Cymbeline

Roles

• Posthumus - Young Adult (20-35), Male

About this piece

Posthumus curses women

Summary

Cymbeline is Britain's king. His daughter Imogen was supposed to marry Cymbeline's new Queen's son, Cloten. Imogen, however, marries a poor gentleman, Posthumus. When the king finds out he decides to exile Posthumus to Italy and has his daughter locked away. Pisanio, Posthumus loyal servant, remains in England and becomes Imogen's servant. In Italy Posthumus meets several friends. One of them, Iachimo, argues that all women can be seduced. When Posthumus says that Imogen will never cheat on him, the two make a bet. Iachimo goes to England to try to seduce Imogen. If he succeeds then Posthumus will give him the ring that Imogen gave him as a love token. In England Iachimo tries to seduce Imogen but she rejects her. He then hides in a trunk in Imogen's room and comes out when she is sleeping. He describes and takes note of all the objects in her room as well as specific details of her body. He also steals her bracelet. This way he will convince Posthumus that he has actually slept with her. Back in Italy Iachimo shows Posthumus the bracelet and describes details of Imogen's body and her room. Posthumus falls for his scheme and angered, in this monologue, he curses women.

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