Cymbeline
by
William Shakespeare
Summary
Act
1 Summary
Scene
1: The Court of Cymbeline
Two
courtiers discuss the recent scandal: Imogen, daughter of King Cymbeline, has
secretly married Posthumus Leonatus, a commoner raised at court. The King is
furious because he wanted Imogen to marry his stepson Cloten, the arrogant son
of the Queen (Cymbeline's second wife). The Queen pretends to support Imogen
but secretly schemes to advance her own son’s power.
Cymbeline
banishes Posthumus from Britain. Before leaving, Posthumus gives Imogen a
bracelet as a token of love, and they tearfully part. Pisanio, Posthumus’s
loyal servant, is left behind to look after Imogen.
Scene
2: The Queen’s Deception
The
Queen reveals her manipulative nature. She pretends to be kind and wise, but
she is cunning and ambitious. She confides in a doctor that she is planning to
poison Pisanio using what she believes is a deadly potion — though the doctor,
suspecting her ill intentions, gives her only a sleeping draught instead.
Scene
3: Imogen’s Loyalty
Imogen
mourns her separation from Posthumus. Pisanio comforts her, assuring her of her
husband's love and loyalty. Imogen remains steadfast in her devotion, despite
being under pressure to accept Cloten.
Scene
4: The Bet in Italy
Now
in Rome, Posthumus is staying with Philario, a friend. At a gathering with
Roman gentlemen, Posthumus boasts about Imogen’s beauty and virtue. Iachimo, a
smooth and devious Italian, bets that he can seduce her and prove her
unfaithful. Posthumus, confident in Imogen’s chastity, foolishly accepts the
bet and agrees that if Iachimo wins, he can have Posthumus’s ring—a precious
token from Imogen.
Scene
5: Iachimo Heads to Britain
Back
at Cymbeline’s court, Cloten complains about Imogen’s continued rejection.
Meanwhile, Iachimo arrives in Britain to begin his plot to trick Imogen and win
the bet. He pretends to be a friend of Posthumus and gains access to her.
Key
Themes in Act 1
Love
and Loyalty – Imogen and Posthumus’s love is sincere but tested.
Deception
and Appearance – The Queen and Iachimo both wear masks of civility.
Honor
and Pride – Posthumus’s pride leads him to accept a dangerous bet.
Act
2 Summary
Scene
1: Cloten's Boastful Rage
Cloten,
angry that Imogen still scorns him, rants arrogantly about his superiority over
Posthumus. He tries to impress others at court with his noble birth, but his
foolishness is evident. When he learns that Posthumus’s servant Pisanio
disrespected him, Cloten vows revenge, though his pride is far greater than his
sense.
Scene
2: Iachimo’s Trick
At
night, Iachimo, hiding in a chest that was delivered to Imogen’s room under the
pretense of containing Roman gifts, sneaks out while she sleeps. He observes
intimate details of her room, her body, and notes a mole on her breast. He also
steals the bracelet that Posthumus had given her. These items will serve as
“proof” of her alleged unfaithfulness when he returns to Rome.
Scene
3: Cloten Tries Again
The
next morning, Cloten continues trying to woo Imogen, but she remains cold and
firm in her rejection. She even says that Posthumus’s meanest garments are more
worthy than Cloten himself, deeply offending him. This insult enrages Cloten
and further fuels his desire for revenge.
Scene
4: Iachimo Lies to Posthumus
Back
in Rome, Iachimo meets Posthumus and falsely claims that he successfully
seduced Imogen. He describes the layout of her room and shows the stolen
bracelet as evidence. Posthumus is heartbroken and furious. Though others are
skeptical, Iachimo’s convincing lies lead Posthumus to believe the worst.
Scene
5: Posthumus’s Bitter Decision
Devastated
by the supposed betrayal, Posthumus sends a letter to Pisanio, instructing him
to take Imogen to a remote place and kill her. Though still in love with her,
he believes she has been unfaithful and chooses vengeance. Meanwhile, Imogen
remains unaware of the dark plans set in motion.
Key
Themes in Act 2
Deception
and Betrayal – Iachimo's trick creates devastating consequences.
Jealousy
and Honor – Posthumus’s pride and wounded honor lead to rash judgment.
Innocence
and Virtue – Imogen remains loyal and pure, though others doubt her.
Act
3 Summary
Scene
1: Political Tension
At
Cymbeline’s court, a Roman ambassador named Lucius arrives to demand tribute
from Britain. Cymbeline, influenced by his scheming Queen, refuses. He decides
to rebel against Rome, preparing for war. The Queen and Cloten support this
defiance, hoping war will increase their power.
Scene
2: Imogen’s Journey Begins
Pisanio
receives the letter from Posthumus, commanding him to kill Imogen. Distraught,
he takes her into the countryside as directed, but instead of obeying, he shows
her the letter and reveals Posthumus’s belief that she was unfaithful. Imogen
is heartbroken but insists on proving her innocence.
