Cymbeline by William Shakespeare

Question a

Britain argues that due to peace efforts, Rome must pay tribute. However, this does not level well with the Romans. As proof, Britain explains that the pay is meant to uphold peace efforts within their borders (Act I, Scene IV).

Question b

However, Roman argues that the isolation of Britain’s Isle natural geography remains their proof, and they do not need to pay. At the same time, they also point to the nation’s courageous history as causes to gain independence; however, the standing does not portray the historical alignment of the geographical positions of the two countries despite Cymbeline’s assertion (Act V, Scene II).

Question c

Despite winning the war, Cymbeline pays the money owed mainly as a show of patriotism to reconcile with its neighboring partners. The patriotism could be part of Cymbeline’s more substantial commitment to a peaceful existence and prevention of another battle between the two countries. The king attests, “To the majestic cedar joined, whose issue promises Britain peace and plenty (Act V , Scene V).

Question d

Shakespeare is committed to illustrating the mutual dependence between Rome and Britain. The illustration is a way of showing that despite British sovereignty; the country is not a natural state. The situation is proven with the complex relations between Rome and Britain, and as proof, Posthumus dresses in Roman’s uniform (Act V, Scene II). The historical evidence is shown within the historical relations between the two countries with the assumption that Britain was part of Rome. Shakespeare also illustrates the evidence by aligning the play’s imperialist instead of bringing forth the overall national agenda, further showing the evidence and complexity that Britain left of a fraught legacy (Act V, Scene V). From the course of Britain’s history, in the seventeenth and part of the eighteenth century, the Empire engage in an international cross country fair around the globe, a proof Shakespeare annuls as discrediting Imogen’s virtue

Reference

Shakespeare, W., Bate, J., & Rasmussen, E. (2011).  Cymbeline . New York: Modern Library.