The Winter Tale Folger Shakespeare Library: A Tale of Tragedy, Jealousy, and Redemption

Shakespeare's plays are timeless masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences around the world. One of his lesser-known works, The Winter's Tale, is a unique blend of tragedy, comedy, and romance that showcases the playwright's exceptional storytelling prowess. The Folger Shakespeare Library, located in Washington D.C., offers an immersive experience for enthusiasts of the bard's works, allowing them to delve into the enchanting world of The Winter's Tale.

The Winter's Tale: A Synopsis

The Winter's Tale tells the tale of Leontes, the King of Sicilia, and his destructive jealousy. Fueled by baseless suspicions, Leontes accuses his pregnant wife, Hermione, of infidelity with his best friend. This baseless jealousy drives the King to extreme measures, tearing apart his family and sending him into a deep despair.

As the story unfolds, we witness the consequences of Leontes' jealousy. The play takes a dramatic turn as Hermione is put on trial for her alleged adultery and is ultimately declared innocent. However, the cost of this tragedy is still palpable, with the death of the King's young son and the supposed death of Hermione.

The Winter's Tale (Folger Shakespeare Library)

by Paul Werstine(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15516 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	478 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Winter's Tale takes a twist towards the latter half when it fast-forwards sixteen years. We find ourselves in a different land, Bohemia, where a young princess named Perdita lives. Unbeknownst to Perdita, she is actually Leontes and Hermione's lost daughter, miraculously saved and raised by a shepherd. Romance blossoms as Perdita falls in love with Florizel, the son of Polixenes, her father's old friend.

The play reaches a crescendo with the reunion of Perdita and her family. Through a fascinating string of events, secrets are revealed, and forgiveness and redemption take center stage. The Winter's Tale is a tale of transformation, showcasing the power of forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring nature of love.

The Folger Shakespeare Library: Exploring The Winter's Tale

The Folger Shakespeare Library, home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare materials, provides a remarkable opportunity to dive deeper into the world of The Winter's Tale. Located in the heart of Washington D.C., the library welcomes both scholars and enthusiasts with its array of resources and immersive experiences.

The library boasts an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and other artifacts related to Shakespeare's works. Visitors can explore original editions of Shakespeare's plays, including The Winter's Tale, gaining insight into the world in which these works were created. The Folger Shakespeare Library offers a unique chance to view these invaluable historical documents up close.

For those eager to delve even further, the library organizes lectures, exhibitions, and discussions centered around Shakespeare's plays. Attendees can engage with experts and fellow Shakespeare enthusiasts, gaining a deeper understanding of the rich themes and literary techniques employed in The Winter's Tale.

Another highlight of visiting the Folger Shakespeare Library is experiencing live performances of Shakespeare's works. The library hosts numerous stage performances throughout the year, including captivating renditions of The Winter's Tale. Watching this enchanting play come alive on stage adds a new dimension to one's appreciation for Shakespeare's genius and The Winter's Tale's compelling narrative.

The Winter's Tale: A Tale for the Ages

The Winter's Tale continues to captivate audiences centuries after its creation. Its exploration of themes such as jealousy, forgiveness, and redemption remains relevant in today's world. The Folger Shakespeare Library provides a gateway to this timeless masterpiece, allowing individuals to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation.

Visiting the library offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of Shakespeare, gaining a profound understanding of The Winter's Tale and its enduring legacy. Whether you are a seasoned Shakespeare aficionado or new to his works, the Folger Shakespeare Library promises an enriching experience that will deepen your appreciation for the bard's exceptional storytelling.

, The Winter's Tale, with its tragic beginnings and uplifting resolution, offers a profound exploration of human nature and the power of forgiveness. The Folger Shakespeare Library serves as a beacon for those seeking to further explore this captivating play, providing invaluable resources, immersive experiences, and a stage where the words of Shakespeare come alive.

The Winter's Tale (Folger Shakespeare Library)

by Paul Werstine(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15516 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	478 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The authoritative edition of The Winter’s Tale from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers.

The Winter’s Tale, one of Shakespeare’s very late plays, is filled with improbabilities. Before the , one character comments that what we are about to see, “Were it but told you, should be hooted at / Like an old tale.”

It includes murderous passions, man-eating bears, princes and princesses in disguise, death by drowning and by grief, oracles, betrayal, and unexpected joy. Yet the play, which draws much of its power from Greek myth, is grounded in the everyday.

A “winter’s tale” is one told or read on a long winter’s night. Paradoxically, this winter’s tale is ideally seen rather than read—though the imagination can transform words into vivid action. Its shift from tragedy to comedy, disguises, and startling exits and transformations seem addressed to theater audiences.

This edition includes:

-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play
-Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play
-Scene-by-scene plot summaries
-A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases
-An to reading Shakespeare’s language
-An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play
-Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books
-An annotated guide to further reading

Essay by Stephen Orgel

​The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.