Cymbeline · Chapter
Scene VI explained
Iachimo, having arrived at the British court with letters from Posthumus, meets Imogen and attempts to seduce her by falsely claiming that Posthumus has been unfaithful.
What happens
Iachimo, having arrived at the British court with letters from Posthumus, meets Imogen and attempts to seduce her by falsely claiming that Posthumus has been unfaithful. Imogen rejects his advances indignantly, and Iachimo quickly pretends his words were a test of her loyalty. He then asks her to safeguard a trunk of valuables in her bedchamber, which she agrees to, unwittingly allowing him to hide inside and gather false evidence against her chastity.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
Iachimo presents himself as a friend and loyal servant while secretly plotting to deceive Imogen and Posthumus.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Imogen's steadfast loyalty to Posthumus is tested by Iachimo's false accusations, and Iachimo's betrayal of trust is central to the scene.
Identity and Disguise
Iachimo hides his true intentions behind a mask of courtesy, and the trunk he sends to Imogen's chamber is a literal disguise for his spying.
Characters to notice
- Imogen
Imogen receives Iachimo warmly due to Posthumus's letter, but firmly rejects his seduction and defends her honor.
- Iachimo
Iachimo attempts to seduce Imogen with false tales of Posthumus's infidelity, then feigns a test of her loyalty and arranges to hide a trunk in her chamber.
- Pisanio
Pisanio introduces Iachimo to Imogen and exits to attend to Iachimo's servant.
- Posthumus Leonatus
Posthumus is mentioned in Iachimo's false reports as being unfaithful, and his letter introduces Iachimo to Imogen.
Key passages
“Had I been thief-stol’n, As my two brothers, happy!”
Imogen wishes she had been kidnapped like her brothers, believing that would have spared her current misery.
Imogen expresses envy for her lost brothers, unaware they are alive.
“All of her that is out of door most rich! If she be furnish’d with a mind so rare, She is alone the Arabian bird, and I Have lost the wager.”
Iachimo admires Imogen's beauty and fears her mind is equally virtuous, which would mean he has lost his bet with Posthumus.
Iachimo's aside reveals his true motive and his admiration for Imogen's virtue.
“I dedicate myself to your sweet pleasure, More noble than that runagate to your bed, And will continue fast to your affection, Still close as sure.”
Iachimo offers himself to Imogen as a lover, claiming he is more faithful than Posthumus.
Iachimo's seduction attempt is direct and manipulative.
“Thou wrong’st a gentleman, who is as far From thy report as thou from honour, and Solicit’st here a lady that disdains Thee and the devil alike.”
Imogen rebukes Iachimo, saying his lies about Posthumus are false and that she despises him as much as the devil.
Imogen's fierce defense of Posthumus and her own honor.
“I have spoke this, to know if your affiance Were deeply rooted; and shall make your lord, That which he is, new o’er”
Iachimo claims his seduction was only a test to confirm Imogen's loyalty to Posthumus.
Iachimo's quick reversal to avoid suspicion.