Cymbeline · Chapter
Scene V explained
The Queen procures poisonous drugs from Cornelius, who suspects her malice and substitutes a sleeping potion.
What happens
The Queen procures poisonous drugs from Cornelius, who suspects her malice and substitutes a sleeping potion. She manipulates Pisanio, giving him the box and promising rewards if he helps her son Cloten win Imogen, but Pisanio remains loyal to Posthumus.
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
- Appearance vs. Reality
The Queen feigns scientific curiosity to obtain poisons, while Cornelius outwardly complies but secretly thwarts her plan with a false drug.
- Loyalty and Betrayal
Pisanio is tempted by the Queen's bribes but inwardly vows loyalty to Posthumus, contrasting the Queen's manipulative disloyalty.
Characters to notice
- Queen
Obtains what she believes are poisons from Cornelius and attempts to bribe Pisanio into betraying Posthumus.
- Cornelius
Provides the Queen with a harmless sleeping potion instead of poison, suspecting her malicious intent.
- Pisanio
Receives the Queen's box and promises of reward, but inwardly resolves to remain true to Posthumus.
Key passages
“I do suspect you, madam; But you shall do no harm.”
Cornelius suspects the Queen's intentions and ensures his drugs will not cause real harm.
Cornelius's aside reveals his cautious integrity.
“But when to my good lord I prove untrue, I'll choke myself: there's all I'll do for you.”
Pisanio declares he would rather die than betray Posthumus.
Pisanio's private vow underscores his steadfast loyalty.
