Cymbeline · Chapter
Scene IV explained
Imogen, devastated by Posthumus's letter ordering her death, confronts Pisanio.
What happens
Imogen, devastated by Posthumus's letter ordering her death, confronts Pisanio. Pisanio reveals his loyalty, refusing to kill her, and proposes she disguise herself as a boy named Fidele to serve the Roman ambassador Lucius. Imogen agrees, and Pisanio gives her a box of medicine from the Queen before they part.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Pisanio's refusal to carry out the murder order contrasts with Posthumus's betrayal of Imogen's trust.
Identity and Disguise
Imogen decides to disguise herself as a boy, Fidele, to escape danger and seek Posthumus.
Appearance vs. Reality
Posthumus believes false proof of Imogen's infidelity, while she remains faithful.
Characters to notice
- Imogen
Heartbroken by Posthumus's accusation, she pleads for death but ultimately agrees to disguise herself as a boy.
- Pisanio
Loyal to Imogen, he refuses to kill her and devises a plan for her to escape to Milford Haven.
- Posthumus Leonatus
Mentioned as the author of the murder letter, falsely believing Imogen unfaithful.
- Cloten
Referenced by Imogen as a 'harsh, noble, simple nothing' whose love-suit she fears.
- Queen
Implied as the source of the box of medicine given to Pisanio for Imogen.
- Caius Lucius
The Roman ambassador to whom Imogen plans to present herself in disguise.
- Iachimo
Accused by Imogen of falsely accusing Posthumus of incontinency, now seen as a villain.
Key passages
“though those that are betray’d Do feel the treason sharply, yet the traitor Stands in worse case of woe.”
Betrayed people suffer, but the betrayer suffers even more.
Imogen reflects on the moral pain of betrayal.
“I have heard I am a strumpet; and mine ear, Therein false struck, can take no greater wound.”
I've been called a whore; my ear, already wounded by that lie, cannot be hurt more.
Imogen expresses her anguish at being falsely accused.
“You must forget to be a woman; change Command into obedience: fear and niceness— The handmaids of all women—into a waggish courage.”
You must abandon your feminine nature, replacing obedience and timidity with boldness and wit.
Pisanio advises Imogen on how to act like a man.
“I see into thy end, and am almost A man already.”
I understand your plan, and I'm already nearly a man in spirit.
Imogen eagerly embraces the disguise.