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39 pages 1 hour read

The Winter's Tale

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1623

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Book Brief

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William Shakespeare

The Winter's Tale

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1623
Book Details
Pages

306

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Sicilia And Bohemia • Medieval

Publication Year

1623

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

1110

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Super Short Summary

In The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare, King Leontes of Sicilia becomes consumed by unfounded jealousy, suspecting his wife Hermione of infidelity with his friend Polixenes. This leads to the imprisonment of Hermione and the abandonment of their newborn daughter. Over time, Leontes' actions result in immense personal loss, but sixteen years later, his lost daughter Perdita, unknowingly raised by a shepherd, falls in love with Polixenes’ son, leading to a series of events that facilitate reconciliation and the mending of familial bonds. This text features discussions of sexism, racism, and murder.

Mysterious

Bittersweet

Fantastical

Romantic

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.0

34,186 ratings

59%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

William Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale is lauded for its compelling blend of tragedy and comedy, showcasing themes of redemption and the complexity of human emotions. Critics praise its intricate plot and vivid characterizations but note occasional uneven pacing and the implausibility of certain plot twists. Overall, it remains a powerful and imaginative work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Winter's Tale?

A reader who enjoys a mix of tragic intensity and pastoral comedy, infused with themes of redemption, jealousy, and the supernatural, would appreciate William Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. Similar audiences might enjoy King Lear for its family drama and A Midsummer Night's Dream for its magical elements.

4.0

34,186 ratings

59%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

306

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Sicilia And Bohemia • Medieval

Publication Year

1623

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12+ years

Lexile Level

1110

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