The Winter's Tale (Signet Classics)
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Premium Content Marginal Female Roles and the Development of Plot in "The Winter's Tale" and "Gawain and the Green Knight"

By William Day-Brosnan - November 20, 2010

In Shakespeare’s Winter’s Tale, the “death” of Hermione catalyzes the narrative development. Quantitatively, she plays little role beyond the first three acts, but the play revolves and eventually unites around her. It is, initially, her perceived flirting with Polixenes that begins Leontes’s jealous rage and sets into motion the play’s main chain…

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