Peter B. Erickson
[In the following essay, Erickson explores the emphasis in The Winter's Tale on patriarchy. Erickson traces the transformation of patriarchy in the play from a crude, tyrannical form to one in which women are treated more benevolently and valued. In this discussion, Erickson show how the father-son relationship so crucial to the transfer of patriarchal power fails when Leontes fails to nurture his son in Hermione's enforced absence. Erickson also demonstrates how several other factors— including Paulina's assertion of power over...
Source: Shakespeare for Students, ©2013 Gale Cengage. All Rights Reserved. Full copyright.
(The entire page is 6951 words.)
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