Lines 404-532: Alone, Camillo considers his dilemma: he must either kill Polixenes (thus committing regicide) or be disloyal to his king. As he muses that either option means "a break-neck" for him, Polixenes arrives. He is confused, as Leontes has just walked away without speaking to him. He questions Camillo, whose ambiguous reply of "I dare not know" rouses his suspicions. Polixenes demands that Camillo tell him the truth and Camillo confesses that he has been appointed to murder Polixenes by Leontes, who believes that he has "touched his queen / Forbiddenly." He believes Polixenes when he protests his innocence, but points out that it would be easier to stop the tides than convince Leontes. Camillo suggests that Polixenes leave quickly, and that he will help him depart in secret if Polixenes will take him into his service. Polixenes agrees.
ACT 2 SCENE 1
Lines 1-42: Hermione's attendants tease Mamillius. Hermione asks Mamillius to tell her a "merry" story, but he says that "A sad tale's best for winter," drawing attention to the play's title, and the opposing genres of comedy and tragedy. As he begins to whisper the story in his mother's ear (a visual reminder of the imagined rumors in the previous scene), Leontes arrives.
Lines 43-147: Leontes takes Polixenes' and Camillo's departure as proof of his suspicions. His paranoia seems to be escalating as he claims that not only did they conceal the supposed affair, but that there is "a plot" against his "life" and his "crown." He tells an attendant to take Mamillius away before accusing Hermione of being pregnant with Polixenes' child. Astonished, Hermione denies it, but Leontes makes a public declaration of her adultery and treachery. He orders that she be taken "to prison." Hermione reiterates her innocence. Remaining dignified and calm, she asks the assembled lords to judge her with "thoughts so qualified as your charities" and requests that her ladies may attend her in prison as she is so heavily pregnant.
Lines 148-232: Antigonus warns Leontes that his whole family will "suffer" if he is wrong. The Lords state their belief in Hermione's innocence and Antigonus suggests that "some putter-on" has deceived Leontes. Leontes will not listen and tells them that he has sent Cleomenes and Dion to the oracle of Apollo's temple in "sacred Delphos." He claims that the oracle's "spiritual counsel" will reveal the truth.
ACT 2 SCENE 2
Antigonus' wife, Paulina, arrives at the prison. Her outspoken character is evident as she criticizes the rules that prevent her from seeing the queen. She asks to speak to one of Hermione's attendants and the jailer goes to fetch Emilia, who brings news that Hermione has given birth to a daughter. Emilia reports that Hermione says that she is as innocent as her newborn child, reinforcing the oppositions of innocence/guilt and childhood/adulthood that were established earlier. Paulina curses the "unsafe lunes" of the king and decides that she will tell him of his daughter's birth. She tells Emilia to ask Hermione if she may take the baby to Leontes, suggesting that "he may soften at the sight o'th'child." Emilia says that Hermione has had the same idea, and goes to ask.
ACT 2 SCENE 3
Lines 1-45: Leontes reveals that he has not rested "Nor night nor day" and his fragmented speech and violent imagery show his disordered mind. He regrets that Polixenes "the harlot king" is safe "beyond" his reach, but comments that Hermione is not: he can "hook" her to him and have his revenge. A servant brings news of Mamillius, who is unwell. Leontes blames Mamillius' sickness on his mother's "dishonour" and sends the servant back to his son. As his thoughts return to paranoia and revenge, Paulina enters, carrying the baby. The Lords try to keep her away, saying that Leontes has not slept and does not wish to be disturbed. She points out that their indulgence of Leontes' whims will just "Nourish the cause of his awaking." Insisting that she will speak to him "with words as medicinal as true," she addresses Leontes.
Lines 46-157: Leontes blames Antigonus for Paulina's intrusion, asking if he cannot "rule" his wife, raising issues of power and patriarchy and his own desire for control over Hermione. Paulina reports that the "good queen" has given birth to a daughter, and lays the baby before Leontes. Furious, Leontes commands Antigonus to pick up the "bastard" and give it to Paulina, but Paulina forbids her husband to touch the "princess." When Antigonus obeys his wife, Leontes mocks him and calls everyone "a nest of traitors." He orders that both Paulina and the baby should be burned. Paulina draws the Lords' attention to the fact that the baby is "a copy" of Leontes, emotively describing the fragile perfection of the child as she does so. Leontes orders Antigonus to remove his wife from the chamber, but Paulina remains in control, insisting that she will go of her own accord.
