The Winter’s Tale · Chapter
Scene II explained
Paulina visits the prison where Hermione is held, persuades the gaoler to allow her to see Emilia, learns that Hermione has given birth to a daughter, and resolves to show the baby to King Leontes in hopes of softening his heart.
What happens
Paulina visits the prison where Hermione is held, persuades the gaoler to allow her to see Emilia, learns that Hermione has given birth to a daughter, and resolves to show the baby to King Leontes in hopes of softening his heart.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Forgiveness
Paulina's plan to present the baby to Leontes is an attempt to awaken his compassion and redeem the fractured royal family.
Innocence and Justice
Hermione's claim of innocence and the baby's freedom from guilt highlight the theme of unjust punishment and the hope for vindication.
Characters to notice
- Paulina
Visits the prison, demands to see the queen, and resolves to advocate for Hermione by showing the newborn to Leontes.
- Emilia
Reports to Paulina that Hermione has delivered a daughter and is comforted by the baby's innocence.
- Hermione
Mentioned as being in prison, having given birth prematurely, and finding comfort in her newborn daughter.
Key passages
“She is something before her time deliver'd.”
She has given birth prematurely due to her distress.
Emilia explains that Hermione's labor was brought on by her grief and fear.
“The silence often of pure innocence Persuades when speaking fails.”
The quiet presence of an innocent child can convince where words cannot.
Paulina argues that showing the baby to Leontes may move him more than any argument.