Unit 5 - Shakespeare and other pre-20th Century Texts
Exam (elaborations)
CIE (A Level - 23/25 (A+) - Level 6) English Literature Essay: The Winter's Tale by W. Shakespeare
9 views 0 purchase
Module
Unit 5 - Shakespeare and other pre-20th Century Texts
Institution
CIE
Book
The Winter\'s Tale
*Detailed information provided further in the description *If you encounter any problems or questions please feel free to contact me! :)
The play 'The Winter's Tale' by William Shakespeare is a part of the CIE English Literature 2019/2020 syllabus: Paper 5 . The essay offers the perfect opport...
CIE (A Level) Complete Class Notes/ Notebook: The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare
CIE Past Paper (A Level - 24/25 (A+) - Level 6) English Literature Essay: The Winter's Tale by W. Shakespeare
CIE (A Level - 20/25 (A) - Level 6) English Literature Extract Essay: The Winter's Tale by W. Shakespeare
All for this textbook (12)
Written for
CIE
English
Unit 5 - Shakespeare and other pre-20th Century Texts
All documents for this subject (24)
Seller
Follow
LunarStudyStore
Reviews received
Content preview
- Extract: Explore the significance of the title in Shakespeare’s ‘The Winter’s Tale.’
- GRADE: 23/25 (A* - Level/Band 6)
The significance of the title of William Shakespeare’s play ‘The Winter’s Tale’ –
originally published in the First Folio of 1623 and performed in the Globe Theater
(1611) – is featured throughout the plot in various ways. Ranging from
associations to the specific use of a definite article, the play’s title does not only
simply accomplish the role of a title, but also serves as a basic representation of
the complete story; including its chain of events. Simultaneously it exhibits a
deeper insight into the “tales” overall meanings and morals.
It is interesting to note that, in terms of relevance, the play’s title turns in favor
of the debate concerning the ‘romance’ genre as, by definition, winter’s tales
would be considered as strange and fanciful oral narratives intended to while
away the long, cold and harsh nights of winter. Therefore, not meant to be
taken seriously or withstand vigorous logical interrogation and questioning.
Mamillius himself specifies a story of “spirits and goblins” which evokes fairy-
tale elements throughout the play. On top of this, the place in which these first
references occur are based in the domestic company of women, and is put in
the mouth of the androgynous Mamillius – who is still “unbreeched” and who’s
name etymologically denotes ‘breasts’ due to its Latin roots - is significant. For
this type of narrative to fall within the patriarchal culture of the early modern
period was gendered female. Within the most serious and disciplined classical
genres learnt in grammar schools, where boys begin the process of discovering
their masculine identity, effeminate oral tales were considered trivial and, hence,
probably left behind in nursery.
Contextually, the phrase “winter’s tale” refers to oral wives’ tales which were
narrated to children at night before they went to bed. The significance of the
play’s title lies within the fact that such “tales” were often associated within
improbable plots, supernatural and fantastical wonders; features which are
recurrent in ‘TWT’. Whilst the critic Coleridge state the tragedy offered is
enough to be deemed as a suitable winter’s tale, other critics disagree and state
that its defining qualities are based on Leontes’ irrational jealousy, leading to the
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller LunarStudyStore. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £4.41. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.