The Winter’s Tale Compassion and Forgiveness Quotes Page 1
Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to the Norton edition.
| Quote #1 Welcome hither, |
Leontes, whose been suffering in Sicily for sixteen long years, suggests that Florizel’s presence is like the arrival of spring after a long, cold, harsh winter. What’s more, Florizel’s arrival in Sicily seems to have a healing effect on the king and his ailing court, which has yet to recover from the deaths of Hermione and Mammilius and the loss of baby Perdita.
| Quote #2 Sir, you have done enough, and have perform'd |
Cleomenes suggests that Leontes has suffered long enough for his sins and urges the king to forgive himself. So, what do you think? Has Leontes “paid down more penitence than [he’s] done trespass”? Why or why not?
| Quote #3 I lost a couple, that 'twixt heaven and earth |
Leontes admits that it’s his fault he lost his beloved family and dear friend. Yet, despite his “misery,” he also holds out hope that he’ll one day see Florizel’s “brave father” again.
