# Scene II explained — The Winter’s Tale

> Chapter companion for The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_winter_s_tale_se/chapters