The Winter's Tale- William Shakespeare

The Winter's Tale (Please refer to the text for Questions)

a) Why did Camillo and Polixenes flee to Bohemia?

A.Camillo had been ordered by Leontes to poison Polixenes. But Camillo was caught between his loyalty to the king and his conscience. Ultimately, he told Polixenes about the plot against him. Hence, Camillo and Polixenes decided to flee to Bohemia.

b) Why did Paulina take  the new born baby to King Leontes?

A.Paulina had taken the new born baby to King Leontes, in the hope that the sight of the child would change his attitude towards the queen.

c)What caused Leontes to repent his actions?

A.The oracle had proclaimed- ‘Hermione is innocent, Polixenes blameless and Leontes will live without an heir, if that which is lost be not found.’ It was then Leontes learnt that both his son and his queen had died of grief. Leontes at last realized the folly of his actions and thus, repented his actions.

d) What suggestion did Camillo give Florizel and Perdita? What did Camillo gain from it?

 A.Camillo suggested Florizel and Perdita to go to Sicily. Camillo felt that Leontes would welcome the son of his long-separated friend. Camillo got to return to Sicily after a long time. In the end, he marries Paulina  and finds happiness.

e) How do you, as a reader, feel on learning about Hermione at the end?

Personal response.

Hints:

*Happy that the old faithful queen was alive. She could unite and live happily with her family.

*Sad that many years had passed without anyone knowing about her.

*Angry that king had behaved foolishly.