Shakespeare Project 2020
Classified as a tragedy/comedy/romance, this is another obscure Shakespeare play that is improperly titled as it isn't about King Cymbeline as much as it is about his daughter, Imogen.
Against the wishes of her father the King and the evil-stepmother, Imogen secretly marries Posthumus rather than her step-brother Cloten. When the King discovers this he banishes Posthumus, so the 2 exchange tokens until they can be together again. She gives him a family ring and he gives her a bracelet -
I.1 Posthumus: "It is a manacle of love; I'll place it
Upon this fairest prisoner."
Cloten is a pompous mama's boy who cannot understand why Imogen spurns him in favor of Posthumus.
IV.1 Cloten:..."I mean, the lines of my body
are as well drawn as his; no less young, more strong, not
beneath him in fortunes, beyond him in the advantage of
the time, above him in birth, alike conversant in general
services, and more remarkable in single oppositions. Yet
this imperceiverant thing loves him in my despite."
Yet, there are those who will cater to Cloten:
I.2. First Lord: "Sir, as I told you always, her beauty and her
brain go not together; she's a good sign, but I have seen small reflection of her wit."
When Iachimo (a sly Roman lord), in an attempt to win a bet with Posthumus that he can seduce Imogen, realizes Imogen is faithful; he steals her bracelet while she sleeps to show proof of her infidelity to Posthumus. As in Othello, the woman is not believed, and in this case does not even get to give her side of the story
II.4 Posthumus:"...I am sure
She would not lose it. Her attendants are
All sworn and honourable - they induc'd to steal it!
And by a stranger! No, he hath enjoye'd her.
The cognizance of her incontinency
Is this: she hath bought the name of whore thus dearly."
Though Imogen does commit the ultimate sin of not using a bookmark!!
II.2 Imogen: "I have read three hours then. Mine eyes are weak;
Fold down the leaf where I have left. To bed."
Yet we must have some patience with our heroine as she is love sick.
IV.2 Imogen: "...I am ill, but your being by me
Cannot amend me; society is no comfort
To one not sociable."
When King Cymbeline (oh yeah, the guy the play is named after?) learns that his Queen is dead, he laments that we all must die
V.5. Cymbeline: "...By med'cine life may be prolong'd, yet death
Will seize the doctor too...."
As in Pericles, this tragic-comedy ends on a high note with lovers reunited, peace between warring nations and forgiveness to the wrong-doers.
V.5 Posthumus: "...The pow'r that I have on you is to spare you;
The malice towards you to forgive you. Live,
And deal with others better."
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