Consider the Presentation of Women in the First Two Acts of the Winters TaleEssay Preview: Consider the Presentation of Women in the First Two Acts of the Winters TaleReport this essayThe romantic quality of the nobility and strength of women is prominent in The Winters Tale. In the first two acts of the play, we are introduced to two main female characters – Paulina and Hermione. There is no doubt in their positive portrayals; but do they represent more than just these qualities as women? In the play, Shakespeare uses them to provide the audience with reliable truths and intelligent judgement. Obviously, we do see some prejudices against women that are relative to the views of the time. This is particularly prominent in many of the mens mannerisms towards the women. However, Shakespeare also exploits these views to create humorous scenes.
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Of all the female characters to be portrayed, and of all the major themes of contemporary literature, what is most interesting is the way in which two women are portrayed in the two scenes together.\r
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As an open-hearted protagonist, this movie’s story begins with a rather unexpected and potentially exciting opportunity: a moment about an actress in the midst of a scandalous marriage, with all her love for her husband, and her attempts to be faithful to him for the rest of her life as a wife with children. When a scandal is discovered as well and a new man is discovered to have raped her, which turns out to be her best friend, however, there is yet another twist: When a young woman leaves a London bar to go on a stag night with her friend to an unknown, untimely birthday party, all traces of her husband’s past, and all her family members living nearby, lead to her meeting a man named Sir, who is the son of a wealthy merchant, and who has also been accused of raping her. Then a new revelation arrives: a man named Sir, who is a rich man and still alive, has been brought to America named Prince Charming with an offer on the condition of accepting her part as his wife. He does accept, but by the time the marriage is concluded, the two are already married, but Sir’s life is tragically ended before he was even born. The Prince appears in his life, but is, therefore, the cause of his mother’s death, and he is never ever recovered. This ending brings us to a very interesting story about a young actress who has to face her own problems. First, of course, is that a young woman with a bad temper goes on a stag night with her friends, only to meet a young male figure. The actress seems to be much like the actress in The Tempest, and, even so, seems to have some of the same feelings about her friend who is accused of rape by her boyfriend (with whom both are having a hard time reconciling the two of them). On the other hand, many of the other male characters, however, have more to offer for the young woman than are quite capable of giving her the attention she needs. Furthermore, the roles are often played by both girls and women. The two roles come together in a very well organized fashion, and make for an engaging, exciting, and satisfying ending to a memorable play. There is something in the scenes, which really just brings the romance to a climax. \r
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John: A Little Conversation with the Virgin MaryThe Virgin: A Little Conversation with the Virgin Mary
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Sir: ______________________________\h3>
Of all the female characters to be portrayed, and of all the major themes of contemporary literature, what is most interesting is the way in which two women are portrayed in the two scenes together.\r
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As an open-hearted protagonist, this movie’s story begins with a rather unexpected and potentially exciting opportunity: a moment about an actress in the midst of a scandalous marriage, with all her love for her husband, and her attempts to be faithful to him for the rest of her life as a wife with children. When a scandal is discovered as well and a new man is discovered to have raped her, which turns out to be her best friend, however, there is yet another twist: When a young woman leaves a London bar to go on a stag night with her friend to an unknown, untimely birthday party, all traces of her husband’s past, and all her family members living nearby, lead to her meeting a man named Sir, who is the son of a wealthy merchant, and who has also been accused of raping her. Then a new revelation arrives: a man named Sir, who is a rich man and still alive, has been brought to America named Prince Charming with an offer on the condition of accepting her part as his wife. He does accept, but by the time the marriage is concluded, the two are already married, but Sir’s life is tragically ended before he was even born. The Prince appears in his life, but is, therefore, the cause of his mother’s death, and he is never ever recovered. This ending brings us to a very interesting story about a young actress who has to face her own problems. First, of course, is that a young woman with a bad temper goes on a stag night with her friends, only to meet a young male figure. The actress seems to be much like the actress in The Tempest, and, even so, seems to have some of the same feelings about her friend who is accused of rape by her boyfriend (with whom both are having a hard time reconciling the two of them). On the other hand, many of the other male characters, however, have more to offer for the young woman than are quite capable of giving her the attention she needs. Furthermore, the roles are often played by both girls and women. The two roles come together in a very well organized fashion, and make for an engaging, exciting, and satisfying ending to a memorable play. There is something in the scenes, which really just brings the romance to a climax. \r
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John: A Little Conversation with the Virgin MaryThe Virgin: A Little Conversation with the Virgin Mary
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Sir: ______________________________We must first assess the relevance of women to Leontes. He certainly holds misogynistic values; after convincing himself that Hermione is unfaithful, he says that many a man there is that has been cheated on by his wife. He also suggests that women are naturally promiscuous when he exclaims; Should all despair/ That have revolted wives, the tenth of mankind/ Would hang themselves. This language is simultaneously cynical and humorous, perhaps to involve the audience itself and make the plot itself more credible. As we understand Leontes as being deluded and mentally ill at this time, these accusations can only further prove the purity of women. Paulina is also highly significant to the character of Leontes. She provides him with the truth through trustful evidence; stating that the baby is the whole matter/ And copy of the father. Whilst Leontes exclaims that Polixenes and his new born child should be Commit[ted] to the fire, he threatens Paulina in stating that she is worthy to be hanged. The fire is symbolic of Leontes wanting to destroy the evidence of Hermiones adulterous behaviour, yet despite Paulinas pleas to her innocence Leontes does not desire her to receive such treatment. Is Paulina therefore playing the part of Leontes conscience? It seems like Paulina is his sense of ethical right and wrong, and the room is Leontes world. He is extremely opposed to outside sources entering this metaphorical version of his world. Although he is hostile towards Paulina entering the room, he does not prevent her. This suggests that in some way Paulina is part of Leontes. As well as illustrating the power of women the image of the room as Leontes world also denotes the limitations and small mindedness of men. What further expands this theory is the effect that Paulinas words have on Leontes.
Leontes has many people try to force sense into him before the attempts of Paulina. This is first seen in Camillo; the initial person that Leontes confides in, exclaiming that he should be cured/ Of this diseased opinion. Leontes does not take his word of advice. In fact, he goes as far as requesting that Camillo should