Cymbeline · Chapter
Scene IV explained
In Rome, at Philario's house, Posthumus Leonatus is introduced to a group of gentlemen including Iachimo, a Frenchman, a Dutchman, and a Spaniard.
What happens
In Rome, at Philario's house, Posthumus Leonatus is introduced to a group of gentlemen including Iachimo, a Frenchman, a Dutchman, and a Spaniard. The conversation turns to a debate about the virtue of Posthumus's wife, Imogen, leading Iachimo to wager ten thousand ducats against Posthumus's ring that he can seduce her. Despite Philario's attempt to stop the bet, Posthumus and Iachimo agree to the wager and prepare to have articles drawn up.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Posthumus reaches his emotional and psychological peak here by moving from vengeful rage to profound guilt and…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Fidelity
Posthumus's unwavering defense of Imogen's chastity and his willingness to wager on it highlight the theme of marital fidelity.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Iachimo's confident boasts and the wager itself set up a contrast between outward appearances and the true nature of virtue.
Characters to notice
- Posthumus Leonatus
Defends his wife Imogen's chastity and accepts Iachimo's wager, betting his ring against ten thousand ducats.
- Iachimo
Provokes Posthumus by questioning Imogen's virtue and proposes the wager to seduce her.
- Philario
Hosts the gathering and attempts to stop the wager, but ultimately follows the men as they proceed.
- Frenchman
Recalls a past quarrel in France where Posthumus defended his mistress's honor.
Key passages
“I will lay you ten thousand ducats to your ring, that, commend me to the court where your lady is, with no more advantage than the opportunity of a second conference, and I will bring from thence that honour of hers which you imagine so reserved.”
I bet you ten thousand ducats against your ring that if you send me to your wife's court with just a chance to talk to her twice, I will take away the honor you think she keeps so safe.
Iachimo formally proposes the wager to Posthumus, challenging Imogen's chastity.
“I embrace these conditions; let us have articles betwixt us.”
I accept these terms; let's draw up a formal agreement between us.
Posthumus agrees to the wager and calls for a written contract.
