The Jailers imprison Posthumus, who was found in a Roman uniform after the battle and condemned for opposing the British. The First Jailer has a philosophical discussion with Posthumus about death being an escape from the pain of the world. He marvels at the repentant Posthumus’ willingness to die, wishing that the world were a peaceful place, even though that would put him out of a job.
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The timeline below shows where the character Jailers appears in Cymbeline. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Act 5, Scene 3
...captives. The British captains present Posthumus to Cymbeline. The King passes Posthumus off to a jailer, and the whole group leaves.
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Act 5, Scene 4
Posthumus is locked up in his cell. The jailers invite him to eat whatever he can scavenge within the prison walls. They leave, and...
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The First Jailer returns and asks if Posthumus is ready for death. Posthumus answers that he has long...
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Just then, a messenger enters, telling the First Jailer to remove Posthumus’ shackles and bring him to Cymbeline. Posthumus says that this is good...
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