Lines 158-242: Leontes accuses Antigonus of treachery and orders him to take the baby away and burn it within the hour, or he himself will "dash out" its "bastard brains." The Lords beg Leontes to spare the baby. Leontes asks Antigonus what he will do to save the baby's life, and Antigonus bravely replies "Anything," declaring that he would die "To save the innocent." Leontes makes him swear an oath and orders him to take the baby to "some remote and desert place" and abandon it there. Antigonus, bound by his oath, leaves with the child. A servant brings the news that Cleomenes and Dion have returned from the oracle. Leontes orders a public trial for Hermione.
ACT 3 SCENE 1
Cleomenes and Dion discuss the beauty and calmness of Delphos, a contrast to the tension and conflict in the Sicilian court. They hope that the sealed proclamation from Apollo will prove "successful to the queen."
ACT 3 SCENE 2
Lines 1-128: Leontes admits that the trial of Hermione "pushes" against his heart. He expresses his desire that a public trial will clear him of "being tyrannous." Hermione is brought in, accompanied by her attendants and Paulina. The indictment against her is read: she is accused of treason "in committing adultery with Polixenes," of "conspiring with Camillo" to kill Leontes, and of helping Camillo and Polixenes to escape. Hermione responds by pointing out that, as her integrity is already "counted falsehood," her plea of "Not guilty" will not be believed. She insists that the "powers divine" know her innocence. Leontes accuses her of bearing "a bastard by Polixenes" and informs her that the baby has been "cast out." He tells her to "Look for no less than death." Hermione claims that she does not fear dying, as it cannot be any worse than her current suffering, and calls upon the judgment of Apollo. The oracle's proclamation is sent for.
Lines 129-163: Cleomenes and Dion bring in the proclamation, which declares that "Hermione is chaste, Polixenes blameless, Camillo a true subject" and that Leontes is "a jealous tyrant." Everyone is relieved, but Leontes declares the proclamation to be a "falsehood" and insists that the trial continue. As he does so, a servant brings the news that Mamillius is dead. Suddenly, Leontes sees that he has been wrong and unjust: Mamillius' death is Apollo's judgment upon him. Hermione faints and is carried out as Leontes declares that he has "too much believed [his] own suspicion."
Lines 164-260: As Leontes realizes the full extent of his wrongs, Paulina launches an attack on the "tyranny" and "jealousies" that have led Leontes to betray Polixenes and poison "Camillo's honour." She reminds him that he has cast "forth to the crows" his baby daughter and that his son is dead, before revealing that Hermione has also died. She tells Leontes to "despair," as no amount of prayer will "move the gods" to look favorably upon him. Leontes accepts Paulina's criticism, but a Lord tells her to "Say no more." Paulina relents when she sees that Leontes "is touched / To th'noble heart" and asks him to forgive her. She promises never to speak again of Hermione or the children, or of Antigonus, whom she says is "lost too." Leontes replies that he prefers her to speak the truth than to show him pity. He declares that Hermione and Mamillius are to be buried together and that he will mourn them daily.
ACT 3 SCENE 3
This scene is pivotal, marking a shift in action from Sicilia to Bohemia, court to country, and tragedy to comedy.
Lines 1-61: Antigonus, carrying the baby, arrives on the shores of Bohemia. The mariner who has brought him returns to the ship, warning Antigonus that there is a storm brewing and that the coastline is
"famous" for predatory animals. Antigonus addresses the baby gently, telling her that he had a dream in which Hermione's ghost appeared to him. The ghost told him that the baby was to be called Perdita, and that he was to leave her in Bohemia. For his role in "this ungentle business" he is destined never to see Paulina again. He believes Hermione must have died and that Perdita must be the "issue" of Polixenes after all. Although his "heart bleeds," he bids Perdita farewell. The storm increases and Antigonus hears a roar. He exits, pursued by a bear.
Lines 62-128: A Shepherd enters, and a change is immediately apparent through his gently humorous ramblings in prose that contrast with Antigonus' tragic blank verse. He is considering the problems of adolescence, such as "getting wenches with child," when he finds Perdita. He assumes that she is the result of an affair, "some behind-door-work," an ironic echo of Leontes' earlier suspicions. He picks up the baby and waits for his son, the Clown. The Clown arrives and gives a muddled account of the shipwreck and Antigonus being killed by the bear, rendering these tragic events comic through his confusion. The Shepherd comments that while his son "met'st with things dying," he himself met "with things newborn," emphasizing the play's shift away from tragedy and death to comedy and regeneration. They find clothes that suggest the baby's high status, and also gold, which they believe has been left by the fairies with the "changeling" child. They decide to keep the baby and the gold, and to bury the remains of Antigonus.
