Cymbeline, King of Britain Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References

  • Metamorphoses: 2.2: Imogen is reading this when Iachimo sneaks into her bedchamber.

Historical References

  • Parthian (1.7)
  • Tarquin (2.2)
  • Cytherea, a.k.a. Venus (2.2)
  • Phoebus (2.3)
  • Diana's rangers: women who were sworn to chastity (2.3)
  • Lud's town: London was sometimes said to be named after Cymbeline's grandpa, Lud (3.1)
  • Cupid (3.2)
  • Aeneas (3.4)
  • Sinon (3.4)
  • Ajax (4.2)
  • Thersites (4.2)
  • Hecuba (4.2)
  • Our jovial star: a name for Jupiter (5.4)
  • Jupiter (5.4)