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cbl_tn: One of the characters in Smith's novel is a former actress who played Hermione in a summer stock production of The Winter's Tale. The character's reflections on Shakespeare's play are an integral part of the novel.
This is not one of the big hits by Big Bill, but it still has charms. In spite of being set on "The Seacoast of Bohemia", and containing the amusing stage direction "Exit, pursued by a bear" there is a good deal to be gained by a reading but even more by a performance. I've read it seven times. there is a king, who has lost his wife and daughter. A lady of the court as concealed the queen, and insured the daughter will be brought up by a reputable shepherd. Eventually, all are happily reunited. the play is brought into the shalespeare canon by 1624, but seems to have been written about 1611. ( )
In spite of not really understanding about half the dialog, this play moved me as none of the other comedies of Shakespeare have. I was so angry with Leontes! Cheering for Paulina! Horrified at the tragic aspects of the tale, and surprised at the twist in the end. I look forward to seeing this one performed. ( )
Story of a jealous man (King) who destroys his life because of his paranoid jealousies that his wife is cheating on him. He rejects his wife and the daughter she has and he supposes his wife and daughter to be dead. He is all alone as a consequence of his jealousy and realizes his error. ( )
I read this due to fond memories (of reading it closely at St. Johns) and because the Shakespeare theatre (in dc) is using this place as material for its annual court case with supreme court judge and other fancy people. I believe the trial will be of Paulina, who conceals Hermione's death after the bad king Leontes falsely accuses her of adultery with his best friend. Still have fondness for this and i am open to the Winter's tale aspect (wild tale / unrealistic but to make a strong fairy tale type point) but still... the outlandishness of it did not wear well overall. No reason given for crazy jealousy, just zero to ten in anger all of the sudden and from that the deaths and tragedy all flow. but not tragedy, right? as the characters are sort of bailed out in the end. Stil... not quite the best. ( )
If you shall chance, Camillo, to visit Bohemia, on the like occasion whereon my services are now on foot, you shall see, as I have said, great difference betwixt our Bohemia and your Sicilia.
Quotations
What's gone and what's past help Should be past grief.
It is an heretic that makes the fire, Not she that burns in 't.
This work is for the complete The Winter's Tale only. Do not combine this work with abridgements, adaptations or simplifications (such as "Shakespeare Made Easy"), Cliffs Notes or similar study guides, or anything else that does not contain the full text. Do not include any video recordings. Additionally, do not combine this with other plays.
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there is a king, who has lost his wife and daughter. A lady of the court as concealed the queen, and insured the daughter will be brought up by a reputable shepherd. Eventually, all are happily reunited. the play is brought into the shalespeare canon by 1624, but seems to have been written about 1611. (