Issues of British nationalism seem to be at the heart of the play, but I’m unsure what to make of the characters and their reactions to Rome. Both Posthumus and Innogen “defect” to the Romans when they leave Britain, even though Innogen is a member of the British royal family. In 3.1, Cymbeline and the Queen and Cloten meet with the Romans who demand tribute of 3,000 pounds per year because the last king paid it to Caesar. But each nation has a new king now, and it seems exploitive. Interestingly, the two most villainous characters offer the most fervent accounts of national pride. Cloten wants to refuse paying on the seemingly logical grounds that “our kingdom is stronger than it was…and there is no more such Caesars” (3.1.35-6). In 3.5, Cymbeline refused the tribute because “our subjects, sir, / will not endure this yoke, and for ourself / To show less sovereignty than they must needs / appear unkinglike” (4-7). When the Romans invade, Cymbeline plainly is at a loss for what to do, and wishes he had “the counsel of my son and queen! / I am amazed with matter” (4.4.27-8). Arviragus and Guiderius, who are the rightful princes, seem eager to engage the Italians and show great bravery…further proof of their inherent royal-ness.
Yet after the Britons win the battle, Cymbeline states that “although we (Britain) the victor, we submit to Caesar / and to the Roman empire, promising / to pay our wonted tribute, from the which / We were dissuaded by our wicked queen” (5.6.460-3). Why would he decide to pay the Roman tribute if he has won the battle? Is this just another (national or cultural) unification in the end of the tragicomedy? Is Cymbeline a weak king, allowing his Queen to influence national decisions that are against his presumably better judgment? Was it really the Queen who told him to resist payment, and was that necessarily an evil act, especially since Britain won the battle?
Male Sexual Desire in Cymbeline
Although a villain, the arrogant, rude, and somewhat dull-witted Cloten initially provides much of the comedy in Cymbeline. His early scenes are quite funny as he brags about his prowess to his flatterers (all the while with some excellent asides from what may be my favorite character in the play, the “Second Lord”). His attempts at wooing Innogen are likewise ridiculous and quite funny. He reminded me somewhat of Bergetto in ‘Tis Pity at first, but by 3.5 he is planning to rape and beat Innogen. It seems that he becomes more violent as the play progresses, using his unsatisfied desire for Innogen explode into rage, for which he is punished. Yet is not Posthumus also guilty of the exact same emotions? When Giacomo offers proof of her infidelity, his rage is equally extreme, and he orders her put to death (his character seemed like a less noble Othello to me). And Giacomo himself violates Innogen by creeping into her chamber while she sleeps.
It seems that these three men are solely motivated and/or consumed by their desire for Innogen, which leads them to commit desperate or devious acts. How does this male sexual desire function in the play? Is it dangerous?
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