Pisanio
proposes a plan: Imogen will disguise herself as a boy named Fidele and travel
to Milford Haven, where Posthumus is supposedly headed. She agrees, determined
to reunite with him and clarify the misunderstanding. Pisanio gives her a
potion (provided by the Queen, but unknowingly harmless) in case she needs it.
Scene
3: A Mysterious Family in the Mountains
We
are introduced to Belarius, a banished lord, and his two “sons,” Guiderius and
Arviragus. In truth, they are Cymbeline’s stolen sons, kidnapped in their
infancy by Belarius in revenge for his exile. They live in the mountains,
unaware of their royal birth. The young men long for adventure and feel
confined by their secluded life.
Scene
4: Imogen in Disguise
Now
disguised as Fidele, Imogen arrives near Belarius’s cave, weak and lost.
Belarius and the two young men find her and take her in. The brothers feel an
instant bond with this “boy.” Meanwhile, Cloten learns from Pisanio where
Imogen is headed. Furious, he dresses in Posthumus’s clothes and sets off for
Milford Haven, planning to kill Posthumus and rape Imogen.
Scene
5: The Queen’s Madness
Back
at court, the Queen’s evil plans start to fall apart. She becomes increasingly
unhinged, especially as Cloten has gone missing. Cymbeline is distressed over
his daughter's disappearance and the threat of war. The Queen’s health and
sanity begin to decline.
Key
Themes in Act 3
Exile
and Identity – The hidden identities of Cymbeline’s sons begin to surface.
Disguise
and Gender – Imogen’s disguise as Fidele is central to her survival and
journey.
Loyalty
vs. Deception – Pisanio’s loyalty contrasts with the lies that surround
Posthumus and Imogen.
Fate
and Providence – Unexpected meetings (Imogen and her lost brothers) hint at
divine orchestration.
Act
4 Summary
Scene
1: Cloten’s Evil Plan
Cloten,
dressed in Posthumus’s clothes, reaches the wilderness near Milford Haven,
still planning to kill Posthumus and assault Imogen. He brags arrogantly about
his plan, thinking that once Imogen sees him in Posthumus’s clothes, she’ll
regret her love for her husband. Cloten heads toward the cave where Imogen
(disguised as Fidele) is staying with Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus.
Scene
2: Death and Grief in the Wilderness
Guiderius
and Cloten confront each other outside the cave. After a fierce verbal
exchange, Guiderius kills Cloten and, unaware of his royal identity or purpose,
beheads him.
Meanwhile,
Imogen, feeling ill, takes the potion given to her by Pisanio (actually a
sleeping draught). Believing she is dead, Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus
mourn the "boy" they’ve grown fond of and lay her beside Cloten’s
headless body (still wearing Posthumus’s clothes).
When
Imogen wakes, she sees the headless corpse in her husband’s clothes and
believes Posthumus is dead. Grief-stricken, she is found by Lucius, the Roman
general, and—still in disguise—becomes his servant, now traveling with the
Roman army.
Scene
3: War Approaches
Back
at Cymbeline’s court, Cymbeline prepares for war against the Romans. He has
lost touch with Imogen and Cloten. The Queen is growing ill and raving, and
Cymbeline faces emotional and political chaos.
Scene
4: Posthumus’s Change of Heart
Posthumus,
now part of the British army, regrets ordering Imogen’s death. He realizes he
was wrong to believe Iachimo’s lies. He wishes for death in battle to atone for
his actions. Disguised as a poor soldier, he fights heroically for Britain
alongside Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus (also fighting incognito).
Key
Themes in Act 4
Mistaken
Identity – Imogen believes Posthumus is dead when she sees Cloten’s headless
body in his clothes.
Redemption
and Guilt – Posthumus begins to feel remorse and seeks redemption through
sacrifice.
Death
and Resurrection – Imogen’s apparent death and return to life mirror spiritual
themes.
Loyalty
and Brotherhood – The bond among Belarius and the two boys grows, even as
truths remain hidden.
Act
5 Summary
Scene
1: Posthumus Seeks Death
Posthumus,
guilt-ridden over believing that Imogen was unfaithful and ordering her death,
now wants to die in battle to atone. He bravely fights for Britain in disguise
during the war against the Romans, and helps Cymbeline escape capture. After
the victory, he changes into Roman clothes, hoping to be mistaken for the enemy
and executed.
Scene
2: Heroism in Battle
A
fierce battle takes place. Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus, all still in
disguise, fight valiantly and help turn the tide in Britain’s favor. Their
actions save the King, though their identities remain unknown. The war ends
with Britain victorious.
Scene
3: The Spirit Visit and Divine Dream
Posthumus
is captured, now dressed as a Roman. In prison, he dreams of his dead family
members, who pray to Jupiter. The god appears and declares that suffering will
lead to joy and that truth will soon be revealed. Posthumus awakens with new
hope.
