Cymbeline

High school (ages 12+)
Art & Creativity

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/cymbeline

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the play classification debates?Often debated as tragedy, romance, or comedy, reflecting genre fluidity
2. What is the historical basis?Inspired by legends from the Matter of Britain, concerning King Cunobeline
3. Who is the main character in Cymbeline?The main character is King Cymbeline, a ruler from ancient Britain who is based on real and legendary kings like Cunobeline.
4. What is the story about?It follows Imogen, a brave princess who is wrongly banished, and her husband Posthumus, who is tricked into thinking she is unfaithful. The play also shows the kingdom dealing with Roman invasion and many disguises.

First Folio: The first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623.
Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows something a character does not, creating tension or humor.
Catharsis: The purging of strong emotions, such as pity and fear, experienced by the audience at the end of a tragedy.