Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Romantic, dramatic, fantastical, ultimately redemptive
Cymbeline Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Secret Marriage and Royal Displeasure
King Cymbeline of Britain, a widower, had two sons, Guiderius and Arviragus, who were abducted as infants. His only remaining child, Imogen, secretly married Posthumus Leonatus, an orphaned gentleman Cymbeline raised and respected. This union angered Cymbeline, who wanted Imogen to marry Cloten, the crude son of his current wife, the Queen. Cymbeline banished Posthumus. The Queen, pretending kindness, offered Imogen a sleeping potion, calling it a restorative. Posthumus, heartbroken, left for Rome, while Imogen remained upset, enduring her father's anger and Cloten's unwanted attention.
A Wager of Chastity and Deceit
In Rome, Posthumus was among gentlemen discussing women's virtues. Iachimo, a cynical Italian nobleman, doubted Posthumus's faith in Imogen's chastity. He proposed a wager: he would go to Britain and try to seduce Imogen. If he succeeded, he would win a ring from Posthumus; if he failed, he would pay a large sum. Posthumus, sure of Imogen's virtue, accepted. Iachimo left for Britain, intending to win by any means.
Iachimo's Deception
Iachimo arrived in Britain and tried to charm Imogen, but she rejected him. Frustrated, Iachimo planned. He convinced Imogen to let him store a chest in her bedchamber overnight, saying it held valuable gifts for Caesar. During the night, Iachimo came out of the chest, observed the room, and watched Imogen sleep. He noted details like a mole on her breast and stole Posthumus's bracelet from her arm. He also described her bedchamber, intending to use these details as 'proof' of his supposed seduction to win the wager.
Posthumus's Rage and Orders
Iachimo returned to Rome and showed his false evidence to Posthumus: the stolen bracelet, details of Imogen's bedroom, and the mole on her breast. Posthumus, devastated and jealous, believed Iachimo's lies. Angry at what he saw as Imogen's betrayal, he sent a letter to his loyal servant Pisanio, ordering him to take Imogen to Milford Haven, murder her, and send him a bloody token as proof. Posthumus's love turned to hatred, driven by Iachimo's deception.
Pisanio's Compassion and Imogen's Escape
Pisanio, shocked by Posthumus's cruel order, took Imogen to Milford Haven. Unable to kill her, he revealed Posthumus's letter and Iachimo's deceit. Imogen, heartbroken but strong, decided to run away. Pisanio, out of loyalty, advised her to disguise herself as a boy and seek service with Lucius, the Roman general preparing to invade Britain. He gave her a box he thought contained restorative medicine from the Queen, unaware it held a powerful sleeping potion. Imogen, disguised as 'Fidele,' went into the wilderness.
Imogen Discovers Her Brothers
Lost and tired, Imogen (as Fidele) found a cave inhabited by Belarius, an exiled nobleman, and his two sons, Guiderius and Arviragus. Unknown to anyone, Guiderius and Arviragus were Cymbeline's lost sons, abducted by Belarius for revenge after his unjust banishment. Belarius raised them in the wilderness, teaching them hunting and survival. They welcomed 'Fidele,' charmed by her gentle nature. Imogen found comfort and a sense of family with these men, unaware of their true identities or her close family connection to them.
The Queen's Plot and Cloten's Pursuit
The Queen, believing Imogen was alive, continued her schemes, hoping to secure the throne for Cloten. She gave Pisanio a strong poison, disguised as medicine, which Pisanio gave to Imogen. Meanwhile, Cloten, still wanting Imogen and revenge for her rejection, learned of Posthumus's banishment and Imogen's departure for Milford Haven. He got a suit of Posthumus's clothes from Pisanio, intending to wear them, find Imogen, assault her, and then kill Posthumus while disguised as him.
Cloten's Demise and Imogen's Trance
Cloten, disguised in Posthumus's clothes, confronted Guiderius in the wilderness. Cloten insulted Guiderius and challenged him to a fight, boasting of his royal birth. Guiderius, unaware of Cloten's identity but angered by his arrogance, killed and decapitated him. Shortly after, Imogen, feeling unwell, took the sleeping potion Pisanio gave her, thinking it was a restorative. She fell into a deep, death-like trance. Belarius and her brothers found her seemingly lifeless body, placing it next to Cloten's headless corpse, mistakenly believing both were dead.
