Shakespeare is as much historian as dramatist. Though Shakespeare’s plays are largely ahistorical, they are drawn from historical
events nonetheless, and represent an attempt to breathe life into the past. It is a tribute to Shakespeare that as many people in the world today derive their understanding of ancient Rome – and Greece – from the bard as they do from more traditional accounts! Thus, it would be incorrect to separate the historical plays (eulogizing the British Kings) from the comedies and the tragedies, as all of Shakespeare’s plays have a strong historical element in them.
The cosmopolitan nature of the Roman Empire extended beyond the political into the cultural and the civilizational as well. If Europe is one today, its foundations were laid in the initial centuries of the first millennium. Nowhere is this as evident as the broad canvas upon which Shakespeare draws his plays. Italians and Frenchmen mingle with Englishmen and Welsh; and their aristocracy share values in common that bind them together as one. This was an era before the scourge of nationalism swept the continent; when wars were fought for King and personal glory…
The story revolves around
Cymbeline (the King of Britain), Imogene (his daughter and heir), the Queen (his second wife) and Cloten (her son). The Queen – who has gained the favor of the King – wishes Imogene to marry Cloten so that her son will become heir to the throne. However, Imogene chooses to marry
Leonatus against her parents’ wishes, for which she incurs their displeasure – and Leonatus is exiled from Britain. In Italy, Leonatus makes the acquaintance of one Iachimo, who is to prove false to him. Meanwhile, events have moved on, and the Roman general (Caius Lucius) is directed to extract tribute from the rebellious British. A fierce battle ensues, in which Leonatus returns from exile to lead the British to victory, and is so reconciled with the royal family.
Interestingly, the dilemma before Leonatus is to choose between his homeland (Italy) and his adopted land (Britain). Leonatus puts his personal honor – his ties of marriage -before that of his country. But, after his debt of honor has been paid and the British forces are victorious, he calls himself a Roman and surrenders before their army.
There is another tale within this tale. It is the story of Guiderius and Arviragus (legitimate sons to the King of Britain), who were kidnapped in their infancy. Though brought up in total anonymity, they grow up to be young men of dauntless nature and princely character. In the crucial battle against Caius Lucius, they stand side by side by Leonatus to repulse the Roman forces. Heroes first and foremost, their true lineage is revealed to the eternal delight of the King. As for the Queen and Cloten, they both meet an untimely end; though Iachimo is forgiven his perfidy.