Discuss the roles and dramatic significance of the three main female characters in the play "The Winter's Tale"

Authors Avatar

“Discuss the roles and dramatic significance of the three main female characters in the play.”

The female protagonists in The Winter’s Tale are significant to the plot in various ways, but the most important is that, if they were not in the play none of the occurrences would have materialized. For instance, Hermione is a catalyst that ignites Leontes jealousy. Paulina is the author of a plot to conceal Hermione and Perdita is the one who fulfils the oracle’s prophecy. To further enhance our understanding of the roles women had to play in Elizabethan England, we will look at the characters of the three main female protagonists; Hermione, Perdita and Paulina.

Hermione is the central female character in The Winter’s Tale as she is the one who unintentionally provokes the tension and jealousy of Leontes through her role in of a charming hostess, which she uses to captivate the attention of Polixenes to stay in the court of Sicilia.

                “How say you?

                  My prisoner, or my guest? By you dread `Verily`,

                  One of them you shall be.”                                                 

(Act I Scene ii lines 53-56)

        Here Hermione’s gift of persuasion is clearly illustrated as she playfully convinces Polixenes to stay and he succumbs to her intelligence and wit by consenting. She has the ease of manner which is born of complete confidence in Leontes and the closeness of her relationship with Polixenes. Dramatically she is presented as the charming wife and hostess who is better at talking than Leontes.

Before the turning point and beginning of the tragic events of the tale occur, we see a realistic and ideal family scene between the heavily pregnant Hermione and her son Mamillius. Her role as a mother is just as important as her role as a wife as exemplified in her dialogue with her son. Although she is hardly able to interact with him because of her pregnancy she settles to have a delightful exchange of words where the young demanding Mamillius tells a story of “sprites and goblins”. This portrays her affection towards Mamillius and this kindness is again demonstrated during act 2 scene 1 as she is first accused of her dishonesty. She speaks mildly of her delusional husband and she first takes his accusations as a joke. Only later does she realize his seriousness. His love and affection lead her to feel secure in him.

Join now!

                “What is this? Sport...

                  You, my lord,

                  Do but mistake.”

(Act II Scene i lines 58, 80-81)

        Another of her gracious characteristics is that she thinks about the people around her even when faced with the most uncompromising and toughest situations. This is shown when she is in court being questioned.

                

                “Tis a derivative from me to mine,

                 And only that I stand for.”

(Act III Scene ii line 42-43)

        This demonstrates her bravery as she doesn’t argue on her own behalf but instead of her beloved son Mamillius’ life. She also comforts her ...

This is a preview of the whole essay