The Roman Invasion and Battle
Lucius, the Roman general, landed in Britain with his forces, including Iachimo. Posthumus, filled with regret for his hasty order against Imogen, joined the Roman army, intending to die in battle. However, his conscience troubled him, and he decided to fight for Britain. The battle began, with the British initially losing. During the chaos, Posthumus, disguised as a common soldier, fought bravely alongside Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus. Their combined courage turned the tide, leading to a British victory against the Romans, despite being outnumbered.
The Discovery of Identities and Jupiter's Vision
Imogen awoke from her trance beside Cloten's headless body, still wearing Posthumus's clothes. Believing it was Posthumus, she grieved deeply. The Roman general Lucius later found her, and impressed by 'Fidele's' spirit, took her into his service as a page. Meanwhile, Posthumus, having fought bravely for Britain, was captured by the British and imprisoned. In his cell, he had a vivid dream of his deceased family and the god Jupiter, who assured him that his troubles would end happily and all wrongs would be corrected.
The Grand Revelation and Reconciliation
In a final scene, all the main characters were brought before Cymbeline. Imogen, still disguised as Fidele, exposed Iachimo's treachery, leading to his confession. Posthumus, seeing this, rushed forward, revealing his identity and his regret. Cymbeline discovered that Belarius was innocent and that Guiderius and Arviragus were his lost sons. The Queen's evil was exposed, and she died. Amidst these revelations, Imogen and Posthumus were joyfully reunited, and Cymbeline reconciled with Belarius and his sons, restoring peace to the kingdom.
A Kingdom Restored and Forgiveness
With all truths revealed and the villains punished (the Queen dead, Cloten killed, Iachimo repentant), Cymbeline felt great joy and relief. He pardoned Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus, embracing his rediscovered sons. He forgave Posthumus and blessed his marriage to Imogen. Cymbeline also granted peace to the defeated Roman general Lucius, choosing to continue paying tribute to Rome, not as a conquered king, but as a voluntary act of friendship. The play ended with harmony, forgiveness, and the restoration of family and political order.
Principal Figures
Imogen
Protagonist
King Cymbeline's virtuous and resilient daughter.
Imogen is the epitome of loyalty, chastity, and steadfast love. Despite her father's disapproval and her husband's unfounded jealousy, she remains true to Posthumus. She endures slander, banishment, and the belief in her husband's death with remarkable fortitude. Her intelligence, courage, and moral integrity are evident as she navigates treacherous situations, disguised as a boy, and ultimately contributes to the unraveling of the deceptions against her. She represents the enduring power of innocence and virtue in the face of adversity.
Relationships: Cymbeline (daughter); Posthumus Leonatus (wife); Cloten (unwanted suitor); Pisanio (loyal servant); Guiderius (brother (unknown)); Arviragus (brother (unknown))
Posthumus Leonatus
Protagonist
Imogen's husband, prone to jealousy and remorse.
Posthumus is an orphaned gentleman raised by Cymbeline, deeply in love with Imogen. He possesses noble qualities but is tragically susceptible to Iachimo's manipulative wager, allowing jealousy to consume him and lead to a rash, murderous command against his innocent wife. His journey is one of profound regret, self-condemnation, and ultimately, redemption. He fights bravely in battle, seeking death, but eventually confronts his errors and is reunited with Imogen, having learned the bitter lesson of trusting false appearances over true love.
Relationships: Imogen (husband); Cymbeline (foster son/son-in-law); Iachimo (rival/wagerer); Pisanio (loyal servant)
Cymbeline
Supporting
King of Britain, easily swayed and initially harsh.
Cymbeline is the King of Britain, a character initially presented as somewhat weak and easily manipulated, particularly by his scheming Queen and her son Cloten. He banishes Posthumus and harshly treats Imogen, blinded by his desire for a politically advantageous marriage. He is a grieving father who believes his sons are lost and his daughter is disobedient. Throughout the play, he suffers from political strife and personal loss, but ultimately, through a series of dramatic revelations, he reclaims his authority, reunites with his family, and shows a capacity for forgiveness and wise governance.
