『シンベリン』の終幕におけるヤーキモーの語り

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書誌事項

タイトル別名
  • Iachimo's Narrative in the Final Scene of Cymbeline
  • シンベリン ノ シュウマク ニ オケル ヤーキモー ノ カタリ

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抄録

The final scene of Cymbeline is said to be a tour de force. Compared with the compact endings of most of Shakespeare's plays, this final scene is unique in repeating by narration what has happened already in the play. Why, then, does Shakespeare exceptionally depend on a series of narratives to solve more than twenty problems in the denouement ? This paper examines the dramatic function of Iachimo's storytelling in the final scene. Taking advantage of the audience's knowledge of the dramatic events and details of the plot, the playwright reminds them of the previous scenes by providing subtle hints in Iachimo's confession. The dramatist contrives to create fruitful reactions of the audience, who compare and contrast the present narrative with the past incidents. Those on stage who have less or no information about the previous events cannot understand the meaning of the story as fully as the theatre audience. The playwright provides the narrative with dramatic elements in order to stimulate their imagination and enrich the play. Then the repentant Iachimo helps to bring about the reconciliation between the slandered Imogen and Posthumus by giving testimony to the former's chastity and praising the latter's nobleness and goodness. The narrators then successively reveal the truth to the naive king. The stories narrated in the final scene are familiar to the audience and yet inform them of something new and strange. The meticulous use of narration adds deeper significance and dynamism to the drama. The poet succeeds in creating a sense of wonder in the final scene, which is achieved by a series of dramatic narratives, particularly Iachimo's exquisite storytelling.

収録刊行物

  • 英米文化

    英米文化 30 (0), 49-66, 2000

    英米文化学会

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