S1: Cleomenes and Dion discuss their meeting with the Oracle Apollo and wish the queen to be acquitted of her accusations.
S2: King hold a trial in which he is judge. The accusations are placed in adultery and treason and conspiracy to kill the king.
~ Clemenes and Dion arrive with the word from Apollo clearing Hermione of all charges as well as friends.
~ Clemens even at these words doubts and kicks against the words.
~ New then comes that the kings son is dead and Hermione passes away shortly thereafter.
S3: Antigonus arrives near bohemia to dump off the child.
~ Antigonus tells of a dream he had seeing Hermione.
~ Anitgonus is killed by a bear and the ship is swallowed in the sea.
~ A shepherd and clown find the girl.
Just noticing some of the structure of these scenes. Scene one is a few people with a hopeful tone, while scene two is many many people and turns very dark and sad with the passing of Hermione and her son. Then scene three the weather portrays the mood--a horrible storm. Scene tree is a few people and the death of every member of the ship and Anitgonus.
I wonder if Shakespeare makes the end of the first part so bleak because he wants to use it as a foil for the second half. I mean he didn't have to get Antigonus eaten by a bear but it helps set that winter mood and then later emphasize the light mood of part two that much more.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right!! It's defiantly a big part of a stark contrast!
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