Cymbeline

Cymbeline is a play written by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1609-1610. The play is a romance that tells the story of Cymbeline the King of Britain and his daughter Imogen. Cymbeline has remarried after the death of his first wife and his new queen is a wicked and scheming woman who wants her own son to inherit the throne. Imogen has secretly married Posthumus a young man who is banished from the kingdom by Cymbeline who disapproves of their union. The play is full of plot twists and turns as Imogen is falsely accused of being unfaithful to Posthumus and is banished from the kingdom. She disguises herself as a boy and sets out to find her husband encountering a series of strange characters along the way. Meanwhile Cymbeline becomes embroiled in a war with the Roman Empire and must decide whether to submit to their demands or fight to defend his kingdom. In the end all of the plays various plot threads are resolved in a dramatic and satisfying conclusion. The play is notable for its use of disguise mistaken identity and magical elements as well as its exploration of themes such as loyalty betrayal and forgiveness.