ACT 4 SCENE 1
The meta-theatrical figure of "Time" acts as Chorus, moving the events of the play on by sixteen years.
ACT 4 SCENE 2
Camillo wishes to return to Sicilia, but Polixenes asks him not to, a conversation that evokes that of Polixenes and Leontes at the beginning of the play, one of several such echoes. Polixenes cannot bear to hear Sicilia mentioned as it reminds him of the past's tragic events. Their conversation turns to Prince Florizel, who has recently been neglecting his "princely exercises." They have heard that he spends his time at the home of a Shepherd "who hath a daughter of most rare note." Polixenes observes that she must be the "angle" (hook) that "plucks" Florizel to the cottage. He decides that they will go in disguise to question the Shepherd.
ACT 4 SCENE 3
Autolycus' song of the spring contrasts with the sad "winter's tale" told by Mamillius in Act 2 Scene 1. It reinforces the rural setting of Bohemia, as well as the theme of regeneration. The sexual innuendo generates comedy and illustrates Autolycus' robust character. Autolycus tells us that he used to be in service of Florizel, but that he now makes his living as a petty thief and con man. He sees the Clown approaching and decides to set a "springe" (trap) for him. The Clown is distracted, trying to remember what he has been sent to buy for the "sheep-shearing feast." Autolycus lies on the ground, groaning and asking for help. He tells the Clown that he has been robbed and that his attackers left him in the "detestable" rags that he is wearing. Concerned, the Clown helps Autolycus up and, as he does so, Autolycus picks his pocket. Ironically, the Clown offers Autolycus money, which he refuses. The Clown asks who attacked him, and with further comic irony, Autolycus describes himself. After the Clown has left, he vows to attend the sheep-shearing and leaves, singing once more.
ACT 4 SCENE 4
Lines 1-62: Florizel, dressed as a shepherd and calling himself "Doricles," compliments Perdita on her costume for the festival. She comments on their reversed roles, raising the issue of status: he has "obscured" his status with "a swain's wearing," and she, a "lowly maid" is "Most goddess-like pranked up," creating dramatic irony as we are aware of her true status. This change in costume establishes the use of disguises throughout the scene, generating comedy and reinforcing the motif of false appearance. Florizel reassures Perdita that his intentions toward her are honorable: his "lusts" do not "Burn hotter" than his "faith." They are interrupted by the arrival of the guests, including Polixenes and Camillo in disguise.
Lines 63-240: Urged by the Shepherd, Perdita welcomes the guests to the sheep-shearing. She distributes flowers to everyone, including the "winter" flowers of "rosemary and rue" to Polixenes and Camillo. She discusses cross-pollinating flowers and the marrying of "A gentler scion to the wildest stock" with Polixenes, reflecting the apparent circumstances in her relationship with Florizel. Perdita and Florizel move aside. Polixenes comments on Perdita's beauty to Camillo and observes that she seems to be "Too noble for this place." The Clown, Mopsa, and Dorcas begin the dance and, as they watch, Polixenes questions the Shepherd about the "fair swain" who is courting his daughter. The Shepherd informs him that Doricles owns rich grazing land. A servant brings news that there is a "pedlar at the door" and Autolycus is shown in, disguised.
Lines 241-344: Autolycus sings an enticing song about his wares, and a comic, bawdy exchange ensues among Mopsa, Dorcas, Autolycus, and the Clown, who fails to recognize Autolycus as the man who "cozened" him. Mopsa and Dorcas join Autolycus in song and the Clown leads them away, offering to buy gifts for both girls.
