Cymbeline · Chapter
Scene V explained
Posthumus, alone in Philario's house, erupts in a misogynistic tirade after Iachimo's false proof of Imogen's infidelity.
What happens
Posthumus, alone in Philario's house, erupts in a misogynistic tirade after Iachimo's false proof of Imogen's infidelity. He curses all women, blaming them for every vice in men, and resolves to write against them.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
Posthumus's belief in Iachimo's false proof contrasts with Imogen's actual chastity, highlighting the theme of deceptive appearances.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Posthumus feels betrayed by Imogen's supposed infidelity, though the true betrayal is Iachimo's manipulation.
Characters to notice
- Posthumus Leonatus
Delivers a furious soliloquy denouncing women after believing Iachimo's lies about Imogen.
- Imogen
Referenced by Posthumus as the object of his misplaced rage; he now believes her unchaste.
- Iachimo
Mentioned by Posthumus as the agent of his deception, described as a 'yellow' boar who seduced Imogen.
Key passages
“Is there no way for men to be but women Must be half-workers? We are all bastards;”
Men cannot exist without women, yet all men are bastards because women's fidelity is always in doubt.
Posthumus generalizes his anger to all men, questioning paternity and women's role in reproduction.
“O, vengeance, vengeance!”
I cry out for revenge!
Posthumus's immediate emotional response to perceived betrayal, foreshadowing his later actions.
“All faults that may be named, nay, that hell knows, Why, hers, in part or all; but rather, all;”
Every sin imaginable, even those known in hell, belongs to women entirely.
Posthumus's misogynistic rant attributes all vices to women, absolving men of responsibility.