# Scene II explained — Cymbeline

> Chapter companion for Cymbeline by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

On the battlefield between the British and Roman camps, the armies clash. Posthumus, disguised as a poor soldier, defeats and disarms Iachimo but spares him. Iachimo is overcome with guilt for slandering Imogen. The Britons begin to flee, and Cymbeline is captured, but Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus rally and rescue him with Posthumus's aid. Lucius, with Iachimo and Imogen (disguised as Fidele), observes the chaotic battle and decides to retreat or regroup.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Posthumus appears as a poor soldier but proves his valor; Iachimo's guilt reveals the reality behind his earlier bravado.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Iachimo's betrayal of Imogen weighs on him, while Belarius and the princes show loyalty by rescuing Cymbeline.

### Power and Political Conflict

The battle between Rome and Britain represents the larger political struggle for dominance.

## Character check-ins

### Posthumus Leonatus

Disguised as a poor soldier, he defeats and spares Iachimo, then helps rescue Cymbeline.

### Iachimo

Defeated by Posthumus, he feels guilt for slandering Imogen and laments his loss of manhood.

### Cymbeline

Captured by the Romans but rescued by Belarius, Guiderius, Arviragus, and Posthumus.

### Belarius

Leads Guiderius and Arviragus in rallying the Britons and rescuing Cymbeline.

### Guiderius

Fights alongside Belarius and Arviragus to rescue Cymbeline.

### Arviragus

Joins Belarius and Guiderius in the rescue of Cymbeline.

### Caius Lucius

Commands the Roman forces, observes the disorder, and decides to retreat or reinforce.

### Imogen

Present on the battlefield disguised as Fidele, Lucius advises her to save herself.

## Key lines

> The heaviness and guilt within my bosom Takes off my manhood: I have belied a lady, The princess of this country, and the air on't Revengingly enfeebles me

The weight of my guilt robs me of my courage: I have slandered the princess of this land, and the very air here weakens me as punishment.

_Iachimo confesses his guilt over falsely accusing Imogen, attributing his defeat to his moral failing._

> Stand, stand! We have the advantage of the ground; The lane is guarded: nothing routs us but The villany of our fears.

Hold your ground! We have the high ground and the path is protected; only our own cowardice can defeat us.

_Belarius urges the Britons to stand firm, emphasizing that fear is their only enemy._

## Links

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