The Winter's Tale Chapter Summary & Analysis - Act 4, Scene 4 Summary

Act 4, Scene 4 Summary

Perdita and Florizel enter. Florizel is paying Perdita lavish compliments. Perdita is embarrassed for their difference in social class and her fear towards his father. She asks Florizel what the king might think of her. Florizel assures her that everything will be fine as their love is honorable and he has promised to marry her. Perdita disagrees, she says that in order to marry him he must either win the kings approval or she must end her life. Florizel urges her to stop all of these negative thoughts and instead turn her attention toward the upcoming sheep shearing festival and their eventual nuptials.

The shepherd and Clown enter with shepherdesses, Mopsa and Dorcas. Polixenes and Camillo enter in disguise. The shepherd advises his daughter to welcome their guests as her position as hostess of the festival, as his late wife had once done. Unknowingly she welcomes both Camillo and Polixenes....
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