Consider the Presentation of Women in the First Two Acts of 'the Winter's Tale'

The romantic quality of the nobility and strength of women is prominent in 'The Winter's Tale'. In the first two acts of the play, we are introduced to two main female characters - Paulina and Hermione. There is no doubt in their positive portrayals; but do they represent more than just these qualities as women? In the play, Shakespeare uses them to provide the audience with reliable truths and intelligent judgement. Obviously, we do see some prejudices against women that are relative to the views of the time. This is particularly prominent in many of the men's mannerisms towards the women. However, Shakespeare also exploits these views to create humorous scenes.

We must first assess the relevance of women to Leontes. He certainly holds misogynistic values; after convincing himself that Hermione is unfaithful, he says that 'many a man there is' that has been cheated on by his wife. He also suggests that women are naturally promiscuous when he exclaims; 'Should all despair/ That have revolted wives, the tenth of mankind/ Would hang themselves.' This language is simultaneously cynical and humorous, perhaps to involve the audience itself and make the plot itself more credible. As we understand Leontes as being deluded and mentally 'ill' at this time, these accusations can only further prove the purity of women. Paulina is also highly significant to the character of Leontes. She provides him with the truth through trustful evidence; stating that the baby is 'the whole matter/ And copy of the father'. Whilst Leontes exclaims that Polixenes and his new born child should be 'Commit[ted]... to the fire', he threatens Paulina in stating that she is 'worthy to be hanged'. The fire is symbolic of Leontes wanting to destroy the evidence of Hermione's adulterous behaviour, yet despite Paulina's pleas to her innocence Leontes does not desire her to receive such treatment. Is Paulina therefore playing the part of Leontes' conscience? It seems like Paulina is his sense of ethical right and wrong, and the room is Leontes' world. He is extremely opposed to outside sources entering this metaphorical version of his 'world'. Although he is hostile towards Paulina entering the room, he does not prevent her. This suggests that in some way Paulina is part of Leontes. As well as illustrating the power of women the image of the room as Leontes' world also denotes the limitations and small mindedness of men. What further expands this theory is the effect that Paulina's words have on Leontes.

Leontes has many people try to force sense into him before the attempts of Paulina. This is first seen in Camillo; the initial person that Leontes confides in, exclaiming that he should 'be cured/ Of this diseased opinion'. Leontes does not take his word of advice. In fact, he goes as far as requesting that Camillo should