights heroically, helping to secure a British victory.

Despite the British triumph, Posthumus feels immense guilt. He discards his British disguise and puts on Roman attire, wishing to be captured and executed, hoping this will be his atonement for Imogen's perceived death. He is indeed captured by the British forces.

Section 7: The Revelations and Reconciliation

In the final scene, all the major surviving characters are brought before Cymbeline. Caius Lucius, as a captive, presents his page, Fidele (Imogen), who now speaks up, asking for justice for her former master. Fidele points to Iachimo as the source of her troubles, triggering his confession. Iachimo, seeing the stolen bracelet on Imogen's arm (which he had presented to Posthumus as proof, and which Imogen had retrieved), is compelled to confess his entire deceitful wager and trickery to Imogen, Posthumus, and the court.

Posthumus, hearing Iachimo's confession and realizing Imogen's innocence and his grave error, is overwhelmed with remorse. He steps forward, reveals his identity, and begs Imogen's forgiveness. Imogen, overjoyed to find him alive and repentant, reveals her true identity as the King's daughter.

Further revelations follow: Pisanio testifies about the Queen's wickedness, her plots, and her death by illness, where she confessed all her villainies. Belarius, recognizing the moment for truth, reveals that Guiderius and Arviragus are not his sons but Cymbeline's own lost sons, showing the King a mole that proves their royal lineage. Cymbeline is overjoyed to be reunited with all three of his children. Guiderius also confesses to killing Cloten, but Cymbeline pardons him, acknowledging Cloten's despicable character.

Finally, Cymbeline, in a spirit of forgiveness and joy, pardons Iachimo and the captured Roman general Caius Lucius. He makes peace with Rome, agreeing to pay the long-overdue tribute, but as a sign of goodwill, not submission. The play ends with widespread reconciliation, forgiveness, and the promise of a peaceful future.

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Literary Genre

Cymbeline is classified as a romance or tragicomedy. It shares characteristics with tragedies (banishment, false death, war, villainy) but ultimately culminates in a happy ending with reunion, forgiveness, and resolution, typical of romance plays. It also has elements of history play (set in ancient Britain), pastoral (the life in the cave), and fairytale.

Author Facts

• William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.
• He was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England.
• He wrote approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems.
• His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
• Shakespeare was a key member and part-owner of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a theatrical company that later became the King's Men, which built the Globe Theatre in London.

Moral of the Book

The moral of Cymbeline emphasizes:

• The danger of unfounded jealousy and hasty judgment: Posthumus's quick belief in Iachimo's lies leads to immense suffering for himself and Imogen.
• The power of virtue and fidelity: Imogen's steadfast loyalty and integrity ultimately prevail against deception and adversity.
• Forgiveness and reconciliation: Despite numerous wrongs, the play concludes with a spirit of forgiveness and the restoration of harmony, suggesting that true peace comes from letting go of grudges and seeking understanding.
• The triumph of good over evil: The wicked Queen and Cloten meet their demise, while the virtuous characters are rewarded.
• The importance of truth: Lies and deceit create chaos, while truth, though sometimes painful, leads to resolution and healing.

Curiosities of the Book

• Genre Blending: Cymbeline is often noted for its remarkable blend of genres, incorporating elements of Roman history, British legend, Italianate romance, pastoral drama, and even touches of fairytale and melodrama. This makes it one of Shakespeare's most eclectic plays.
• Source Material: Shakespeare drew from various sources for Cymbeline, including Holinshed's Chronicles for the historical setting and a tale from Boccaccio's Decameron (specifically the story of Ambrogiuolo and Ginevra) for the wager plot concerning Imogen's chastity.
• "Problem Play" Status: For a long time, Cymbeline was considered one of Shakespeare's "problem plays" because its complex plot, shifting tones, and often improbable coincidences made it difficult for critics to categorize or fully appreciate. However, modern interpretations often embrace its unique theatricality and complexity.
• Imogen's Strength: Imogen is often praised as one of Shakespeare's most resilient and resourceful heroines, embodying strength, intelligence, and unwavering virtue even in the face of extreme hardship. Her disguise as Fidele is a classic Shakespearean trope.
• The God Jupiter's Appearance: In Act 5, Scene 4, Jupiter descends from the heavens in a vision to Posthumus. This is one of the few instances of a god directly intervening in a Shakespearean play, a common feature in classical Greek and Roman drama but rare for Shakespeare.
• Late Romance: Cymbeline is one of Shakespeare's late romances, written around 1609-1610, alongside Pericles, The Winter's Tale, and The Tempest. These plays are characterized by themes of loss and recovery, separation and reunion, magic, and ultimate reconciliation.