Relationships: Imogen (father); Queen (wife); Cloten (stepson); Guiderius (son (unknown)); Arviragus (son (unknown)); Belarius (former general/abductor of sons)
The Queen
Antagonist
Cymbeline's manipulative and ambitious second wife.
The Queen is a classic Shakespearean villainess, driven by ambition and a desire to see her oafish son, Cloten, on the throne. She manipulates Cymbeline with flattery and feigned kindness, while secretly plotting against Imogen and using poisons to achieve her aims. She is cunning, ruthless, and devoid of genuine affection. Her schemes ultimately unravel, and she dies, confessing her wicked deeds, serving as a foil to the virtues of Imogen and highlighting the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and deceit.
Relationships: Cymbeline (wife); Cloten (son); Imogen (stepdaughter/rival)
Cloten
Antagonist
The Queen's boorish and arrogant son.
Cloten is a crude, arrogant, and foolish character, completely lacking in wit, honor, or charm. He believes himself entitled to Imogen's hand and to the throne, demonstrating a complete lack of self-awareness. His pursuit of Imogen is driven by possessiveness and malice, culminating in his plan to rape her and kill Posthumus while disguised as him. His boorishness and violent tendencies ultimately lead to his demise at the hands of Guiderius, serving as a symbol of corrupt nobility and unearned privilege.
Relationships: Queen (mother); Imogen (unwanted suitor); Cymbeline (stepson)
Iachimo
Antagonist (initially), Supporting (later)
The cynical Italian nobleman who wagers on Imogen's fidelity.
Iachimo is a sophisticated but cynical Italian nobleman, whose pride and misogyny lead him to challenge Posthumus's faith in Imogen's virtue. He employs cunning deception and trickery to win his wager, fabricating evidence of Imogen's infidelity. He is the primary instigator of the play's central conflict and Posthumus's tragic error. However, unlike the Queen and Cloten, Iachimo ultimately shows remorse for his actions and confesses his villainy, contributing to the final resolution and forgiveness.
Relationships: Posthumus Leonatus (rival/wagerer); Imogen (victim of deceit)
Belarius
Supporting
An exiled nobleman who abducted Cymbeline's sons.
Belarius is a loyal nobleman unjustly banished by Cymbeline, who, in revenge, abducted the King's two infant sons, Guiderius and Arviragus. He raises them in a cave, teaching them the virtues of nature and a simple, honest life, instilling in them courage and integrity. Despite his past act of vengeance, he is ultimately a noble and honorable man, deeply protective of his adopted sons. His role is crucial in the battle against the Romans and in the final revelations, leading to his pardon and the restoration of the royal family.
Relationships: Guiderius (foster father); Arviragus (foster father); Cymbeline (former general/king); Imogen (host/protector)
Guiderius
Supporting
Cymbeline's elder lost son, raised in the wild.
Guiderius is Cymbeline's elder son, abducted in infancy and raised by Belarius in the wilderness. He embodies natural nobility, courage, and a fierce sense of honor, untainted by courtly corruption. He chafes under the perceived restrictions of his secluded life, yearning for greater deeds. His strength and impetuousness are highlighted when he kills Cloten, an act of justice against a boorish antagonist. He plays a vital role in the British victory and is ultimately reunited with his true father, Cymbeline, restoring the royal line.
Relationships: Belarius (foster father); Arviragus (brother); Imogen (sister (unknown)); Cymbeline (father (unknown)); Cloten (slayer)
Arviragus
Supporting
Cymbeline's younger lost son, raised in the wild.
Arviragus is Cymbeline's younger son, also abducted and raised by Belarius. He shares his brother's natural nobility and courage but is generally depicted as more gentle and sensitive. He is deeply moved by 'Fidele's' (Imogen's) apparent death, showcasing his compassionate nature. Like Guiderius, he proves his valor in battle, helping to secure the British victory. His reunion with his true father completes the restoration of Cymbeline's family, representing the triumph of natural virtue over the corruptions of the court.
