# Scene VI explained — Cymbeline

> Chapter companion for Cymbeline by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Imogen, disguised as the boy Fidele, arrives exhausted and hungry at a cave in Wales. She encounters Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus, who welcome her warmly. Imogen is struck by their virtue and wishes she could be their companion, lamenting Posthumus's perceived falsehood.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Disguise

Imogen's disguise as Fidele allows her to navigate the wilderness and be accepted by the cave dwellers, highlighting the theme of hidden identity.

### Nature vs. Court

The cave dwellers' simple, virtuous life contrasts with the corruption of the court. Imogen praises their integrity over courtly 'nothing-gift of differing multitudes.'

## Character check-ins

### Imogen

Disguised as Fidele, she is weary and hungry, seeking Milford Haven. She reflects on the hardships of a man's life and the virtue of the cave dwellers.

### Belarius

He leads the group, recognizes Imogen's distress, and offers hospitality. He is impressed by her appearance, calling her an 'angel' or 'earthly paragon.'

### Guiderius

He is weary from hunting but welcomes Imogen, jokingly saying he would woo her if she were a woman. He expresses a desire to help her.

### Arviragus

He is weak with toil but strong in appetite. He welcomes Imogen as a brother and offers comfort.

## Key lines

> I see a man's life is a tedious one: I have tired myself, and for two nights together Have made the ground my bed.

Imogen reflects on the hardship of living as a man, having slept on the ground for two nights.

_Imogen's soliloquy on the difficulties of her disguise and journey._

> Great men, That had a court no bigger than this cave, That did attend themselves and had the virtue Which their own conscience seal'd them—laying by That nothing-gift of differing multitudes— Could not out-peer these twain.

Imogen thinks that even great men in a court as small as this cave, who rely on their own virtue rather than public opinion, could not surpass these two brothers.

_Imogen praises the virtue of Guiderius and Arviragus, contrasting it with courtly flattery._

## Links

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