Though it is listed in the Folio as a tragedy, Cymbeline is generally regarded as one of Shakespeare's late romances or “tragicomedies” due to its blend of tragic and comic elements, as well as its thematic focus on reconciliation and the restoration of order. Written later in Shakespeare's career, this play shares characteristics with other works from the same period such as The Winter's Tale and The Tempest. These plays are often distinguished by their departure from the traditional genres of tragedy and comedy, combining elements of both.
One notable feature of Cymbeline that aligns it with Shakespeare’s other late romances is its highly intricate plot. The storyline features a number of interrelated subplots, scenes of misunderstanding, and mistaken identities. These plot features are typical of Shakespeare’s romances, as is the play’s focus on conflict within a noble family that spills out into society more broadly. Additionally, the theme of reconciliation is central to Cymbeline. Despite the perils faced by the characters, which seem to point towards a tragic ending, the play ultimately emphasizes the power of forgiveness and the healing nature of time. This emphasis is characteristic of Shakespeare’s late romances, where the resolution often involves the restoration of harmony to a troubled society and the seemingly miraculous reunion of long-estranged family members.
The play also incorporates elements of the fantastical and magical, another hallmark of Shakespeare's late romances. Imbued with a fairy-tale quality, Cymbeline features a mysterious potion, a divine prophecy, and even the miraculous intervention of the classical gods. These fantastical elements establish a sense of wonder and enchantment, and, crucially, they often come into play at opportune moments in order to block seemingly inevitable tragic outcomes.