Relationships: Belarius (foster father); Guiderius (brother); Imogen (sister (unknown)); Cymbeline (father (unknown))
Pisanio
Supporting
Posthumus's loyal and compassionate servant.
Pisanio is a model of loyalty and integrity, initially to Posthumus and then, out of deep compassion, to Imogen. Despite receiving a cruel order to murder Imogen, he cannot bring himself to commit the act, instead advising her to flee and providing her with the means to survive. He acts as a moral compass and a crucial aid to Imogen, demonstrating that true faithfulness lies in doing what is right, even when commanded otherwise. His actions are pivotal in ensuring Imogen's survival and the eventual unraveling of the deceptions.
Relationships: Posthumus Leonatus (master); Imogen (protector/confidant); Queen (deceived by)
Themes & Insights
Jealousy and Deception
This theme is central to the play, driving much of the tragic action. Iachimo's deceitful wager, fueled by cynicism, planted seeds of doubt in Posthumus's mind. Posthumus's jealousy, though unfounded, quickly led to murderous rage, showing how easily trust can be broken by false appearances. The Queen's constant deception and manipulation of Cymbeline further highlight the destructive power of treachery, illustrating how lies can corrupt relationships, distort perception, and lead to suffering and chaos within a family and a kingdom.
“O, I should write you down that you were false / To your own bed, and therefore false to 's bed / Wherein he sleeps.”
Appearance vs. Reality
The play explores the difference between how things seem and how they truly are. Imogen's disguise as 'Fidele' allows her to navigate a dangerous world while hiding her identity. Iachimo's fabricated evidence of Imogen's infidelity, based on stolen items and observations of a sleeping woman, convinces Posthumus of a false reality. Cymbeline is similarly misled by his Queen's feigned kindness. The play's resolution depends on revealing these illusions, showing the true identities, loyalties, and virtues hidden by deceit and mistaken perceptions.
“All curses madded Hecuba gave the Greeks, / And mine to boot, be darted on thy head!”
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Despite deep betrayals and serious errors, the play moves towards forgiveness and reconciliation. Cymbeline forgives Belarius for abducting his sons, Posthumus for his rash anger, and even Iachimo for his deceit. The reunion of Imogen and Posthumus, and Cymbeline with his long-lost sons, symbolizes the healing of broken relationships and the restoration of family and political harmony. This theme emphasizes the power of mercy and humanity's ability to overcome past wrongs, leading to renewed peace, typical of Shakespeare's late romances.
“Pardon's the word to all.”
Nature vs. Nurture
This theme is explored through Guiderius and Arviragus. Raised in the wilderness by Belarius, away from court corruption, they still show innate nobility, courage, and virtue, proving their royal lineage through their actions. Their inherent greatness, which appears despite their rustic upbringing, suggests that true nobility is an intrinsic quality that environment cannot suppress. This contrasts with Cloten, who, despite his royal upbringing, remains crude, reinforcing the idea that character is more determined by intrinsic nature than by social conditioning.
“How hard it is to hide the sparks of nature!”
Justice and Divine Intervention
While human actions drive much of the plot, there is a strong sense of cosmic justice and divine oversight. The wicked Queen and Cloten meet their deserved ends, while the virtuous characters endure trials before finding happiness. Jupiter's appearance in Posthumus's vision, promising a happy resolution, explicitly introduces the idea that a higher power guides events toward a just outcome. This divine intervention assures the audience that despite chaos and suffering, an overarching order will ensure wrongs are righted and virtue is rewarded, leading to the play's harmonious conclusion.
“Whom best I love, I cross; to make my gifts / The more enhanced, and most to bless'd, that suffer.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Disguise
Imogen's cross-dressing as 'Fidele' to escape and survive.
The device of disguise is crucial, primarily through Imogen's transformation into the boy 'Fidele.' This allows her to escape detection, navigate a dangerous world, and interact with characters (like her brothers and the Roman general) in a new capacity, facilitating plot advancement and revealing different facets of her character. It also serves to highlight the theme of appearance versus reality, as her true identity and gender are concealed, leading to mistaken perceptions and dramatic irony. The use of Posthumus's clothes by Cloten also falls under this, leading to his mistaken identity and death.
