Just Desserts? Probably Not

     In Cymbeline, the ending was wrapped up fairly quickly with few hard feelings and even fewer consequences. Despite everyone’s wrongdoings, no one receives any real consequences. Cymbeline basically performs the literary equivalent of waving a magic wand: “Pardon’s the word to all,” (5.4.503), he pardons everyone and everything returns to a romanticized notion of normal. Cymbeline then closes the play with the most Disney ending ever scene outside of a cartoon: “…Our peace we’ll ratify, seal it with feasts. Set on there! Never was a war did cease. Ere bloody hands were washed, with such a peace,” (5.4.569-571).

     The idea of such unconditional dismissal of all these deeds is really interesting to think about in the context of a play based on royalty. I interpret this as a way of Shakespeare saying, monarchy, and the like, is untouchable in a sense. Their actions are completely rectifiable and regardless of the severity of their actions, they will be fine. This can also be viewed as evidence of their divine status; God chose them, and they can do no wrong. I think particularly in other plays where Shakespeare is writing about more recent monarchy, this duality would certainly be in his favor. He has to shed a kind light on England’s elite because his livelihood depends on their approval. The outcome of Cymbeline makes me feel that everything will be alright for Henry IV, or at least for his son.