Lines 345-506: Further entertainment arrives and, as they watch, Polixenes tells Camillo that it is "time to part" Florizel and Perdita. He speaks to Florizel, pretending not to recognize him. Florizel, not recognizing his father, takes Perdita's hand and asks Polixenes to be "witness" to what he is about to say. He makes a public declaration of his love for Perdita. The Shepherd declares that he gives his daughter to Florizel and will "make / Her portion equal to his." As Florizel urges the Shepherd to make their betrothal formal, Polixenes interrupts, asking if Florizel's father knows and suggests that Florizel is wrong not to inform him. Polixenes reveals his true identity, furious with Florizel for attempting to contract a marriage with "a sheep-hook." He accuses the Shepherd of treachery, the punishment for which is execution, and threatens to have Perdita's beauty "scratched with briers." He forbids Florizel to have any more to do with Perdita, under threat of disinheritance. Polixenes leaves. The Shepherd also vents his anger at the couple before storming out.
Lines 507-667: Florizel guesses Camillo's true identity. Camillo advises him to avoid Polixenes until he has calmed down. Florizel reassures Perdita and declares that he will marry her, even if it means giving up the succession to the throne. He announces his intention to leave Bohemia. Camillo suggests that they go to Sicilia where Florizel can introduce Perdita as his princess and pretend that he has come in reconciliation from Polixenes. Florizel agrees, and Camillo promises to provide him with clothes and attendants. As they draw aside to discuss matters, Autolycus returns.
Lines 668-744: Autolycus is congratulating himself on the number of purses that he has stolen at the shearing. Camillo, Perdita, and Florizel see him and ask him to exchange clothes with Florizel, which he does. Camillo advises Perdita to "disliken / The truth of your own seeming," reminding us that, ironically, her true identity has already been concealed once. Camillo's aside reveals that he intends to tell Polixenes of the lovers' destination, forcing the king to sail to Sicilia, taking Camillo with him. He leaves, as Florizel and Perdita head for the coast.
Lines 745-906: As Autolycus contemplates what he has just witnessed, the Shepherd and the Clown approach. Autolycus stands aside to listen. The Clown urges his father to tell the king that Perdita is "a changeling," not of his "flesh and blood," and that therefore he should not be punished for her actions. As they leave for the palace they are stopped by Autolycus, whom they mistake for a "courtier." Autolycus tells them that Polixenes has boarded a ship and offers to direct them to it. The Shepherd gives him gold in return and they set out, Autolycus revealing aside his intention to do good by his old master, Florizel--and to win some gold for himself by doing so.
ACT 5 SCENE 1
Lines 1-151: In Sicilia, Cleomenes assures Leontes that he has grieved long enough. Leontes will not forgive himself. He is supported by Paulina who, outspoken as ever, reminds him that he "killed" a woman of "unparalleled" goodness. Throughout the scene she continues to remind him of his wife and children. The Lords urge Leontes to marry again, concerned t
hat Sicilia should have an heir, but Paulina reminds them that Apollo has decreed that "King Leontes shall not have an heir / Till his lost child be found." She urges Leontes not to marry again, and he agrees not to without Paulina's "free leave." A servant brings the news that Florizel and his princess have asked to see Leontes. Aware of the absence of state formality surrounding the visit, Leontes wonders whether Florizel has come there out of "need and accident." He sends Cleomenes to fetch them.
Lines 152-278: Leontes greets Florizel, commenting on his likeness to Polixenes. He praises Perdita's beauty and reflects sadly on his own lost children. Florizel presents greetings from Polixenes, pretending that "infirmity" prevents his father from coming in person. As Leontes expresses his pleasure at seeing them, a Lord interrupts with a message from Polixenes, revealing the truth about the couple's flight from Bohemia and demanding that Leontes arrest Florizel. The Lord reports that Polixenes is in Sicilia, accompanied by the Shepherd and the Clown, whom he is questioning. Camillo is also with them, and Florizel realizes that he has been betrayed. Perdita reveals that they are not yet married and they admit that Perdita is not a princess. Leontes expresses sympathy and agrees to try to help them win over Polixenes.
ACT 5 SCENE 2
We learn about the revelation of Perdita's true identity and the reunion of Leontes and Polixenes and Camillo through the conversation of Autolycus and some Gentlemen, a device that suggests that, though these are wonderful events, there is a greater dnouement still to be witnessed onstage. A Third Gentleman reports that the entire party has gone to Paulina's, at Perdita's request, to see a statue of Hermione, and they leave Autolycus to join the party assembling there. Autolycus meets the Shepherd and the Clown who revel in their elevation in rank, bestowed upon them for their kindness in raising Perdita. Autolycus apologizes for his past misdemeanors and they promise to tell the prince that he is "as honest a true fellow as is any in Bohemia."