The Sleeping Potion
A drug inducing a death-like trance, mistaken for poison.
The sleeping potion, mistakenly believed by Pisanio and Imogen to be a restorative medicine (and later by Imogen to be a poison), is a pivotal plot device. It causes Imogen to fall into a death-like trance, leading to her being presumed dead. This allows for dramatic moments of mourning, particularly when she awakens next to Cloten's headless body, believing it to be Posthumus. It heightens the sense of tragedy and confusion, while ultimately providing a temporary, non-fatal solution that allows for the eventual resolution and reunion, characteristic of romance plays.
The Wager
Iachimo's bet on Imogen's chastity, initiating the central conflict.
The wager between Posthumus and Iachimo concerning Imogen's fidelity serves as the primary catalyst for the entire plot. It is a classic device to introduce conflict, driven by Iachimo's cynical challenge to Posthumus's unwavering faith. This bet directly leads to Iachimo's deceitful actions, Posthumus's jealousy and murderous command, and Imogen's subsequent trials. Without this initial challenge, the intricate web of lies, mistaken identities, and suffering would not unfold, making it the foundational element from which the rest of the narrative springs.
Lost Children/Recognition Scene
The abduction and eventual discovery of Cymbeline's sons.
The abduction of Cymbeline's two sons, Guiderius and Arviragus, and their subsequent raising in the wilderness by Belarius, is a key plot device common in romance. It sets up the eventual 'recognition scene' (anagnorisis) at the play's climax, where their true identities are revealed. This device allows for the exploration of themes like nature vs. nurture and divine providence. Their reintroduction into the royal family not only provides a dramatic resolution but also restores the rightful line of succession and brings a sense of completeness and harmony back to the kingdom and Cymbeline's family.
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the genre of Shakespeare's "Cymbeline" as described?
- Tragedy
- Comedy
- Historical Fiction
- Romance
Show answer
C. Historical Fiction The text explicitly states that "Cymbeline" is of the genre Historical Fiction.
Question 2
Who is the main British king in the play "Cymbeline"?
- Lear
- Cymbeline
- Henry VIII
- Hamlet
Show answer
B. Cymbeline The text introduces the play by stating, 'Cymbeline tells the story of a British king, Cymbeline...'
Question 3
What event triggers much of the action in "Cymbeline"?
- A royal decree
- A foreign invasion
- The secret marriage of Cymbeline's daughter
- A prophecy of doom
Show answer
C. The secret marriage of Cymbeline's daughter The description mentions, 'The secret marriage of Cymbeline’s daughter, Imogen, triggers much of the action...'
Question 4
Which of the following elements is NOT mentioned as part of the action in "Cymbeline"?
- Villainous slander
- Homicidal jealousy
- A political coup
- Cross-gender disguise
Show answer
C. A political coup The text lists 'villainous slander, homicidal jealousy, cross-gender disguise, a deathlike trance, and the appearance of Jupiter in a vision.' A political coup is not mentioned.
Question 5
What unusual element appears in a vision during the play?
- A ghost
- Jupiter
- An oracle
- A dragon
Show answer
B. Jupiter The description states, '...and the appearance of Jupiter in a vision.'
Question 6
The play "Cymbeline" is compared to which other Shakespearean works for its improbable story lifted into a nearly mythic realm?
- Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth
- King Lear, Othello
- The Winter's Tale, The Tempest
- A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night
Show answer
C. The Winter's Tale, The Tempest The text says, 'Like some of Shakespeare’s other late work—especially The Winter’s Tale and The Tempest—it is an improbable story lifted into a nearly mythic realm.'
Question 7
The description of "Cymbeline" mentions it displays unusually powerful emotions with a tremendous charge. This suggests the play is characterized by:
- Subtle emotional nuance
- Restrained emotional expression
- Intense and impactful emotionality
- A lack of emotional depth
Show answer
C. Intense and impactful emotionality The phrases 'unusually powerful emotions' and 'tremendous charge' indicate a high intensity and impact of emotions within the play.
