English Coursework Amy Tongue

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English Coursework                                                                                 Amy Tongue

‘The Winter’s Tale’

Title of coursework: Discuss Shakespeare’s portrayal of women in Act 3 scene two of ‘The Winter’s Tale’.

        Shakespeare’s play ‘The Winter’s Tale’ was written in the Victorian era. At this period in time there were many etiquette laws that dictated a person’s actions in every situation. These laws were mainly manners and morals, such as how a gentleman should treat a lady. Throughout the 1800’s and even into the early 1900’s upper-class citizens in both the United States and some parts of Europe followed such rules. They existed for things such as courting, weddings, business, visits to the home and every type of social engagement. Etiquette laws told people how to behave ‘properly’ and how to act when with other people. Women were expected to be weaker than men, having timid and very ‘girly’ characters. They had to be loyal and obey their husbands, treating them with great respect. On the other hand men had more power and were stronger than women. In ‘The Winter’s Tale’ Shakespeare uses these ideas in his portrayal of women. He created contrasting females, showing one character to be a typical Victorian lady who followed the etiquette laws and another lady who is very different to the stereotypical 17th century woman.  

This can clearly be seen in act three scene two of ‘The Winter’s Tale;’ Shakespeare portrays all of his female characters as strong minded and confident people, however his depiction of women also shows strong contrast. This can be seen when looking at Hermione and Paulina. Hermione conveys her feelings and personality as a well mannered lady whereas Paulina presents herself as a much more outspoken, confident person.

        Hermione is a typical 17th century lady and throughout this trial scene she is portrayed as a very calm and dignified character, “I doubt not then but innocence shall make/ false accusation blush, and tyranny/ tremble at patience.” In this quote Hermione is saying calmly that when Leontes finds out the truth he will be embarrassed and ashamed that he did not believe his wife. Shakespeare is showing that although Hermione has been falsely accused of having an affair with Polixenes, she does not loose her temper and instead she protests her innocence with a polite attitude, “what I am to say must be but that which contradicts my accusation.” Once again in this quote you can see that Hermione speaks with great dignity and this shows that she behaves like a ‘proper’ lady despite the position and situation that she is in.

        Throughout the play Shakespeare portrays Hermione as a respectable, loyal Queen. This is shown in act three, scene two when Leontes is accusing Hermione of adultery, “you, my lord, best know…” Shakespeare shows that Hermione does not get angry. Alternatively she pleads to the King using her charm to be persuasive and get what she wants. This point is emphasized earlier in the play when Hermione successfully persuades Polixenes to stay in Sicily for one more week, “you shall not go, a lady’s ‘verily’ is/ as potent as a lords.” In this quote Hermione is saying that her opinion is as important as a lords, she is being clever and using her charm. Hermione wants to be treated with great importance and respect, which she is and I think that Shakespeare has created Hermione to be like many other women at that time in the 17th century.

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        Shakespeare shows Hermione to be very loyal to Leontes throughout ‘The Winter’s Tale’ and during act three scene two she is pleading Leontes to believe her, “I appeal to your own conscience Sir” she desperately wants to be believed and this shows the love and respect she has for her husband.  As a Queen she also wants to be treated with respect, like a lady and she reminds him why, “before Polixenes/ came to your court, how I was in your grace” and “A fellow to the royal bed” Hermione believes she deserves better and she wants everyone to trust ...

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