Cymbeline · Chapter
Scene II explained
Pisanio receives a letter from Posthumus ordering him to murder Imogen, but he is horrified and refuses.
What happens
Pisanio receives a letter from Posthumus ordering him to murder Imogen, but he is horrified and refuses. Imogen then enters, excited by a letter from Posthumus directing her to meet him at Milford Haven, and she eagerly plans their escape from the court.
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 Rising action.
- 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
Posthumus's letter appears loving but conceals a murder plot; Pisanio sees through the deception.
- Loyalty and Betrayal
Pisanio's loyalty to Imogen conflicts with Posthumus's command, highlighting the tension between different forms of fidelity.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“How? of adultery? Wherefore write you not What monster’s her accuser?”
Pisanio is shocked that Posthumus accuses Imogen of adultery without naming her accuser.
Pisanio's disbelief at the baseless accusation.
“O, for a horse with wings!”
Imogen wishes she could fly to Milford Haven.
Imogen's eagerness to reunite with Posthumus.
