THE WINTER'S TALE BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ISBN: 9781903436356)
RM56.90
Ex Tax: RM56.90
- Stock: In Stock
- Manufacturer: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
- Weight: 0.35kg
- ISBN: 9781903436356
Genre: Tragicomedy.
Plot:
- First Half: Leontes, King of Sicilia, becomes consumed by jealousy and falsely accuses his wife, Hermione, of infidelity with his best friend, Polixenes, King of Bohemia. He imprisons Hermione and orders the abandonment of their newborn daughter, Perdita.
- Second Half: The story shifts to Bohemia, where Perdita has been rescued and raised by a shepherd. She falls in love with Prince Florizel, unaware of her royal heritage. The play takes on a pastoral comedy tone in this section.
Themes:
- Jealousy and its destructive consequences.
- Redemption and reconciliation.
- The passage of time and forgiveness.
Characters:
- Leontes: The jealous king.
- Hermione: Leontes' wronged wife.
- Perdita: Their lost daughter, raised by shepherds.
- Florizel: Prince of Bohemia and Perdita's love interest.
Structure:
- Two distinct halves, with a tragic beginning and a comedic resolution.
- Shifts in tone and setting, from courtly drama to pastoral romance.
Symbolism:
- The statue of Hermione, which seemingly comes to life at the end, symbolizes redemption and forgiveness.
Performance:
- John Pitcher's commentary highlights the play's success in performance and its ability to captivate audiences with its blend of tragic and comic elements.
Recent Production: The Sam Mendes production at the Old Vic demonstrates the enduring appeal and theatrical magic of "The Winter's Tale."
Author: William Shakespeare.
Date of Composition: Estimated to be around 1610-1611.
Legacy: Regarded as one of Shakespeare's later and lesser-known works, but still appreciated for its unique blend of genres and powerful themes.