Cymbeline

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes references to violence, sexual violence, threat of death, and misogyny.

Cloten arrives at the place where he thinks he will find Posthumus and Imogen reuniting. He thinks he fits Posthumus’s clothes well, and compares himself favorably to him, indignant that Imogen has chosen Posthumus instead. He looks forward to killing Posthumus, chopping up his clothes, and raping Imogen before forcibly returning her to court. He thinks Cymbeline might be a bit annoyed at his treatment of her, but that the Queen will manipulate him into praising Cloten instead.

Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus plan to go hunting. They leave Imogen (still disguised as Fidele) to rest in the cave, as she is not well. She decides to take Pisanio’s drugs.

Guiderius and Arviragus again note how they love “Fidele” like a brother; somehow even more than they love Belarius, who they think is their father. They note “Fidele’s” excellent cooking skills, and the noble way that he manages his grief with patience. They discuss the misfortune that must have befallen him despite his high birth.

Cloten enters, muttering that he hasn’t found the runaways.