The Winter's Tale, Act 3, Scene 2 summary
Act 3, Scene 2 of 15 · 10 min to read the scene
In Act 3, Scene 2, Hermione defends her innocence, and Apollo’s oracle clears her, but Leontes rejects its judgment until news arrives of his son’s death. Hermione collapses, Paulina reports her death, and Leontes admits his wrongdoing and vows to mourn his wife and son every day.
What happens
- Hermione faces accusations of adultery and conspiracy, rejects them, and asks Apollo to judge her case.
- Cleomenes and Dion confirm the sealed message’s origin, and an officer reads the oracle declaring Hermione innocent and Leontes tyrannical.
- Leontes rejects the oracle, but a servant announces the prince’s death, and Hermione faints.
- Leontes acknowledges divine punishment and admits ordering Camillo to poison Polixenes, whose escape Camillo enables.
- Paulina reports Hermione’s death and condemns Leontes, who accepts her harsh judgment.
- Leontes orders a shared grave for his wife and son and vows daily visits of mourning.
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In this scene
What to notice
Hermione distinguishes fair judgment from a ruler’s jealous accusations. Her defense exposes the contradiction between Leontes’s claim to uphold justice and his refusal to accept evidence.
Quick check
What makes Leontes acknowledge that heaven is punishing his injustice?
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