The Winter’s Tale is a comedy by William Shakespeare, written in the early seventeenth century.
Or is it a tragedy?
It could be either. It is one of my least favorites, primarily due to this ambiguity.
Leontes, King of Sicilia, is hosting his childhood friend Polixenes, now the King of Bohemia, for some nine months. When Polixenes declares he must return to his realm, Leontes tries to dissuade him but fails. He sends his queen, Hermione, who persuades Polixenes to extend his visit. The queen’s success evokes suspicion in Leontes, which in turn produces tragic consequences. But by the fourth act, in true Bardic fashion, a series of comic capers set all things right.
Excepting the dead prince.
Meh, For me, it mostly didn’t work.
I probably missed them, but I didn’t notice any of Shakespeare’s aphorisms that have become part of our current vernacular. Though there is one delightful stage direction…
Exit, pursued by a bear
That didn’t turn out well.
The title doesn’t say much either. It is taken from one character stating…
A sad tale’s best for winter: I have one of sprites and goblins.
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