The Forces of Nature in The Winter's Tale"A sad tale is best for winter," declares the young Mamillius (2.1, 25). The beginning of Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale is so ominous, a story that the audience is immediately tempted to write off as a tragedy. However, unlike many of Shakespeare's later plays, which accumulate more and more tragedy as the play progresses, The Winter's Tale begins tragically, but ends happily. The play contains strong elements of both comedy and tragedy, and the course seems to be dictated by the character's relationship with Nature or its representatives. The first scenes of the play immediately unfold in tragedy with Leontes' unjustified suspicions of Hermione's infidelity with her long-time friend at the time Polixenes. His initial suspicions stem from the banal observation that "at [his] request [Polyxene] would not (visit their kingdom any longer)", but at Hermione's, he would (1.2, 87). This ounce of jealousy explodes into a full, frantic explanation of why his friend would give in to his wife's pleas, and not his. Leontes decides that the reason must be that "[his] wife is elusive" (1.2, 273). In a flagrant abuse of power, Leontes addresses his jealousies by incriminating his wife and publicly defaming her. Once again, the accusation is completely ridiculous and unfounded, since even Leontes' advisors insist that "the Queen is blameless in the eyes of heaven" (2.1, 131). However, Leontes' false accusations and tyrannical behavior resemble arrogance and will certainly not be looked upon favorably by the higher forces. The oracle of Apollo also belongs to the protection of Nature and any offense suffered against it is punishable by Nature. During Hermione's trial, the oracle is brought in and reads: "Hermione is... in the center of the card... erest. Early 17th century England also attributed to the supernatural, whether God or of Nature, having a great influence on their lives. The Winter's Tale serves as a powerful reinforcement of this notion, but also leaves the audience with a sense of hope and optimism in their lives. Therefore, Nature also shapes its seasons as it will Winter may reap spiritual death and chill, but sixteen years later it may reap renewal, redemption, and the warmth of love. At the play's happy conclusion, Paulina accurately assesses the group as "precious victors all" (5.3, 131). ).Works Cited and Consulted Daly, Mary and Jane Caputi. Boston: Beacon Press, 1987. Pyle, Fitzroy: A Commentary on the Structure New York, 1969.