Cymbeline
by
William Shakespeare
(KEY Points)
Full
Title:
Cymbeline
Author:
William
Shakespeare
Type
of Work:
Play
(Drama)
Genre:
Romance
/ Tragicomedy / Historical Play
Language:
Early
Modern English
Time
and Place Written:
Likely
written between 1609 and 1610 in England
Date
of First Publication:
Published
in the First Folio in 1623
Publisher:
Published
by Edward Blount and William Jaggard (First Folio publishers)
In-Depth
Facts:
Cymbeline
is often classified as one of Shakespeare’s late romances, blending tragic,
comic, and fantastic elements.
It
draws loosely on British history and Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia Regum
Britanniae but is not historically accurate.
The
play explores complex themes of innocence, jealousy, loyalty, and national
identity.
It
features disguise, mistaken identity, and dramatic irony typical of
Shakespearean romance.
Despite
its rich storytelling, Cymbeline was not as popular in Shakespeare’s time
compared to other plays but has gained appreciation for its emotional depth and
complexity.
Tone:
The
tone shifts between suspenseful, tragic, comedic, and hopeful.
It
moves from dark jealousy and betrayal to joyful reconciliation and forgiveness.
Setting
(Time):
Set
in a semi-legendary ancient Britain, roughly around the time of the Roman
Empire’s influence (1st century AD).
Setting
(Place):
Primarily
in the Kingdom of Britain, with scenes in Rome and the Welsh mountains.
Protagonist:
Imogen
(Innogen), the virtuous and faithful wife of Posthumus Leonatus
Major
Conflict:
Posthumus’s
jealousy and mistrust of Imogen, fueled by Iachimo’s deceit, leading to false
accusations and Imogen’s flight.
Rising
Action:
Iachimo’s
deceitful spying on Imogen
Posthumus’s
cruel accusations and order to kill Imogen
Imogen’s
escape disguised as “Fidele”
The
political tension with Rome and Cymbeline’s sons in exile
Climax:
The
battle where Guiderius kills Cloten and Imogen’s true identity is revealed
Falling
Action:
Cymbeline’s
reconciliation with his sons and family
The
exposure and punishment of the Queen
Posthumus’s
repentance and reunion with Imogen
Themes:
Jealousy
and Trust
Innocence
and Virtue
Forgiveness
and Redemption
Appearance
vs. Reality
National
Identity and Loyalty
The
Power of Love and Loyalty
Motifs:
Disguise
and Mistaken Identity
Dreams
and Omens
Spying
and Surveillance
Loyalty
and Betrayal
Nature
and the Supernatural
Symbols:
The
mole on Imogen’s breast (proof of fidelity/trust)
Imogen’s
disguise as “Fidele” (faithfulness and survival)
The
Garden of Cymbeline’s palace (innocence and lost paradise)
The
letter ordering Imogen’s death (misplaced authority and betrayal)
Foreshadowing:
Iachimo’s
bet foreshadows the coming conflict and tragedy through deception
Pisanio’s
loyalty foreshadows Imogen’s survival and protection
The
dream Imogen has foreshadows her difficult journey and eventual reunion
The
tension between Britain and Rome foreshadows the battle and resolution of
political conflict
){kind=link}
0 Comments