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Satire
Definition of Setting
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or it can be an imagined... read full definition
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or... read full definition
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the... read full definition
Act 3, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis:
Cymbeline is set in Ancient Britain—sometimes referred to as the British Iron Age—during a period of time when the British isle was under Roman control. This setting allows Shakespeare to explore the mounting political tensions between the indigenous British monarchy and the external force of the powerful Roman Empire. A particular point of contention is the traditional financial tribute expected by Rome. Caius Lucius, Roman ambassador, summarizes the complicated history between the two nations:
When Julius Caesar, whose remembrance yet
Lives in men's eyes and will to ears and tongues
Be theme and hearing ever, was in this Britain
And conquer'd it, Cassibelan, thine uncle,—
Famous in Caesar's praises, no whit less
Than in his feats deserving it—for him
And his succession granted Rome a tribute,
Yearly three thousand pounds, which by thee lately
Is left untender'd.
Related Themes:
