Cymbeline is a five-act play by the English dramatist William Shakespeare. It is one of his later plays, and was probably written in 1609 or 1610. Its first performance may have been at the Globe Theatre in London in 1611. The text was first published in 1623.
The play is a romance set in ancient Britain and Rome. Cymbeline is king of Britain. His daughter Imogen secretly marries Posthumous, a poor but honorable young man. The king angrily exiles Posthumous to Rome.
In Rome, Posthumous bets his cynical friend Iachimo that Iachimo cannot seduce Imogen. Iachimo travels to Britain and tries to make love to Imogen, but she repulses him. However, he tricks Posthumous into believing that Imogen has been unfaithful. Posthumous orders his servant to kill Imogen. Instead, the servant helps her to run away, disguised as a page boy.
Imogen takes refuge in Wales, where she meets her two lost brothers, Guiderius and Arviragus. Imogen becomes ill. Guiderius and Arviragus think she is dead and speak the famous lament “Fear no more the heat o’ th’ sun.” Left for dead, Imogen revives.
After many adventures, Imogen is reunited with her father, Cymbeline, and her husband, Posthumous. In remorse, Iachimo confesses his deception. Cymbeline is delighted at the restoration not only of his daughter but also of his two sons Guiderius and Arviragus, and the play ends in reconciliation.
The characters in Cymbeline are expertly drawn. Imogen, in particular, is one of Shakespeare’s most appealing heroines, virtuous and sympathetic. The play also has a lively, melodramatic plot. The plot moves close to tragedy but ends happily.
See also Shakespeare, William.
