Cymbeline story

play: Cymbeline (1611) · 1611 · William Shakespeare

Cymbeline, also known as The Tragedie of Cymbeline or Cymbeline, King of Britain, is a play by William Shakespeare set in Ancient Britain (c. 10–14)[a] and based on legends that formed part of the Matter of Britain concerning the early Celtic British King Cunobeline. Although listed as a tragedy in the First Folio, modern critics often classify Cymbeline as a romance or even a comedy. Like Othello and The Winter's Tale, it deals with the themes of innocence and jealousy. While the precise date of composition remains unknown, the play was certainly produced as early as 1611.

19 total · 9 major · 10 minor

ThemeLevelMotivation
choosing between conflicting loyalties major Pisanio was force to choose between obeying Posthumous or being loyal to Imogen
courtly intrigues major The Queen, in particular, plotted to gain power for herself and her son by poisoning the king and Imogen.
extramarital affair major Posthumen was falsely convinced that Imogen had been unfaithful to him with Iachimo
husband and wife major Posthumous and Imogen
long-distance relationship major Posthumous and Imogen's disputed marriage broke down when Posthumous was exiled in Italy
love triangle major Posthumous, Imogen, Iachimo, Cloten
poison murder major The Queen plotted to poison the king. The queen tried to kill Cymbeline and Imogen with poison.
romantic jealousy major separated from Imogen, Posthumous worried about her faithfulness and later ordered Imogen killed because he though she had been unfaithful
the lust for power major the Queen sought power by poison murder
brother and brother minor Guiderius and Arviragus