Arviragus/Cadwal Character Analysis in Cymbeline

Cymbeline’s other son, whom Belarius raised under the name of Cadwal. Like Guiderius, Arviragus is also a fierce fighter and he is eager to take up arms in the war with the Romans so that he can gain fame and glory. However, he is not entirely aggressive: Arviragus shows tenderness towards Imogen, who comes to the brothers disguised as a man named Fidele.

Arviragus/Cadwal Quotes in Cymbeline

The Cymbeline quotes below are all either spoken by Arviragus/Cadwal or refer to Arviragus/Cadwal. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

). Note: all page numbers and citation info for the quotes below refer to the Simon & Schuster edition of Cymbeline published in 2003.

How hard it is to hide the sparks of nature!
These boys know little they are sons to the king;
Nor Cymbeline dreams that they are alive.
They think they are mine; and though train’d
up thus meanly
I’ the cave wherein they bow, their thoughts do hit
The roofs of palaces, and nature prompts them
In simple and low things to prince it much
Beyond the trick of others.

Related Characters: (speaker), ,

Page Number and Citation: 3.3.86-94

Explanation and Analysis:

Arviragus/Cadwal Character Timeline in Cymbeline

The timeline below shows where the character Arviragus/Cadwal appears in Cymbeline. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...leaves the cave he calls home with his adoptive sons Guiderius (known as Polydor) and Arviragus (known as Cadwal). The trio greet the nature around them, and Belarius praises their life... (full context)

After the brothers have left, Belarius delivers a monologue about Guiderius and Arviragus’ true identities. He explains that their royal nature is hard to hide. Even though Guiderius... (full context)

Despite the fact that Guiderius and Arviragus don’t know that they are really royals, Belarius thinks that they exhibit warrior-like, noble qualities.... (full context)

...to the cave, Belarius praises Guiderius’ abilities as a hunter. Tired and hungry, Guiderius and Arviragus feel eager to go back into the cave, but Belarius stops them: he senses that... (full context)

...says he might be attracted to Fidele if Fidele were a woman. For his part, Arviragus says he’ll treat Fidele like a brother. Imogen, in an address to the audience, wishes... (full context)

Forgiveness and Reconciliation Theme Icon

Fidele feels unwell, so Belarius and Arviragus urge him to rest in the cave while they hunt. Guiderius says he will stay... (full context)

...identity: he just said that he was a poor, honest gentleman in a bad situation. Arviragus says Fidele told him the same thing, and that he might reveal more later on.... (full context)

Belarius says he finds Fidele noble, and Arviragus adds that he has a good singing voice. Guiderius praises Fidele’s excellent cooking. The trio... (full context)

...son, and urges the brothers to hurry away since they’re outlaws. Guiderius tells Belarius and Arviragus to scout for any men accompanying Cloten. (full context)

Belarius and Arviragus return, having found no other men around their cave. Arviragus wonders if Belarius is confused... (full context)

...there were no witnesses. Belarius, nevertheless, fears that Cloten had attendants who will find them. Arviragus sides with his brother and praises him for protecting his honor and killing Cloten. (full context)

...about Fidele. While Guiderius goes to a creek to dispose of Cloten’s head, Belarius encourages Arviragus to return to the cave and cook dinner with Fidele. Alone, Belarius marvels how the... (full context)

...heard it played since Belarius’ wife Euriphile’s death, and he fears it’s a bad omen. Arviragus then enters, carrying a limp Fidele in his arms. (full context)

Arviragus explains that he found Fidele lying dead in the cave, and says he would give... (full context)

...decorate it with flowers as beautiful as his appearance and as sweet-smelling as his breath. Arviragus wants to reprise the mourning tune they sang when Euriphile died, but Guiderius fears he’ll... (full context)

...the noise of battle now surrounds their formerly quiet home. Belarius wants to flee, but Arviragus urges him to find pleasure in “action and adventure.” Guiderius agrees, saying that going into... (full context)

Arviragus counters that the Britons will be preoccupied with the Roman troops, and not with finding... (full context)

Arviragus says that he wants to go to war to find honor and fame in battle.... (full context)

...soldiers retreat, and the Romans capture Cymbeline. All seems lost when suddenly Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus enter to rescue the British King. Belarius encourages his sons to fight—they have the advantage... (full context)

Cymbeline, Belarius, Guiderius, Arviragus, Pisanio, soldiers and attendants enter with Roman captives. The British captains present Posthumus to Cymbeline.... (full context)

At Cymbeline’s court, the King asks Belarius, Guiderius, and Arviragus to stand next to his throne. He only wishes that the British peasant who fought... (full context)

...Cymbeline’s sons and tearfully wishes them well, offering proof of their identity by recalling what Arviragus wore in the nursery, and how Guiderius had a distinctive mole on his neck. (full context)