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QUICK REVISION
THE WINTER’S TALE
Jealousy
The first part of the play introduces Leontes' jealousy
immediately, it contrasts with noble feelings of purity and
loyalty in the play
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• It makes him appear as mad as everyone else in the play
knows and protests Hermione’s innocence
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• Antigonus tells him: "You are abused, and by some putteron that will be damned fort
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• The villain becomes Leontes jealousy
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• Divine Intervention takes the form of the message from the
Delphi oracle
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• In his fury Leontes dismisses this divine intervention
and is punished for his jealousy
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Leontes’ self
induced jealousy is counteracted by the integrity of
Paulino and Camillo and Perdita
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• Away from Leontes mind and the bear there are no other
examples of essential evil in the play
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• Every characters maintains that he or she means well
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• Leontes slow repent becomes as a growth form within,
rather than from an outside source
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• Shakespeare’s audience may have accepted this sudden
emotion more easily than by a modern audience who
actually search for psychological answers to problems
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Regeneration
Another significant theme which pervades the play
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In many ways the whole play can be read as a fertility
myth or allegory
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• When the ladies discuss Hermione’s pregnancy it is
discussed as a joyful experience and the renewal of life
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• Perdita represents the powerful force of nature which is
uncorrupted by civilisation
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• The restoration of Hermione and Perdita moves the
characters lives from winter into a new spring
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All characters
experience a new sense of regeneration
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• At the onset the evil arrives suddenly through Leontes’ mind
as he causes the death of Mamillus and Hermione and loss
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of Perdita
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• In order for Shakespeare to provide reconciliation and
orgiveness for Leontes a long period of penance and
mourning must be serve, hence the sixteen year lapse
serves its purpose
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• This repentance is followed by forgiveness and mercy as
Hermione is restored
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• Leontes is ultimately made to suffer for his sins
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As a result the cycle is complete as repentance brings for
forgiveness and forgiveness brings reconciliation

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