THEMES

Major Theme

The major theme of Cymbeline is the triumph of truth over falsehood. This theme is exemplified in the life of its heroine who remains steadfast throughout the play and is vindicated in the end by her dedication to truth. Even Iachimo and the Queen are compelled to resort to it.

Minor Theme

The minor theme of Cymbeline is the triumph of goodness over evil. Evil manifests itself in the play in some kind of wrong or the other. However, evil is overcome and goodness is restored by the close of the play. The disruption of the royal family has its repercussions in Britain's political dealings with Rome. Just as the royal family is being threatened by internal threats from the Queen and her son, Britain is being threatened with war and possible invasion by Rome because of the King's resolution not to pay tribute to the Emperor.

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The mood of the entire play can best be described as tragi-comic. The predominant mood of the initial part of the play is tragic. The banishment of Posthumus, the separation of the lovers and the wager at Rome all lead to consequences which are almost tragic. Posthumus, hoodwinked by Iachimo, believes that Imogen is unchaste. When he orders Pisanio to kill Imogen, the play hovers on the brink of tragedy. It, however, has a happy ending, in spite of many misfortunes and much bloodshed. Iachimo's villainy is exposed, Imogen's innocence is established, and Cymbeline's two sons are restored to him. In this way, a tale of tears is changed into a tale of joy.

An element of fantasy is played out in Shakespeare's romantic comedies and Cymbeline is no exception. Rather than perceive this play as conventional and realistic, the reader or audience must be willing to suspend disbelief and accept the dream-like, fantastical qualities that this play often borders on. In this respect, the play can be seen as an allegory that explores archetypal or universal Themes such as good versus evil and truth versus prevarication. In the end, order is restored and goodness prevails.

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