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  • Essay / Camillo's influence in Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale

    In The Winter's Tale, Shakespeare transports his characters from a court in Sicily to a rural area of ​​Bohemia, then reconciles the plot in the court original. This play incorporates a pastoral theme by showing the role of providence through the character of Camillo and his role in uniting the country and the court. Shakespeare uses a combination of corruption and natural peace to reconcile the relationship between Leontes and Polixenes. Camillo, lord of Leontes and faithful servant of all, plays a key role in this reconciliation and the reunion of the characters at the end of the play. In fact, Camillo contributes to the pastoral theme of the play by exerting a providential influence. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Camillo acts as a good servant and a source of truth as he first attempts to convince Leontes of the innocence of 'Hermione and Polixenes, then reports Leontes' murder plot to Polixenes and flees with him to Bohemia. Here, Camillo acts as a providential force in affirming moral choices, protecting the innocent, and defending the truth. Although Camillo betrays Leontes and, later in the play, encourages Florizel's escape for his own benefit, he still exerts an influence on providence by exhibiting the ideals of felix culpa, or sin bringing about good. Later in the play, Camillo is essentially, but unknowingly, responsible for the return of Perdita, the shipwrecked child of Leontes and Hermione, to Sicily, and therefore responsible for the resolution of the play. Camillo thus serves as an influence of Providence to unite the court with the rural world while catalyzing the final reunion in his original court. Parallel to the plot, Camillo moves from the court of Leontes to that of Polixenes, and then to the natural world of Bohemia where Perdita resides. In traditional pastoral literature, the influence of providence is an important motif. In The Winter's Tale, Shakespeare uses Camillo as an agent of providence in the Sicilian court as he defends the truth and remains a servant of the common good. Camillo believes that “…[He] must/Abandon the court: to do or not, it is certain…” (1.2.475-66). Camillo immediately comes to the defense of Hermione and Polixenes when Leontes accuses them of adultery. Camillo “…cannot/believe that this fissure is in [his] fearsome mistress/being so sovereignly honorable” (1.2.429-31). When his pleas to Leontes fail, Camillo reports the murder plot to Polixenes and then flees with him to Bohemia. Although Camillo is a member of Leontes' court, he remains a servant of the common good since he betrays Leontes in order to protect the innocent King Polixenes. Camillo says that: ...For my part, I will put at your service my fortunes, which are here By this lost discovery. Don't be uncertain; For, by the honor of my parents, I have spoken the truth… (1.2.567-71). In this way, Camillo's actions move the plot forward. Throughout the play, Camillo constantly fights for reconciliation between Leontes and Polixenes, even if inadvertently. His services to the common good begin at the court of Sicily, move to the Bohemian countryside, and then return to Sicily. After his escape from Sicily, Camillo arrives in Bohemia to deal with King Polixenes. In an attempt to uncover the romance between Florizel and Perdita, Camillo and Polixenes travel to the Bohemian countryside. In Bohemia, Camillo triggers the reconciliation process. He also glorifies Perdita by comparing her to nature. As Camillo says, “…she is/The queen of curds and cream” (2044-2046). Camillo, although a sinner due to his human nature, exerts influence on Providence through the ultimate good that results from.