Cymbeline
by
William Shakespeare
(Revision Sheet)
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 in England, around 1609–1610
Date
of First Publication:
1623,
in the First Folio
Summary:
Cymbeline
tells the story of Imogen, the faithful wife of Posthumus Leonatus, whose
loyalty is wrongly doubted due to a deceitful bet made by the villain Iachimo.
Imogen flees disguised as a boy, while Posthumus battles jealousy and regret.
The play weaves themes of trust, betrayal, and forgiveness, culminating in a
joyful family reunion and the restoration of order.
Tone:
Varies
from suspenseful and tragic to comic and hopeful, typical of Shakespeare’s
romances.
Setting:
Time:
Ancient Britain during the Roman Empire era (approx. 1st century AD)
Place:
Britain, Rome, and the Welsh mountains
Main
Characters:
Imogen:
The virtuous heroine
Posthumus
Leonatus: Imogen’s husband, whose jealousy drives much of the conflict
Cymbeline:
King of Britain, father of Imogen
Queen:
Cymbeline’s treacherous second wife
Iachimo:
Villain who deceives Posthumus
Pisanio:
Loyal servant to Posthumus and Imogen
Guiderius
and Arviragus: Cymbeline’s lost sons raised in exile
Cloten:
The Queen’s arrogant son
Major
Conflict:
Posthumus’s
unfounded jealousy of Imogen, incited by Iachimo’s lies, leading to Imogen’s
flight and the fracturing of trust.
Plot
Structure:
Rising
Action: Iachimo’s deceit; Posthumus’s cruel accusation; Imogen’s disguise and
escape; political tensions with Rome.
Climax:
Battle where Guiderius kills Cloten; revelation of true identities.
Falling
Action: Family reunions, the Queen’s exposure, and Posthumus’s repentance.
Resolution:
Forgiveness and restoration of social and familial harmony.
Themes:
Jealousy
and Trust: Destructive power of jealousy versus the strength of trust.
Innocence
and Virtue: Imogen’s unwavering purity despite false accusations.
Forgiveness
and Redemption: The play’s ultimate message of mercy.
Appearance
vs. Reality: Disguises and mistaken identities.
Loyalty:
True friendship and devotion versus betrayal.
National
Identity: Britain’s sovereignty and relationship with Rome.
Motifs:
Disguise
and mistaken identity
Dreams
and omens
Loyalty
and betrayal
Surveillance
and spying
Symbols:
The
mole on Imogen’s breast as a sign of fidelity
Imogen’s
disguise (“Fidele”) symbolizing faithfulness
The
letter ordering Imogen’s murder representing misplaced trust
Foreshadowing:
Iachimo’s
wager hints at future deceit
Pisanio’s
loyalty suggests Imogen’s survival
Imogen’s
dreams predict challenges and eventual reunion
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