Back to the Question of Good Models--Cymbeline -- Mimetic Theory and Literary Study

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Date Posted: 11:28:39 04/20/08 Sun
Author: Shannon
Subject: Back to the Question of Good Models--Cymbeline

In contrast to the earlier example of Bertram's poor choice in models, Posthumus of the romance Cymbeline begins his reform in act 5 with an invocation of the gods to help him follow in the pattern of his noble forebearers. Shamed by his own lack of mercy and dishonor, Posthumus Leonatud vows to reject these past appearences and desires to be more like his father:
"Let me make men know
More valor in me than my habits show.
Gods, put the strength o'th' Leonati in me!
To shame the guise o'th' world, I begin
The fashion: less without, more within."

In many ways it is by modeling himself after his father in his service in the British army that Posthumus redeems himself in the eyes of Cymbeline, king of Britain. In the great battle between the forces of Rome and those of Britain, Postumus helps a small band hold a key pass, thus turning the tise of the battle and gaining great honor.

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