Blind rage underlies Leontes jealousy in The Winters Tale. Although his jealously is akin to Othellos, it is not carried out to the same extent, thanks to the oracles pronouncement. While Leontess change of heart strains credibility, he does redeem himself and, in the process, changes the tragedy into a comedy, or at least a play with a happy resolution. One might also compare Hermione with Desdemona as both are more sinned against than sinning (Lear, III.2). Despite Leontes reformation, one cannot avoid sympathy for Hermione, she who has been made to pay dearly for her husbands lack of faith and trust. She certainly deserves more.

Donald J. Richardson is still trying to teach English composition at Phoenix College.