The Winters Tale

The Winter's Tale is one of Shakespeare's most intriguing plays. Moving from tragedy to romantic comedy with a sprinkle of pastoral and a smidgeon of magic realism, it presents us with complex characters, deep psychological insights, and subject matter which remains pertinent. The play follows the story of Leontes and his wife Hermione, rulers of Sicilia. When Leontes is convinced his wife is having an affair, he tears apart their world, and devastation follows. 

But Shakespeare also offers redemption to our protagonist, and a possible reordering of power at the end of the play. Love, and its ultimate triumph is seen through Leontes and Hermione story, but is this really the love story at the heart of the play?