Another contrast between the two acts is the language and diction used. The exchange between Florizel and Perdita is gentle and intimate, the young characters address each other with the intimate ‘thee’ or ‘thou’ and uses words such as ‘dearest’ and ‘honeysuckles,’ it is obvious the two characters have strong feelings for each other. This is different from the earlier acts where the language is harsh, cruel and hateful without being reasonable. For example, Leontes calling his own babe a ‘bastard’ and his wife a ‘traitor’ and ‘adultress.’ The theme of change is shown here and this also makes the development of the play less intense.
The action of Florizel and Perdita is also seen to show the contrast of the two parts of the play. Whenever we are presented Florizel and Perdita, the two act like how a couple destined for each other would act. Florizel is first shown to be consumed by love, complimenting Perdita, saying her beauty rivals that of the goddess ‘Flora.’ Even when his father threatens to disinherit him, Florizel remains faithful. He tells Perdita that their love ‘cannot fail, but by / Violation of my faith’, and this will not happen. It is clear Florizel acts towards his love in a reasonable manner. Leontes, on the other hand, accuses Hermione saying that ‘she’s an adultress,’ calling her names and even taking away her humanity describing as a ‘thing’ and ‘creature’.’ Even though it is understandable that he does this because of his anger towards her ‘affair,’ his outcome and his action towards it is unreasonable and exaggerated. The first part of the play is clearly full of accusations, jealous, imprisonment and lack of trust from Leontes, while in the second half, it is full of faithfulness, protection, trust and compliments from Florizel.
The relationship of Florizel and Perdita is forbidden but represents many ideas. In the play Florizel is the son of Polixenes, the King of Bohemia and Perdita is ‘a lowly maid’ and a ‘shepherdess.’ Unknown to the characters on stage, the audience knows the true identity of Perdita: the daughter of Leontes, King of Sicilia. Their relationship is symbolic of the unity between the two courts, as the courts’ close relationship has been severed by Leontes’ wrongdoings; accusing Polixenes of a ‘crime’ he did not commit. Their relationship hints the beginning of mending the old friendship between the two kings, symbolizing ‘healing.’
Florizel and Perdita are said to bring change to Sicilia when they run away from Bohemia, they bring spring into the Sicilian court as they have been experiencing sixteen years of ‘winter.’ When Florizel and Perdita arrive to Sicilia, Leontes says "Welcome hither, / As is the spring to the earth. […] The blessed gods / Purge all infection from the air / Whilst you / Do climate here” (5.1). Leontes, whose been suffering in Sicilia and mourning for the loss of his queen and son for sixteen long years suggests that Florizel and Perdita’s presence is like the arrival of spring after a long, cold, harsh winter, bringing renewal and regeneration.
The youthful spirit in Florizel and Perdita has quite an impact on the other characters in the play. As we know, the older generation (especially Leontes and Polixenes) in “The Winter’s Tale” is responsible for all the suffering and broken relationships in the play. When Florizel and Perdita fall in love and run away from Bohemia to the Sicilian court, their actions have the effect of restoring broken families, mending old friendships, and reigniting hope for the future. The youths are said to have the power of unity and is symbolic of renewal, regeneration and replenishment.
In conclusion, the relationship of Florizel and Perdita is presented in a positive idea where everything is softer and gentle; this idea is used to show the contrasts between the two parts of the play. Their relationship is also significant in the development of themes, especially in change and renewal. Their actions for their relationship affects the other characters positively and brings a sense of hope for the future.
by
peytonsarah (student)
