The Winter's Tale

Discuss the theme of Fate

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When Leontes declares that Perdita will be killed, Paulina intervenes. Leontes decides that the baby will be abandoned in some remote location so that the fates will decide whether she lives or dies. As Antigonus is doing as Leontus orders, he has a vision of Hermione. He believes this means that Hermione is dead. In this vision, Hermione reveals the name of the baby and instructs Antigonus to leave the child in Bohemia. Antigonus takes this to mean that Hermione wants the child to be left in the homeland of her biological father. He leaves items with the child that later is used to identify her. Another important fateful event during this time is the death of Antigonus and his entire crew. The Clown who buries Antigonus takes a ring and handkerchief from the body and that’s later used to positively identify him. The fact that his crew cannot be found means Leontes is unable to try to track her down after he realizes the words of Apollo are true. Another instance of this theme is that Florizel happens to cross the Old Shepherd’s land while hunting and meets Purdita. This chance meeting results in their falling in love which eventually leads to the revelation of Perdita’s identity and returns her to her real parents.