Scene
4: The Queen’s Death
Back
at court, it’s revealed that the Queen has died. Before her death, she
confessed her evil intentions: she never loved Cymbeline, planned to poison
Imogen, and only wanted the throne for Cloten. Cymbeline is shocked but
relieved to be free of her.
Scene
5: All is Revealed
In a
grand final scene, all characters come together and truths unravel:
Lucius,
the Roman general, asks for mercy for his loyal page—who turns out to be Imogen
in disguise. She reveals herself and her innocence.
Iachimo
confesses his deceit and admits he lied about Imogen’s unfaithfulness.
Posthumus,
overwhelmed, begs forgiveness, and he and Imogen are joyfully reunited.
Pisanio
is praised for his loyalty.
Belarius
reveals that Guiderius and Arviragus are actually Cymbeline’s long-lost sons,
stolen years ago. Cymbeline embraces them with joy.
Guiderius
admits he killed Cloten, and Cymbeline forgives him since Cloten had evil
intentions.
Peace
is restored. Cymbeline pardons the Romans and agrees to pay tribute to Rome
again, restoring diplomatic harmony.
Key
Themes in Act 5
Truth
and Reconciliation – Lies are exposed, identities are revealed, and justice is
served.
Forgiveness
– Many characters are forgiven, showing grace and redemption.
Divine
Providence – Jupiter’s intervention suggests fate or divine will guiding
events.
Happy
Restoration – Families are reunited, love is restored, and peace returns.
The
play ends with harmony and joy, as Cymbeline declares peace with Rome and
embraces his reunited family.
Full
Book Summary
Setting:
Ancient
Britain, during the time of the Roman Empire.
Act
1: Forbidden Love and a Dangerous Wager
King
Cymbeline of Britain has a daughter, Imogen, who has secretly married a
commoner, Posthumus Leonatus, rather than the Queen’s foolish son Cloten. The
enraged king banishes Posthumus to Italy. In Rome, Posthumus boasts of Imogen’s
purity, which prompts a cunning Italian, Iachimo, to bet that he can seduce
her. Posthumus agrees. Iachimo travels to Britain, fails to tempt Imogen, but
deceives Posthumus by stealing her bracelet and describing her bedroom and a
private mole on her skin—convincing Posthumus she was unfaithful.
Act
2: Lies, Rage, and Deadly Orders
Back
in Rome, Iachimo presents false proof. Heartbroken, Posthumus writes to his
servant Pisanio, instructing him to kill Imogen. Meanwhile, Cloten continues to
court Imogen without success, and she insults him by saying she values
Posthumus's lowest garment more than Cloten himself. Cloten swears revenge.
Act
3: Imogen Disguises Herself
Pisanio
refuses to kill Imogen and shows her the letter. She is devastated but agrees
to go into hiding, disguised as a boy named Fidele, hoping to find Posthumus.
She journeys toward Milford Haven, where he is rumored to land. Meanwhile,
Cloten, enraged by her rejection, dons Posthumus’s clothes and follows her,
intending to murder her husband and violate her.
In
the forest, Imogen (as Fidele) is taken in by Belarius, a banished nobleman,
and his two "sons," Guiderius and Arviragus—who are secretly
Cymbeline’s own sons, stolen years earlier by Belarius.
Act
4: Cloten's Death and Imogen’s Mistaken Grief
Cloten
arrives at the cave and is killed in a fight with Guiderius. Imogen, sick,
drinks a potion (given by the Queen and unknowingly a sleeping draught) and
appears dead. The men grieve over her and lay her body beside Cloten’s headless
corpse, still in Posthumus’s clothes. She wakes up, sees the body, and believes
Posthumus is dead.
Soon,
Lucius, a Roman general, finds “Fidele” and, impressed, makes “him” his page.
Imogen joins the Roman army as war brews between Britain and Rome.
Act
5: War, Revelation, and Reunions
In
the war, Posthumus—now feeling guilty—fights bravely for Britain in disguise,
helping to save the king. Belarius and the boys also fight heroically. Britain
wins. Posthumus allows himself to be arrested, hoping for death.
In
prison, he dreams of his dead family and sees Jupiter, who promises that
everything will work out in time. Meanwhile, the evil Queen dies, confessing
all her wicked plots. In a grand final scene, all secrets come out:
Imogen
reveals herself.
Iachimo
confesses his lies.
Posthumus
begs forgiveness, and they are reunited.
Guiderius
and Arviragus are revealed as Cymbeline’s lost sons.
Cloten’s
death is accepted as just.
Cymbeline,
touched by everything, forgives all and agrees to renew peace with Rome.
Conclusion:
Cymbeline
ends in harmony. Wrongs are righted, families are reunited, and love and
forgiveness triumph. The play combines tragedy, comedy, and romance, showing
Shakespeare’s fascination with redemption, disguise, and divine providence.
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