The Winter's Tale - William Shakespeare

This play probably contains one of the most appealing stage directions I have ever seen, which is ‘exit, pursued by a bear.’ Even better, Shakespeare historians have suggested that this probably results from a travelling circus or something offering to let Shakey’s company borrow a bear. I have a wonderful mental picture of Shakespeare saying ‘A bear? Brilliant!’ and then running off to hastily amend his manuscript. Anyway, back to the plot: The plot: King Leontes invites his pal Polixenes to visit, but then starts to believe (unfairly) that his wife (Hermione) ... more

And as the full time whistle blows I can conclude that that was truly a play of two halves! Many people remain oblivious to the fact that there are actually four genres within Shakespeare’s plays. They know of the Tragedies, the Comedies and the Histories, but they seem not to know that there are a number of his later plays which remain under constant reclassification. The Winter’s Tale is one of these. It is probably best defined as a tragic-comedy as it literally is this. The first half has the moves and momentum of a tragedy, from the hero with a flaw to the devastating consequences. And ... more

The Winter's Tale has largely been ignored by history but, like Hermione, the play is enjoying something of a revival. The fast and unforgiving pace of the play's first three Acts, leaving no time for the jealous tyrant Leontes to consider his actions, leaves reader and audience reduced to hapless bystanders. Perhaps we shouldn't be privy to this manifest washing of one's linen in public given the context of the royal Court. The first three tragic acts give way to bucolic simplicity and bliss, highlighted by Act IV Scene IV, one of the longest in Shakespeare. While hard to bear with at times ... more

Shakespeare did something very magical when he wrote this play- something that challenged society at the time with his use of powerful women and mockery of the monarch. This play has had many bad reviews, critics have argued it is one of his worse- but in my opinion it is a fantastic piece of literature. It exercices the mind, taking the audience on a journey through mistake, the growth and consequences and finally in my opinion- a rather happy ending- and who can say they don't like a happy ending?! A definate read; I think it is a Shakespear play suitable for a vast audience, for the comedy ... more

the winters tale is the stupidest story of shakespeare that i have ever read. if i do remember it faintly is is where two humans ( or some animals ? ) go to sleep and some things happens and at last they wake up and think that it is a dream that they have got. i did not read the latin english version of it but have read the english textual version. also i have not understood the story clearly. I does lack all the elemts of a drama. it has no suspense, no comedy and no interesting it is. it is very boring and i do not want to recommend anyone to read it. I thought that i would read the latin ... more