hall not rule me (2.3.49-50). Later on, Leontes again blames Antigonus for his wifes behavior, saying, And, lozel, thou art worthy to be hanged,/ That wilt not stay her tongue (2.3.109-10). Antigonus rejoinder is to tell him, Hang all the husbands/That cannot do that feat, youll leave yourself/ Hardly one subject (2.3.110-12). Thus, in The Winters Tale, Shakespeare mocks the old patriarchal family structure. This is a far cry from his adoption of the almost feudal values found in King John.The feminist ideals promoted in The Winters Tale can also be seen in the kings relationships with their young children. Both Polixenes and Leontes adore their children. In fact, Mamillius death accomplishes what even the Oracle cannot by making Leontes realize his folly. Also, when Leontes asks Polixenes, Are you so fond of your young prince as we/ Do seem to be of ours? (1.2.164-5), Polixenes responds fervently, saying, Hes all my exercise, my mirth, my matter,Now my sworn friend and then mine enemy,My parasite, my soldier, statesman, all.He makes a Julys day short as December,And with his varying childness cures in meThoughts that would thick my blood (1.2.166-71).Male sensitivity and the father-child bond is the flip side of feminism. In a patriarchal system, no man would ever so admit to his love for and dependence on his child. In fact, the rearing of children would be completely relegated to the women. An example of this can be found in King Johns Arthur, whose sole value is as a political pawn. His mother Constance is the only one who even professes to love him, and even she often sees Arthur as a means to power, and a cause, rather than her son.The Winters Tales characters also espouse feminist ideals in that they absolutely refuse to suspect their wives of adultery without proof. King Leontes is the only character with a cynical view of womens fidelity, and he is mocked and severely punished for it. Shakespeare doesnt attempt to...
