Women in The Winter's Tale The winter's tale was one of Shakespeare's last plays. ... There is no doubt that the friendship between Leontes and Polixnes symbolizes a kind of male union. ... We were, fair queen, two lads that thought there was no more behind, but such a day tomorrow as to-day, as to be boy eternal.... Shakespeare indicates his appreciation for Herminoe. ... He indulges himself in a imaginary world of no guilty where he and his child could "change innocence for innocence" in defiance of the feminine temptations. ...

• Word Count: 2824
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

Women like Hero were easily slandered as, in Elizabethan times, female sexuality was something feared by men. ... The idea of male honour was largely based on a fear of cuckoldry. ... She is also described as "No equal for [Don Pedro's] birth". ... When giving her husband the handkerchief, it is unclear whether she does this out of loyalty or out of fear. ... No, I will speak as liberal as the north" - She stands up to her husband, valuing justice over her duties as a wife, and showing loyalty to Desdemona. ...

• Word Count: 4511
• Approx Pages: 18
• Grade Level: High School