Cymbeline
📘 About This Book
William Shakespeare: Cymbeline Erstmals ins Deutsche übersetzt von Johann Joachim Eschenburg (1777). Die vorliegende Übersetzung stammt von Dorothea Tieck. Erstdruck in: Shakspeare's dramatische Werke. Übersetzt von August Wilhelm Schlegel. Ergänzt und erläutert von Ludwig Tieck, Bd. 9, Berlin (Georg Andreas Reimer) 1832. Vollständige Neuausgabe. Herausgegeben von Karl-Maria Guth. Berlin 2015. Textgrundlage ist die Ausgabe: William Shakespeare: Sämtliche Werke in vier Bänden. Band 2, Herausgegeben von Anselm Schlösser. Berlin: Aufbau, 1975. Die Paginierung obiger Ausgabe wird in dieser Neuausgabe als Marginalie zeilengenau mitgeführt. Umschlaggestaltung von Thomas Schultz-Overhage unter Verwendung des Bildes: John Faed, Posthumus und Imogen, um 1865.. Gesetzt aus Minion Pro, 11 pt.
📖 Summary
William Shakespeare's 'Cymbeline' is a late romance that intricately weaves together elements of tragedy, history, and comedy, set against the backdrop of ancient Britain and Rome. The plot centers on Imogen, the virtuous daughter of King Cymbeline, who has secretly married Posthumus Leonatus, a gentleman of lower birth, defying her father and her wicked stepmother. Enraged, the King banishes Posthumus to Rome, where he meets the treacherous Italian villain Iachimo. Iachimo wagers that he can seduce the famously chaste Imogen, leading to a deceptive scheme where Iachimo sneaks into Imogen's bedchamber and steals token items to falsely convince Posthumus of her infidelity. Consumed by jealousy, Posthumus orders his servant Pisanio to murder Imogen. However, the loyal Pisanio spares her and urges her to flee disguised as a boy named Fidele. Imogen finds herself in the mountains of Wales, where she encounters her long-lost brothers, Guiderius and Arviragus, who were kidnapped as infants by the exiled lord Belarius. Concurrently, a war brews between Britain and Rome over unpaid tribute, bringing all the disparate characters together on the battlefield. Through a series of breathtaking revelations, mistaken identities, simulated deaths, and divine interventions by the god Jupiter, the truth is ultimately brought to light. Deceptions are exposed, the wicked stepmother meets her demise, the Roman tribute is resolved, and Posthumus and Imogen are joyfully reunited in a grand reconciliation that restores order, familial bonds, and peace to the kingdom.
🎯 Key Lessons
💬 Notable Quotes
"Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love."
"Golden lads and girls all must, / As chimney-sweepers, come to dust."
"Pisanio, / I have heard of such a man, but the slave hath / A noble stock."
"Hang there like fruit, my soul, / Till the tree die!"
"Mine eyes / Were not in fault, for she was beautiful; / Mine ears, that heard her flattery; nor my heart, / That thought her like her seeming; it had been vicious / To have mistrusted her."
"The power that I have on you is to spare you; / The malice towards you to forgive you. Live, / And deal with others better."
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Features one of Shakespeare's most resilient, intelligent, and admirable heroines in Imogen.
Combines multiple compelling genres including romance, political drama, and pastoral adventure.
Offers a masterclass in complex plot construction and surprising dramatic revelations.
⚠️ Cons
The plot is famously convoluted and requires close attention to follow all subplots.
Relies heavily on improbable coincidences and a whirlwind final scene to resolve the conflict.
✍️ About the Author
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright and poet widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. His works include tragedies like 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth', comedies like 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', and 154 sonnets.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Is this book worth reading? +
Yes, especially for Shakespeare enthusiasts, as it showcases his mature thematic concerns regarding forgiveness, reconciliation, and dramatic irony.
How long does it take to read? +
As a standard Shakespearean play, it typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to read or perform.
What is the main message? +
The main message emphasizes that patience, loyalty, and forgiveness ultimately triumph over deceit, jealousy, and division.
