Who Perdita is
Perdita is born into the royal family of Sicilia, but grows up among shepherds in Bohemia. Her father, Leontes, wrongly suspects her mother, Hermione, of betraying him with his friend Polixenes. He orders Antigonus to take the newborn child far away and abandon her.
Antigonus names her Perdita, a name meaning lost, and leaves her with papers and treasure. An old shepherd finds the baby and decides to raise her as his own daughter.
What Perdita wants
Perdita loves Florizel, the son of Polixenes, and the two promise to marry. Their love meets resistance because she is known as a shepherd's daughter rather than a princess. When Polixenes forbids the marriage, the young couple refuse to give up.
Perdita and the others in the story
Perdita is about to be queen of the sheep-shearing festival when the play returns to Bohemia. Her natural grace attracts notice, though she grows up away from her parents' court. She also argues with Polixenes about whether crossing flowers to create new kinds is natural or false.
Frågor
Who are Perdita's parents?
Perdita's parents are Leontes, King of Sicilia, and his queen, Hermione.
Who does Perdita love?
Perdita loves Florizel, Prince of Bohemia. His father, Polixenes, opposes their marriage because he believes she is a country girl.
