How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #7
ARVIRAGUS
I know not why
I love this youth, and I have heard you say
Love's reason's without reason. The bier at door,
And a demand who is 't shall die, I'd say
'My father, not this youth.' (4.2.24-28)
This sounds like a life lesson to us: Arviragus tells us that love is unreasonable and strong. It sure looks that way from here, too. Family love is super solid, but what about romantic love? Is it as powerful in this play? Is it also unreasonable? Is it unreasonable in a different way?
Quote #8
POSTHUMUS
You snatch some hence for little faults; that's love,
To have them fall no more; you some permit
To second ills with ills, each elder worse,
And make them dread it, to the doers' thrift. (5.1.12-15)
Alone on stage, contemplating life, Posthumus delivers a little zinger about love. Looks like he's learned from his horrible experience with Iachimo and wishes he could go back and save Imogen. If only there was a way he could. Why is he so willing to kill of somebody he apparently loves, or at least used to love? It seems pretty easy to switch from mad love to mad hate.
Quote #9
CYMBELINE
What wouldst thou, boy?
I love thee more and more. Think more and more
What's best to ask. (5.5.126-128)
In the final scene, Cymbeline seems more like a loving father than the cruel guy he's been most of the play. He clearly cares for Fidele (a.k.a. Imogen), and it's cool that we're in the know about who Fidele really is. Why did Cymbeline's "love" for the Queen obscure his love for his daughter and for others close to him? Do you think he really loved the Queen, or was it something else?