In contrary to the portrayal of Leontes as seen earlier, he is totally presented in a different way the next time we meet his character. Shakespeare subtly indicates a change in his state of mind by the use of questions, which have double meanings. “Is he won yet?” This might mean whether or not Hermione has won over Polixenes’ intentions to stay in Sicilia or more likely, whether or not she has had sexual intercourse with him. The sudden descent of jealousy in the mind of Leontes is finally confirmed by the aside comment. “Too hot, too hot! To mingle friendship far is mingling blood”. Here, it is obvious that Leontes thinks that Hermione is having an extramarital affair with his close friend, Polixenes, which is made evident by the use of the word “blood”, as it represented passion in the Shakespearean times. I personally feel that “sudden” and usual way in which jealousy develops in Leontes’ mind is quite unrealistic but necessary in order to keep the plot of the play rolling. Shakespeare is probably using this very eminent theme to create a satiric view on the fickleness of life, as Hermione is very much innocent.
The rate at which the jealousy spreads and eats up the mind of Leontes makes evident to us, the horribleness of jealousy and the strong nature of paranoia in which he finds himself, when discussing with Camillo. Leontes, at this stage begins to express very damaging thoughts that are reflected to us in his crude language. He refers to Hermione as being “sluc’d” and “his pond fish’d by his next neighbour, Sir Smile”. This provides us with a very vivid sexual image, which is utterly distasteful. It also serves as a contrast to the way in which he refers to her in the earlier part of the play. Camillo refers to Leontes at this point with pity. “Be cured of this diseased opinion”. Camillo here informs a form of superiority as he has a very clear line of reasoning - Something Leontes is evidently lacking. He is also portrayed as a very loyal courtier, as he is able to defend innocent Hermione despite the possible consequences. “ I would be a stander- by to hear my sovereign mistress clouded so”.
The unprovoked jealousy of Leontes also has effects on his relationship with his young son; Mamillius as he continuously questions the fact whether or not he is his son. The young prince of the “greatest promise”, is interrogated by his father. “Art thou my boy?” he asks Mamillius with great doubt. This however, considering the age of Mamillius does not particularly have very much effect on his thoughts, but in the latter part of the play, the selfish and inconsiderate actions of Leontes lead to the death of his son, the symbol of hope ad continuity for the future.
Most importantly, the relationship between Leontes and his wife is dramatically changed after the descent of his sudden jealousy. Unlike the love filled atmosphere created by the affectionate relationship between them, Leontes refers to his wife with great hostility and to the disgust of the audience, disrespect. “My wife is slippery’, he says when describing his wife to Camillo. Leontes’ language, regarding his wife, is often disintegrated and difficult, which express a sense of confusion. ‘Have you not seen?” “or heard?” The use of questions reflects his disordered thoughts. Hermione, on the other hand, due to her ignorance of the situation, continuous to act with affection and love through out the first Act. “ I love thee not a jar of the clock behind”. Here, the comparism of her love to a clock emphasizes the efficiency and dedication she has to Leontes.
Finally, Leontes changes his perspective on Polixenes as well, after his psychological illness becomes of him. From the references to Polixenes as a “brother’ and the beautiful of image of “twinn’d lamb that did frisk in the sun”, which reflects their close friendship from a time of childhood and innocence, to him being the supposed “enemy’. Upon realizing, Leontes’ initiative to kill him, Polixenes is filled with shock and the eagerness to justify his innocence. If the accusations are true he wishes to be “yok’d by with his that did betray the Best”. By this he is referring to Judas who betrayed Jesus, which was obviously of great importance to the people of his time, thus emphasizing his innocence. However, we are presented with no hard feelings or anger towards Leontes for his false accusations.
