\\"Winter’s Tale / Kış Masalı\\", which takes inspiration from the myth of Kral Oidipus and has a story structure similar to that of \\"Othello\\", is one of Shakespeare’s successful novels with its happy ending. In the story of the sick jealousy that King Leontes of Sicily begins against his wife Hermione, Leontes’ suspicions start to envelop the king like a poisonous vine, just like in Othello. Leontes, who even thinks that the child in Hermione’s womb is from King Polixenes of Bohemia, eventually causes the death of his eldest son and wife with his actions. Although he orders his man to kill the newborn daughter, the story of the daughter Perdita, who is raised by a shepherd, is where the echoes of Oidipus are felt. Shakespeare once again draws attention to class discrimination with the fact that Florizel, the son of Polixenes, falls in love with Perdita but Polixenes opposes this marriage because Perdita’s noble blood is not known. Leontes, who repents of what he has done, reunites with both his daughter and his wife, who actually did not die, at the end of the play. In addition, with Polixenes learning about the situation and changing his view of marriage, Shakespeare presents a happy ending, and we can understand that the mature age passed more gently. \\"Kış Masalı\\", which I think is one of the plays that should be read with its flowing plot and characters worthy of Shakespeare, is a play that, when evaluated as a novel, more than justifies the name that contains a fairy tale within it.

05.08.2019

Londra, Birleşik Krallık

Alp Turgut

“It is an heretic that makes the fire,
Not she which burns in't.”
- Shakespeare, The Winter's Tale



The Winter's Tale begins as a problem play but ultimately devolves into a rather problematic and muddled pastoral affair. I must disclose, perhaps I have done so before, that I am not a proponent of Shakespeare's plays that incorporate songs. In fact, if A Midsummer Nights Dream weren't such an outstanding play, I might even gripe about the songs within it. However, my primary concern with this particular play is not the music; rather, it is the overall unevenness. It commences in a wild and crazy manner (in a good sense): a frenzied and jealous king lashes out at everything around him, including friends, wives, and counselors. The story then progresses through a series of events such as lost and found children, mistaken identities, and reconciliations/reincarnations. Nevertheless, it all concludes a bit too easily. I'm certain that this uneven melodrama might have its charms when performed in front of a half-drunk audience, but for me, it simply didn't ring true. It left me with a sense of dissatisfaction, feeling a bit cheap and used. I was unsure whether I was supposed to laugh, grumble, or applaud at the end. Meh. I would probably award this play two stars, were it not for the rather unexpected use of dildos (‘Jump her and thump her’?) and bears within the narrative. I suppose that if one is going to throw everything but the kitchen sink into a play, one might as well include sex toys and Ursus Shakespearimus.

Favorite Quotes:

\\"Is this nothing?
Why then the world and all that’s in’t is nothing:
The covering sky is nothing, Bohemia nothing,
My wife is nothing, nor nothing have these nothings,
If this be nothing.\\"
- Act 1, Scene 2

“I have drunk,
And seen the spider.”
- Act 2, Scene 1

\\"The silence often of pure innocence
Persuades when speaking fails.\\"
- Act 2, Scene 2

\\"Though I am not naturally honest, I am so sometimes by chance\\"
- Act 4, Scene 4

“Age, thou hast lost thy labor.”
- Act 4, Scene 4

\\"I am ashamed. Does not the stone rebuke me
For being more stone than it?\\"
- Act 5, Scene 2

Exit, pursued by a bear.

If it were up to me, I would read the preface of a review nature written by translator Özdemir Nutku about the play after reading the play. I did just that and read the review with great interest. Reading it before the play results in learning the details that surprise you in advance, and this situation can spoil the pleasure you will get from the play. The weaknesses/ criticisms brought to the play that Nutku mentioned in the review were the parts that caught my attention, marked, and questioned when I was reading the play. Besides these, I think it was a play that kept the curiosity alive from beginning to end (even if what would happen was more or less predictable) and read itself with excitement until the finale. The intensity of emotions was also enjoyable. My favorite characters were Paulina and Autolycus.

This play offers a rich and engaging experience. The translator's preface provides valuable insights and perspectives that enhance the understanding of the play. The weaknesses pointed out in the review also give us something to think about and analyze. Overall, it is a play that combines elements of drama, emotion, and mystery, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in the genre.

Whether you are a fan of classical literature or simply looking for an interesting and thought-provoking play, this work by Özdemir Nutku is definitely worth checking out. It will take you on a journey through the lives and emotions of its characters, leaving you with a lasting impression.

Something for Shakespeare In The Park, maybe?

“Good my Lord, be cured of this diseased opinion, and betimes, for ‘tis most dangerous.”

That is the well-meant advice Camillo gives the delusional King Leontes. The king's whims and flawed imagination are about to bring disaster to his family and kingdom. Sadly, the all-powerful king doesn't listen. The drama unfolds predictably, with the king being the most self-indulgent, paranoid, and mentally underdeveloped. His entourage, aware of the danger of speaking truth to power, resigns itself to the doctrine:

“I dare not know, my Lord.”

