Topic > The Influence of Camillo in Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale

In The Winter's Tale, Shakespeare transports his characters from a court setting in Sicily to a rural area in Bohemia, then retcons the plot in the original court. This play incorporates a pastoral theme by showing the role of providence through the character of Camillo and his role in the union of country and court. Shakespeare uses a combination of corruption and natural peace to reconcile the relationship between Leontes and Polyxenus. Camillus, lord of Leontes and faithful servant of all, plays a key role in this reconciliation and in the reunion of the characters at the conclusion of the work. Indeed, Camillus contributes to the pastoral theme of the work by acting as an influence of providence. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayCamillo acts as a good servant and source of truth as he first attempts to convince Leontes of Hermione and Polixenes' innocence, then reports Leontes' murder plot to Polixenes and flees with him to Bohemia. Here Camillus acts as a force of providence by affirming moral choices, protecting the innocent and defending the truth. Although Camillo betrays Leontes and later in the play encourages Florizel's escape to benefit himself, he still serves as an influence of providence by exhibiting the ideals of felix culpa, or sin resulting in good. Later in the play, Camillo is essentially, but unknowingly, responsible for the return to Sicily of Perdita, the shipwrecked daughter of Leontes and Hermione, and thus responsible for the resolution of the play. Camillus then serves as an influence of Providence to unite the court with the rural world while catalyzing the final reunion in his native court. Along with the plot, Camillus moves from the court of Leontes to the court of Polyxenus, and then to the natural world in 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 feels that “…[He] must/Abandon the court: to do or not is certain…” (1.2.475-66). Camillo immediately jumps to Hermione and Polixenes' defense when Leontes accuses them of adultery. Camillo “…cannot/believe that this crack is in [his] dreaded mistress/so sovereignly honorable” (1.2.429-31). When his pleas to Leontes fail, Camillus 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 as he betrays Leontes to protect the innocent king Polyxenes. Camillo says that: ...For myself I will put at your service my fortunes, which are here lost by this discovery. Don't be uncertain; Because, for the honor of my parents, I spoke the truth... (1.2.567-71). In this way, Camillo's actions push the plot forward. Throughout the play, Camillus constantly strives for reconciliation between Leontes and Polyxenus, even inadvertently. His services to the common good begin at the court of Sicily, move to the Bohemian countryside, and then return to Sicily. After escaping from Sicily, Camillus lands in Bohemia to assist King Polixenes. In an attempt to discover the love story between Florizel and Perdita, Camillo and Polixenes travel to the countryside of Bohemia. In Bohemia Camillus begins the path of reconciliation. 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, serves as an influence of providence through the ultimate good that results from his sin. Although Camillo had as well.