In Act 3.2, lines 138-160, Leontes quickly accuses the Oracle for being wrong. His jealousness and persistence allows him to precede with the session, claiming that the Oracle “is mere falsehood” (139). However, after Mamillius dies, Leontes quickly admits that his accusations about Hermione, Camillo, and Polixenes are wrong.
In lines 138-139, Leontes’ speech is quick and short. In a sense, he speaks without thinking, and is defensive even towards the oracle who speaks against him. He sticks to his word and refuses to hear anyone who does not believe him. However, in lines 148-160, Leontes’ discourse is quite long, thus allowing him to think honestly and clearly.
Leontes’ rapid change from jealousy to remorse may reveal his guilty conscious. It’s almost as if he knew he was wrong about his accusations, but couldn’t go back on his word because he buried himself in too deep. Although the oracle speaks ultimate truth, it is his son’s death that changes Leontes’ mentality. It a sense, it also seems that Leontes is relieved, he quickly confesses, “Apollo, pardon / My great profaneness ‘gaint thine oracle! New woo my queen, recall the good Camillo” (152-155).
His automatic reaction to Mamillius' death also suggests that Leontes believes it is his son; otherwise he wouldn’t have been dramatically affected by his death. Believing this therefore suggests that Hermione is also innocent. His long speech in lines 148-160 reveal that he sees the truth of the matter, and finally becomes sympathetic to Hermione, claiming, “Tenderly apply her some remedies for life” (150-151) His guilt finally makes him aware of the consequences of his mistakes.
Hi Valerie,
ReplyDeleteYou did a really good job analyzing the syntax and various diction/language components of Leontes' speech after his son dies. The way you described his rapid, short speech when he was blindly angered is completely different from the slower, longer speech he displays when he feels regrets from all his previous, irrational jealously. Great job pointing this out as part of your analysis! I agree with you that Leontes' fast change to remorse indicates that he was probably aware of his own irrationality. It's sad that he needed the deaths of his beloved son and wife to figure that out though. Karma's a bitch, I guess. I don't understand why he would put himself and all the people of his family/court through this trouble and instability when he knew deep down that he was wrong all along. There might have been another motive that we haven't gotten to yet, or that I jsut can't figure out? Haha. Either way, he knew he was being totally stupid and he received the worst punishment he could possibly get because of it. I feel bad, but he brought it on himself.
Hope you're having an awesome Thanksgiving break back home! =)
-Ash