The main plot is one of jealousy and impulsive decisions. But there is a deeper, sadder truth beneath the king's machinations.

“A sad tale’s best for winter”, the king's young son tells his mother, before both become victims of the “tremor cordis” that clouds the king's judgment.

What happened? The king's friend Polixenes wants to leave after a stay at the court. Leontes fails to convince him to stay, so he asks his wife, Hermione, to try. When she succeeds, the king believes they have an affair.

As absurd as it sounds, Leontes persists in this belief, charging Hermione with treason. When the oracle doesn't confirm his delusion but clears his wife, he overrides the law.

Reading this in 2017, it's almost nauseating. The misogyny in Shakespeare's plays is painful to see. Men destroy women's and children's lives, despite often being weaker in many ways.

They are physically stronger and hold executive power, and this is still the case in many parts of the world.

Virginia Woolf showed the obstacles a fictional sister of Shakespeare would face in her essay. If she had Hermione's skills, men would accuse her of various things.

In Shakespeare's world, men take what they want and think later. King Leontes says, “I am a feather for each wind that blows.”

He is punished for overthrowing the oracle. Sixteen years later, the tragedy turns to comedy, and he gets a second chance. But it's not all well that ends well.

The young son dies, and Antigonus sacrifices himself to save the baby girl. Even if tyranny doesn't last, it's unacceptable to let mad men exert power.

When people feel “they dare not know”, something must be done without delay. Shakespeare's first three acts are more convincing than the last two.

What can we do? We can't rely on Shakespeare to write a better ending. But he saw it clearly and put it into unforgettable language.

Recommended to: THE WORLD! (For we have more madmen - and women - than we can bear!)

Exeo, pursued by a (night)mare!

The BBC truly does an amazing job with this audiobook.

The production quality is top-notch, with excellent narration that brings the story to life.

As for the story itself, it is engaging and full of interesting characters and events.

However, I must admit that I really wish the king had gotten far more of a comeuppance for his bad behavior.

Throughout the story, he is shown to be cruel, selfish, and unjust, and yet he seems to get away with it all too easily.

I think it would have added an extra layer of satisfaction to the story if he had faced more serious consequences for his actions.

Overall, though, I still thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook and would highly recommend it to others.

You can observe that Shakespeare's works become increasingly darker as he grows older. If I were not aware that two of his finest plays are yet to come, I might feel a sense of despair.

One aspect that catches your attention is Shakespeare's comprehension of redemption. He extends it even to the most heinous tyrants. Very few writers possess the courage to do that.

Shakespeare's evolution as a playwright is truly remarkable. His later works explore deeper themes and emotions, delving into the darker recesses of the human psyche.

Despite the growing darkness, his ability to offer redemption gives hope and shows his profound understanding of the human condition.

This makes his plays not only powerful and thought-provoking but also a source of inspiration and enlightenment.

#20for2020reads A Shakespeare Play 1

This is one of my all-time favorite Shakespearean plays.

It's宛如a captivating fairy tale, with a pagan setting that belies its deeply Christian themes. These themes encompass guilt, repentance, redemption, resurrection, forgiveness, grace, and above all, love.

In a sense, there are two distinct plays within this work, separated by the passage of time. The first play concludes with the memorable stage note, "Exit, pursued by a bear."

This time around, I listened to the audio production from my Arkangel Complete Shakespeare set. An added bonus of this audio is that Ciaran Hines masterfully portrays Leontes, while Sir John Guilgud brings the character of Time to life.

I also possess a video of the BBC production, starring the illustrious Sir Patrick Stewart. Each interpretation offers a unique perspective on this timeless masterpiece, allowing me to explore and appreciate its beauty and depth from different angles.

**The Winter's Tale, William Shakespeare**

The Winter's Tale is a remarkable play penned by the great William Shakespeare and originally published in the First Folio of 1623.

The main storyline of The Winter's Tale is sourced from Robert Greene's pastoral romance Pandosto, which was published in 1588.

Interestingly, Shakespeare's alterations to the plot are unusually minimal, especially considering the rather undramatic nature of the romance. This fidelity to the original gives The Winter's Tale its most prominent feature: the significant sixteen-year gap between the third and fourth acts.

The play is set in Sicilia and Bohemia. It features a rich cast of characters including Leontes, the king of Sicilia and childhood friend of Polixenes, the king of Bohemia. Hermione, Leontes' virtuous and patient queen, and Polixenes, who visits the court of Sicilia. Camillo, a loyal and trusted advisor to Leontes, and Paulina, a noblewoman at court and a confidante of Hermione. There are also many other characters such as Mamilius, the prince of Sicilia, and Perdita, the daughter of Leontes and Hermione.

The story begins with Leontes' unjust suspicion that Hermione is having an affair with Polixenes. This suspicion leads to a series of events that cause great turmoil and heartbreak. Leontes orders Camillo to poison Polixenes, but Camillo warns him and they both flee the court of Sicilia.

The play explores themes of jealousy, forgiveness, and redemption. It is a complex and engaging work that showcases Shakespeare's masterful storytelling and his ability to create vivid and memorable characters.

