Huge Diversity of Critical Responses of William Shakespeare's "The Winter’s Tale"

Exit, pursued by a bear.

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)

English poet and playwright.

Stage direction.

The Winter's Tale, Act 3, Scene 3

Introduction 

William Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale"(pub.1626) has, for some reason, attracted a huge diversity of critical response. Some early critics see the play as the product of Shakespeare’s ‘serene retirement’ in Stratford. In fact, Shakespeare was not so old when he wrote the play, and by definition was not ‘retired'. If he was still writing play’s we do not know. If he was serene at that time in his life, and even if we did it is always dangerous to draw too close links between an another’s life and his writing. Here we will explore the diverse range of critical perspectives that have been expressed about the play, providing a concise analysis and highlighting key points made by critics.

The Problem of Genre

One prominent aspect that elicits varied critical responses is the play's genre. "The Winter's Tale" defies classification, blending tragic elements in the first half and transitioning to a comedy in the latter half. Critics have offered contrasting interpretations of this genre shift, with some praising the play's innovative approach and seamless transition, while others have criticized it as inconsistent and unsettling.

Themes of Jealousy and Forgiveness

The theme of jealousy, particularly embodied in the character of Leontes, is a focal point in "The Winter's Tale." Critics have praised Shakespeare's exploration of this destructive emotion and its consequences, highlighting the psychological depth and complexity of Leontes' character. Additionally, the theme of forgiveness, exemplified in the reunification of the characters, has been seen as a powerful and redemptive element. Critics often emphasize the play's ability to evoke emotions of catharsis and reconciliation.

The Redemption of Hermione

Hermione's character arc, from falsely accused queen to virtuous figure of grace, has been a subject of extensive critical analysis. Some critics view her as a symbol of resilience and female empowerment, highlighting her strength and dignity in the face of injustice. Others, however, argue that her character is idealized to the point of being unrealistic, detracting from the play's overall credibility.

Imagery and Symbolism

Shakespeare's masterful use of imagery and symbolism in "The Winter's Tale" has captivated critics throughout history. The recurring motif of winter and spring represents the cycle of life, highlighting themes of rebirth and regeneration. Critics often explore the deeper meanings behind the play's use of natural imagery and metaphors, discussing how they enhance the narrative and enrich the audience's understanding.

The Role of Time

Time is a central element in "The Winter's Tale," as highlighted by the famous stage direction "Exit, pursued by a bear." Critics have offered diverse interpretations of the role and significance of time in the play. Some view it as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation, while others argue that it serves as a symbol of the inevitability of fate and the consequences of past actions. The play's exploration of the temporal dimension has sparked intriguing debates among scholars.

Despite this, the view that the play was written by a man in the autumn of his years has some value. It point to the role of time in the play, and the belief that, given basic goodwill, all things can be resolved by time. There a desire for reconciliation and forgiveness above all things, and this could be side to be typical of the thought patterns of an older man. Another early critic saw the play as sowing Shakespeare bored with life, bored with drama, and bored with everything except poetry. Any view that operates with a total disregard of known facts and it rude about a great another is attractive, but the poetry in the play, although different from much of Shakespeare writing is not particularly remarkable, and for a bored man Shakespeare packs a remarkable amount of excitement and action into the play.

William Shakespeare

Improbability in "The Winter's Tale"

Other authors were writing exciting but improbable plays in the latter years of Shakespeare’s life most notably the duet of Francis Beaumont (1584 – 1616) and john Fletcher (1579 – 1625). It is possible that Shakespeare wrote The Winter’s Tale to match the plays of his contemporaries; it is also possible that they wrote in emulation of Shakespeare. In Shakespeare’s later years his company moved to the indoor Black friars Theatre; possibly The Winter’s Tale was written for the more luxurious stage effects of this theatre, but Forman saw the plays at the Globe, and it must have been designed, as were all Shakespeare’s plays, to be acted in a variety of settings.

Philosophical Heaviness in "The Winter's Tale"?

Some critics have suggested a major religious conversion on Shakespeare’s part in the later years of his life, and that this is reflected in his later plays. A new set of moral principles does tend to emerge from the later plays, but that need not tie in with any religious conversion. More modern critics have suggested that the play were written by Shakespeare in his dotage, as consolation for the harshness of an old man’s lot. This would seem to like in with the earlier theory that Shakespeare wrote the play at a nadir of boredom, but again the theory relies too much on unproven biographical fact to be totally, reliable. It is, however , appropriate to the dream – like quality of the plays ending, and the increasing level of improbability as the play progresses. A final view that the play is part of an experiment, although it is not always clear from critics who support this view what the experiment is in aid of. One attractive solution is that the late plays seek combine the thoughts and outlooks of the histories, the comedies and the tragedies, in an attempt to product a composite blend of experience that partakes of all views and outlooks.

Conclusion

"The Winter's Tale" has elicited a wide range of critical responses due to its genre-defying nature, exploration of jealousy and forgiveness, complex characterization of Hermione, masterful use of imagery and symbolism, and thought-provoking portrayal of time. Twentieth-century literary approaches, such as New Criticism, brought insightful commentary to William Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale." E.M.W. Tillyard and Traversi explored the play's distinct planes of reality, while Tillyard emphasized the tragic suffering, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration in the plot. Northrop Frye further systematized these planes around seasonal myths, while Wilson Knight introduced a Christian framework. Although Tillyard's analysis didn't fully encompass the play's structure, his exploration of the heightened worlds and their complexity remains influential. Shakespeare's play continues to captivate audiences and scholars alike, inviting ongoing analysis and interpretation.

Ardhendu De

Ref: 

1. The Complete Works of Shakespeare - Read for Free Online. (n.d.). The Complete Works of Shakespeare - Read for Free Online. https://www.thecompleteworksofshakespeare.com 

2.RJS. (1972). Wolfgang Clemen: Shakespeare’s Dramatic Art. Shakespeare Quarterly, 23(3), 267–267. https://doi.org/10.2307/2868518

3. MENAN, C. (1938). SHAKESPEARE CRITICISM. HUMPHREY MILFORD OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS .

4. ALBERT. (2000). History of English Literature (Fifth Edition) [English]. OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.

5. The Winter’s Tale: Critical Reception :: Internet Shakespeare Editions. (n.d.). The Winter’s Tale: Critical Reception :: Internet Shakespeare Editions. https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/doc/WT_CriticalSurvey/section/Twentieth%20Century/index.html