Something notable between the two works
is the relationship between parent and child; both works have many of their
major characters linked through a direct bloodline. This is an important
dynamic to note because the complexities of father-daughter/son-relationships
often provide us with most of our major plot points in each play.
In
Cymbeline, we know from reading the title that the king, and the
relationship he shares with Imogen, will have a large effect on what takes
place amongst the characters. Without Cymbeline’s overwhelming need to protect
Imogen from marrying outside of the noble ranks, we wouldn’t see the banishment
of Posthumus and the antics that ensue.
Despite Cymebline’s err in judgment (in
both banishing the beloved Posthumus, as well as trusting his scumbag queen of
a wife) the intimacy of his and Imogen’s bond is something that cannot be
ignored. When Cymbeline says upon seeing Fidele (the disguised Imogen) “I have
surely seen him. His favor is familiar to me.—Boy, Thou hast looked thyself
into my grace And art mine own” (5.5.106-109), though the literal recognition of identity
between Cymbeline and his daughter is not present, there is recognition of
spirit, and their familial ties are still there despite the façade that Imogen
must maintain.
Keeping this dynamic in mind, I read King Henry paying special attention to
the relationship between the King and his eldest son, Prince Harry. It’s an
interesting relationship because it plays on the common theme of children
disappointing their parents, not living up to their expectations, etc. Just
like Imogen disappointed Cymbeline by marrying Posthumus, the Prince lives a
life of mischief and irresponsibility rather than the life the King most likely
desires for him. This tension between father and son is something that will
most likely carry great weight throughout the play.
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