ENGL 348 Lecture Notes - Lecture 28: Everyman, Masculinity, Barter
Document Summary
Inversion of sexes: posthumus has no property. Imogen grew up knowing him: king is outraged at their love, wants incestuous union b/c queen wants her son to rule; can only happen if he marries. Imogen cuts off plan by making her own choice. Imogen gave up father"s favour & place in court b/c she"s chosen worthy gentleman. In beginning, everyone thinks posthumus is poor but worthy: not worthy in end. Insecure about his own value - has no parents or state: determines his value from imogen choosing him, queen rules her husband cymbeline. Inversion of expected patriarchal hierarchy: she controls who imogen will marry & whether britain will go to war w/ rome, man gets value from woman, cymbeline is uxorious. Imogen dreams giacomo out of chest: giacomo offers to be posthumus"s substitute for revenge, he is dark, suspicious, would-be-rapist side of posthumus, will use any means to dominate.
