Clothing in "Cymbeline"

Paper Summary:

"Cymbeline" is one of the lesser-known comedies of William Shakespeare. but it contains all the drama, intensity, chaos. and confusion of a typical Shakespearean work. This paper examines some instances when clothing is used by the characters in the play to carry out important tasks. The paper shows that clothing has been given different terms. such as clothes, apparel. and garments in the play. and this helps in creating the right kind of setting for different incidents.

From the Paper:

"From the above passage it is clear that clothing was used as a tool to transform a meek dainty woman into a strong ad courageous person. It was not exactly transformation of woman into man, but a weak person into a brave one. Clothing, it appears, could change the course of Imogen's destiny-who would have otherwise been remained imprisoned in the castle. Pisanio encourages her to stop behaving like a weak pretty woman and instead force herself to act and feel as strong as a man. To this, Imogen replies that she already feels like a man. However Pisanio is not happy with this answer and tells her to change into men's clothing:"First, make yourself but like one.
Fore-thinking this, I have already fit--
'Tis in my cloak-bag--doublet, hat, hose, all
That answer to them: would you in their serving,
And with what imitation you can borrow.." (Pisanio, Act III Scene IV)"

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