The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare

News comes that Mamillius had died from distress at his mother's arrest. Weak from her childbearing, Hermione is brought to trial where her innocence is proven by a message from the oracle.

Leontes orders Antigonus to take the baby into exile. He threatens Paulina, the child, and Paulina's husband, Antinogus. Paulina, Hermione's friend, takes the infant child to try and persuade Leontes to free his wife and overcome his obsessions. Leontes orders two messengers to inquire at the oracle at Delphi to prove his delusions correct. In captivity she gives birth to her baby girl. Leontes imprisons Hermione with no evidence against her other than his own suspicions.

Mary Anderson as Hermione, Henry Van der Weyde, 1887 Together they flee the country, leaving Hermione and her beloved son, Mamillius, to face the King's wrath. Rather than do so, Camillo warns Polixenes. His obsession grows until Leontes asks his cupbearer, Camillo, to poison Polixenes. When Leontes's pregnant wife, Hermione, succeeds in persuading Polixenes to stay, Leontes becomes suspicious that his wife has been unfaithful with his friend. Dismayed, Leontes begs his friend to delay his departure, but Polixenes refuses. Polixenes, King of Bohemia, is anxious to return home after a nine-month trip to Sicily to visit his lifelong friend, King Leontes. When Perdita returns home, a statue of Hermione 'comes to life', and everyone is reconciled. Leontes exiles his newborn daughter Perdita, who is raised by shepherds for sixteen years and falls in love with the son of Leontes' friend.

The jealous King Leontes falsely accuse his wife Hermione of infidelity with his best friend, and she dies.

TL DR (may contain spoilers): King Leontes becomes paranoid about his wife's fidelity he imprisons her, kills their son, and banishes their infant daughter years later, a statue comes to life. Information to help you plan your visit to Shakespeare's family homes Prices, booking, opening times and more to help you get organisedĮnjoy seasonal activities and special events throughout the year Walk in Shakespeare's footsteps at Shakespeare's New Place Relive Shakespeare's love story at Anne Hathaway's Cottage Visit William Shakespeare's Birthplace and explore his childhood world, right where it all began.

The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare