Cymbeline

Clothing in general is a motif in the play, with characters’ disguises exploring the theme of The Relationship Between Appearance and Reality. However, Posthumus’s clothing is especially significant, tying the problem of appearances to The Influence of Nature Versus Nurture on Character. Imogen claims that the “mean’st garment / That ever hath but clipped [Posthumus’s] body is dearer / In my respect [than Cloten]” (II.3.132-134). This is a figure of speech—she personifies the clothes to present them favorably in contrast to Cloten, both to show how highly she values Posthumus and how little she values Cloten. Her high regard even for something that has only touched Posthumus imbues him with a fundamental nobility that is transferrable even to his inanimate objects. It shows that, to Imogen, Posthumus’s clothing reflects his inner goodness.

Cloten’s fixation on this insult leads to his resolution to kill Posthumus and rape Imogen, while wearing Posthumus’s clothing as a symbol of revenge. His obsession with this idea shows his villainous qualities: His pride, anger, jealously and lust are all expressed in his plan. His adoption of Posthumus’s clothes also indicates his intention to forcibly take over his role as Imogen’s lover.