Donald Richardson

The Complete Winter's Tale Donald Richardson

Blind rage underlies Leontes' jealousy in The Winter's Tale. Although his jealously is akin to Othello's, it is not carried out to the same extent, thanks to the oracle's pronouncement. While Leontes's change of heart strains credibility, he does redeem himself and, in the process, changes the tragedy into a comedy, or at least a play with a happy resolution. One might also compare Hermione with Desdemona as both are "more sinned against than sinning" (Lear, III.2). Despite Leontes' reformation, one cannot avoid sympathy for Hermione, she who has been made to pay dearly for her husband's lack of faith and trust. She certainly deserves more.