Overall, The Winter's Tale is a classic play that continues to be studied and performed today. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Shakespearean drama and the human condition.

Shakespeare reading used to scare my eyes a lot, but now I'm afraid that I've become addicted to his plays. I'm reading with great pleasure. It's very real once. Even though the characters change clothes in an absurd way and are thrown into completely different roles in an instant, and some events seem very sudden, he manages to convince me in some way. And the best part for me is that each of his plays is timeless. That's why he challenges time and maintains his relevance and currency in the eyes of the reader, even as centuries pass. In the case of this book in particular, my favorite detail is the presence of brave and just characters who can oppose and resist the powerful. Moreover, the main impact is achieved thanks to female solidarity, and it never gets old. I can say that Paulina is my favorite character in the book. There's also the character of Autolycus, who I love almost as much as her. I read it with great love.

March '24 @fatmaburchak @yazariylakonusanlar

#neokudum #williamshakespeare #kismasali #shakespeare #renklikalemkitap

"Winter's Tale" by William Shakespeare is a great option for teenagers to study the Bard's creativity. It's even better than "Hamlet". And here is such a rather tiresome little fairy tale about a tyrant and his suffering family, lost princesses, disguised princes and villains, morally unstable courtiers, aggressive bears and overly active marble. Dramatically, the play is interesting, and a production based on its motives can be splendid (there are special effects!), but in terms of content, it's a bit meh. Especially in those places where you want to find among the heroes someone to whom you would like to show sympathy, and Hermione is quickly pushed out of the story.

Shakespeare's works are always a treasure trove of literary exploration. "Winter's Tale" offers a unique blend of elements that can engage and challenge young minds. The story's complex characters and their interactions provide ample opportunity for in-depth analysis. The use of themes such as jealousy, forgiveness, and redemption add depth and moral lessons.

While the play may have its flaws in terms of content, it still holds value as a piece of literature. It can spark discussions about different perspectives and interpretations. Additionally, the potential for a visually stunning production can bring the story to life in a whole new way.

Overall, "Winter's Tale" is a worthy addition to the study of Shakespeare's works, especially for teenagers who are looking to expand their understanding of literature and drama.

This is a truly beautiful Shakespearean play that is rich with naturalistic elements, which are typical of his later period.

The now-infamous name of Hermione from this play likely served as a significant inspiration to Rowling. The heroine of this play experiences a remarkable rebirth at the end, adding an element of mystery and wonder.

There are elements of both comedy and tragedy within the play, creating a complex and engaging narrative. Additionally, the personification of time is an interesting and unique aspect that adds depth to the story.

Overall, this is one of the better romances in Shakespeare's works, captivating audiences with its powerful emotions, vivid characters, and thought-provoking themes.

Fino's Reviews of Shakespeare and Shakespearean Criticism provides a comprehensive list of Shakespeare's plays, including comedies, histories, tragedies, and collections, as well as a selection of Shakespearean criticism.

Whether you are a die-hard Shakespeare fan or a newcomer to his works, this list is sure to offer something of interest and value.

So, take a journey through the world of Shakespeare and discover the magic and beauty that lies within his plays.

"Exit, pursued by a bear" is widely regarded as the most renowned stage direction in the annals of literature. It makes its appearance in Shakespeare's "Winter's Tale" at the conclusion of Act III, and its fame stems from its inherent comicality.

Up until this moment, the play has been rather dark. King Leontes suddenly and irrationally becomes convinced that his wife is unfaithful to him, much like Othello and Lear. As a result, he believes his infant daughter is not his own and orders her to be exposed in the wilderness to die. The man who drops her off, Antigonus, is immediately chased off stage by a bear. It's conceivable that Shakespeare might have used a real bear for this scene. By the way, Antigonus meets his demise as the bear gets him.

This stage direction marks a significant shift. The bear chases the tragedy off stage and brings comedy in its wake. Act IV then progresses 16 years forward and takes a radical turn into silliness and even porniness. The dialogue between Florizel and Perdita is some of Shakespeare's more risqué work. A tinker shows up carrying "such delicate burdens of dildos and fadings," where fadings means orgasms and dildos means, well, dildos. So, while the first appearance of dildos in literature is often attributed to Aristophanes, they also make an appearance here.

However, Act IV is not without its flaws. It's rather confusing, filled with numerous characters and subplots that seem entirely unnecessary. Moreover, the tonal shift is quite jarring. This play is sometimes referred to as one of Shakespeare's "problem plays" because the happy ending seems to pull the rug out from under the initial bummer, leaving the audience unsure of how to interpret it. Queen Hermione comes back to life in a Pygmalion-like moment, and it's not clear whether this is due to magic or trickery. The obvious guess is trickery, but when she died, it was implied that Leontes saw her body. And after all, Prince Mamillius is still dead of grief.

Overall, the play is a bit unsatisfying, yet it manages to stick with you and leave a lasting impression. Leontes complains, "I am a feather for each wind that blows," and the play feels somewhat like that too. But it's an interesting wind indeed.