Question 8
The phrase 'like some of Shakespeare’s other late work' implies that "Cymbeline" belongs to which period of Shakespeare's writing?
- Early comedies
- Tragedies of revenge
- Mature or late romances
- Historical plays
Show answer
C. Mature or late romances Shakespeare's late plays, such as 'The Winter's Tale' and 'The Tempest,' are often categorized as romances or tragicomedies, marking a distinct period of his writing career.
Question 9
The description of "Cymbeline" as an 'improbable story lifted into a nearly mythic realm' suggests that the play:
- Adheres strictly to historical accuracy and realism.
- Focuses on mundane, everyday events.
- Embraces fantastical elements and transcends ordinary reality.
- Is primarily a political allegory with no fantastical elements.
Show answer
C. Embraces fantastical elements and transcends ordinary reality. The phrase 'improbable story' and 'nearly mythic realm' indicates a departure from strict realism and an embrace of elements that are fantastical, legendary, or larger than life, characteristic of myth.
Question 10
Considering the elements mentioned (secret marriage, slander, jealousy, disguise, trance, vision), which of the following best describes the overall tone and structure of "Cymbeline"?
- A straightforward, linear narrative focused on political intrigue.
- A complex tapestry of personal drama, deception, and supernatural occurrences.
- A simple moral fable with clearly defined heroes and villains.
- A realistic portrayal of court life with minimal dramatic conflict.
Show answer
B. A complex tapestry of personal drama, deception, and supernatural occurrences. The combination of personal relationships (marriage, jealousy), plot devices (slander, disguise, trance), and supernatural elements (vision) points to a complex and multifaceted narrative structure, far from simple or straightforward.
Cymbeline FAQ
What is Shakespeare's Cymbeline about?
Cymbeline is a play by William Shakespeare that tells the story of a British king and his family. It features a secret marriage, betrayal, disguises, and dramatic plot twists, all presented in a fairy tale-like atmosphere.
Who are the main characters in Cymbeline?
The central characters include King Cymbeline, his daughter Imogen, her secret husband Posthumus Leonatus, and the villainous Iachimo, who attempts to slander Imogen. The play also features Cymbeline's banished sons, Guiderius and Arviragus.
What are the key themes in Cymbeline?
Key themes in Cymbeline include loyalty, betrayal, jealousy, forgiveness, and the power of love to overcome adversity. The play also explores the nature of true virtue and the consequences of deception.
Is Cymbeline considered a tragedy or a comedy?
Cymbeline is often classified as a romance, a genre Shakespeare used in his late plays. It contains elements of both tragedy and comedy, with a dramatic plot that ultimately resolves happily.
What is the role of Imogen in Cymbeline?
Imogen is the virtuous and loyal daughter of King Cymbeline. Her secret marriage and subsequent persecution by Iachimo drive much of the play's central conflict, showcasing her resilience and unwavering devotion.
How does Cymbeline compare to other Shakespearean romances like The Winter's Tale or The Tempest?
Like The Winter's Tale and The Tempest, Cymbeline is one of Shakespeare's late romances. It shares a similar improbable, fairy-tale quality, blending dramatic events with a sense of magical resolution and powerful emotions.
What is the significance of the cross-gender disguise in Cymbeline?
The cross-gender disguise, primarily worn by Imogen as the page 'Fidele,' is a significant plot device. It allows her to navigate dangerous situations, witness events firsthand, and test the loyalty of those around her.
What is the 'deathlike trance' mentioned in Cymbeline?
The 'deathlike trance' refers to a potion Imogen takes that makes her appear dead. This event is crucial to the plot, as it leads to her being mourned by others and allows for further misunderstandings and dramatic revelations.
What is the overall tone and style of Cymbeline?
Cymbeline is characterized by unusually powerful emotions and a tremendous charge, lifting its improbable story into a nearly mythic realm. The tone blends elements of tragedy, romance, and fairy tale.
Where can I read or watch Cymbeline?
Cymbeline is widely available in print through various editions of Shakespeare's complete works or as a standalone play. It has also been adapted for stage and screen, with numerous professional productions and recorded performances accessible.
About the author
William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.
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