Cymbeline

Cymbeline is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1609 and 1610. It is categorized as a romance, a genre Shakespeare developed in his later works, characterized by themes of separation and reunion, mistaken identities, and a blend of tragic and comedic elements.

The play is set in ancient Britain and tells the story of King Cymbeline, whose daughter Imogen is banished for marrying the Roman Posthumus Leonatus without his consent. Posthumus is tricked by a villain named Iachimo into believing Imogen has been unfaithful, leading to a series of dramatic events. These include Imogen’s disguise as a boy and her subsequent journey, the appearance of the banished sons of Cymbeline, and a battle with invading Roman forces. The plot is complex, involving espionage, false accusations, and the eventual revelation of truth and reconciliation.

Cymbeline is noted for its intricate plotting and its lyrical poetry. Characters like Imogen are considered among Shakespeare's most compelling heroines. The play explores themes of loyalty, jealousy, forgiveness, and the restoration of order. Its ending sees the resolution of all conflicts and the reunion of separated family members, a hallmark of Shakespearean romance. Cymbeline was first published in the First Folio of 1623.