The Winter's Tale

Paper Summary:

This paper focuses on the final scene, Act V of "The Winter's Tale". It discusses the main themes of the scene, that of mystery, magic and mockery. The author of the paper offers examples from the text to qualify points made. The paper also highlights the Greek and Christian symbols which Shakespeare presents.

From the Paper:

"The symbol of unveiling is also significant in this final scene. That which is "Lonely, apart" is both virginal and mysterious like an esoteric wisdom. Shakespeare therefore imbues the scene with a mystic flavor. Something secret is about to be revealed; one of life's mysteries is to be encountered by human eyes. Paulina states, "prepare / To see the life as lively mock'd as ever / Still sleep mock'd death: behold, and say 'tis well." The references to sleep and death and to a mockery of both also suggest esoteric wisdom, which seeks a greater understanding of the meaning of life, death, and the unconscious mind."

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