# Scene I explained — Cymbeline

> Chapter companion for Cymbeline by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

The play opens with two gentlemen discussing the king's displeasure at his daughter Imogen's secret marriage to Posthumus Leonatus, a worthy but low-born gentleman. The queen feigns sympathy but secretly schemes. Imogen and Posthumus exchange tokens of love—a ring and a bracelet—before Cymbeline banishes Posthumus. The queen learns of a scuffle between Cloten and Posthumus, and Imogen expresses her disdain for Cloten. The scene establishes the central conflict of love versus royal authority.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

The queen's feigned kindness contrasts with her true malice; the courtiers' outward sorrow hides inner gladness at Cloten's loss.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Imogen's loyalty to Posthumus defies her father; the queen's betrayal of trust is evident in her manipulative words.

### Love and Fidelity

Imogen and Posthumus exchange tokens as symbols of their enduring love and fidelity despite separation.

### Power and Political Conflict

Cymbeline's royal authority clashes with Imogen's personal choice, highlighting the tension between state and individual.

## Character check-ins

### Imogen

Defies her father by marrying Posthumus; expresses deep love and loyalty; exchanges a diamond ring as a token.

### Posthumus Leonatus

Banished for marrying Imogen; vows loyalty; gives Imogen a bracelet; plans to reside in Rome at Philario's.

### Cymbeline

Angry at Imogen's marriage; banishes Posthumus; orders Imogen imprisoned.

### Queen

Pretends to support Imogen and Posthumus but schemes against them; manipulates Cymbeline.

### Pisanio

Posthumus's servant; delivers notes from Posthumus to Imogen; reports the scuffle between Cloten and Posthumus.

### Cloten

Mentioned as the queen's son who drew on Posthumus; Imogen scorns him.

### First Lord

Provides exposition about Posthumus's noble lineage and the kidnapping of Cymbeline's sons.

### Second Lord

Engages in dialogue with the First Lord, learning about the court's discontent and the missing princes.

## Key lines

> O Dissembling courtesy! How fine this tyrant Can tickle where she wounds!

Imogen sees through the queen's false kindness, recognizing that her sweet words are a cover for cruelty.

_Imogen's insight into the queen's hypocrisy._

> This diamond was my mother’s: take it, heart; But keep it till you woo another wife, When Imogen is dead.

Imogen gives Posthumus her mother's diamond ring, telling him to keep it until he remarries after her death.

_Imogen's gift symbolizes her devotion and fear of loss._

> I chose an eagle, And did avoid a puttock.

Imogen defends her choice of Posthumus as noble (an eagle) over Cloten, whom she calls a worthless bird (a puttock).

_Imogen's defiance of her father's wishes._

> You bred him as my playfellow, and he is A man worth any woman, overbuys me Almost the sum he pays.

Imogen reminds Cymbeline that he raised Posthumus as her companion, and that Posthumus's worth far exceeds any dowry.

_Imogen's argument for the value of her husband._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cymbeline_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cymbeline_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/cymbeline_se/chapters