The Winter’s Tale · Chapter
Scene I explained
Leontes, still penitent for his past sins, is urged by Cleomenes and Dion to remarry for the sake of the kingdom, but Paulina reminds him of Apollo's oracle that he will have no heir until his lost child is found.
What happens
Leontes, still penitent for his past sins, is urged by Cleomenes and Dion to remarry for the sake of the kingdom, but Paulina reminds him of Apollo's oracle that he will have no heir until his lost child is found. Prince Florizel and Perdita arrive in Sicilia, claiming to be from Libya, but a lord soon reveals that Polixenes has come to Sicilia in pursuit of his son, who has fled with a shepherd's daughter. Leontes agrees to advocate for the young couple before Polixenes.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Forgiveness
Leontes' prolonged penitence and the counsel to forgive himself underscore the theme of seeking redemption for past sins.
Reconciliation and Family
The arrival of Florizel and Perdita, and Leontes' desire to reconcile with Polixenes, advance the theme of familial reunion.
Loss and Renewal
Leontes' grief for Hermione and his lost children contrasts with the hope embodied by the young couple, suggesting renewal.
Faith and Oracles
Paulina invokes Apollo's oracle as a divine decree that shapes the characters' actions and the plot's direction.
Characters to notice
- Leontes
Still grieving Hermione and repentant; he refuses to remarry and agrees to help Florizel and Perdita.
- Paulina
Reminds Leontes of the oracle and his lost child; opposes remarriage and secures his oath not to marry without her leave.
- Cleomenes
Urges Leontes to move past his sorrow and consider remarrying for the kingdom's sake.
- Dion
Supports Cleomenes in advising Leontes to remarry for the state's stability.
- Florizel
Arrives in Sicilia with Perdita, claiming to be from Libya; seeks Leontes' help after being pursued by his father.
- Perdita
Presented as Florizel's princess; her true identity as a shepherd's daughter is revealed, causing distress.
- Polixenes
Mentioned as having arrived in Sicilia to pursue Florizel and forbid his marriage.
- Camillo
Reported to have betrayed Florizel and is now with Polixenes.
Key passages
“Sir, you have done enough, and have perform'd A saint-like sorrow: no fault could you make, Which you have not redeem'd; indeed, paid down More penitence than done trespass”
Cleomenes tells Leontes that his grief and repentance have more than atoned for his past wrongs.
Cleomenes urges Leontes to forgive himself and move on.
“That King Leontes shall not have an heir Till his lost child be found?”
Paulina reminds everyone that Apollo's oracle declared Leontes will have no heir until his lost child is discovered.
Paulina uses the oracle to argue against Leontes remarrying.
“One that gives out himself Prince Florizel, Son of Polixenes, with his princess, she The fairest I have yet beheld, desires access To your high presence.”
A gentleman announces that Prince Florizel and his princess, the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, seek an audience with Leontes.
The arrival of Florizel and Perdita is announced.
“Camillo has betray'd me; Whose honour and whose honesty till now Endured all weathers.”
Florizel laments that Camillo, whom he trusted completely, has betrayed him.
Florizel learns of Camillo's apparent betrayal.
