Exploring the Ways in Which Shakespeare Presents Leontes and His Descents into Jealousy

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Exploring the Ways in Which Shakespeare Presents Leontes and His

Descents into Jealousy

Camillo and Archidamus, two loyal and committed courtiers, introduce

the character of Leontes to us in the opening scene. . He is presented

as a loving father to his son Mamillius, a gracious host and most of

all a kind and dedicated friend to Polixenes. “There rooted betwixt

them then such an affection that cannot choose but branch now”,

Camillo says to emphasize the very strong foundation of their

friendship. The language Camillo adapts conjures an image of a tree as

a symbol of closeness and continuity. This portrays their friendship

in a much more natural light. This view is contrary to the character

we meet in the latter part of the play, which Shakespeare might have

been hinting with use of the word, “seemed”.

On meeting, Leontes for the first time, he seems to meet up to the

expectation set to the readers by the courtiers, as he is evidently a

man of a good nature. This in my opinion is very important, as

Shakespeare finds it necessary to establish his character in a good

light before the incident where his mind begins to get “poisoned”.

Leontes’ kindness and love for his friend, Polixenes is made evident

by the use of the word “brother”. Also though, Leontes does not

declare love in the same way Hermione does, he still makes evident his

affection and fondness of his wife. “Hermione, my dearest”

In contrary to the portrayal of Leontes as seen earlier, he is totally

presented in a different way the next time we meet his character.

Shakespeare subtly indicates a change in his state of mind by the use

of questions, which have double meanings. “Is he won yet?” This might

mean whether or not Hermione has won over Polixenes’ intentions to

stay in Sicilia or more likely, whether or not she has had sexual

intercourse with him. The sudden descent of jealousy in the mind of

Leontes is finally confirmed by the aside comment. “Too hot, too hot!

To mingle friendship far is mingling blood”.

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