I am really fascinated by the relationship between Leontes and Polixenes presented in act one of Shakespeare’s play The Winter’s Tale. We learn from Camillo, one of the lords of Sicilia, that the relationship between the two kings is said to be one of blissful boyhood and camaraderie. “They were trained together in their childhoods, and there/ rooted betwixt them then such an affection which cannot/ choose but branch now…The heavens continue their loves,” (1.1. 19-27). According to Camillo they were the best of friends growing up, and it was only the monarchical politics that could separate them. In act two, Polixenes tells Hermione of his friendship with her husband in a speech in which he remarks how he and Leontes were “twinned lambs that frisk i’th’ sun/ and bleat the one at th’other,” (1.2. 67-68). Camillo and Polixenes’ speeches on this famed friendship seem too tidy in my opinion.

In class we discussed whether or not Leontes’ transformation in act one was believable, and I actually found it to be quite believable. This is because I don’t find their idealistic, fairytale-like friendship to be believable. The direct information we learn regarding this friendship we learn from these two speeches, but they sound too scripted and clean to be believable. Also, the behavior of these two men, even before Leontes voices his fears, is suspicious. Polixenes is essentially threatened and forced to stay in Sicilia at the demand of  Leontes, which is not very friendly. Also upon realizing his own suspicions, Leontes’ first reaction is to have his “best friend” murdered. If they truly were the inseparable halves of a whole that they are said to be, why then would Leontes choose to murder Polixenes rather than merely sending home and banishing him? I think that their friendship is not as neat as they would like people to believe.

In a way, although it might be a stretch, I think their friendship is a commentary on rumors vs reality in building one’s image. Leontes and Polixenes claim to have been really good friends starting from boyhood, and this story is supported by their loyal subordinates. What they want us to know is all that we do know. This reminded me a lot of historical figures, especially from ancient times, and what and how we learn about them. We only learn about them through the biased writings of the elite and limited men who knew how to read and write. The best example of this that I can think of is Alexander the Great. Most of the writings we have on him are actually from the height of the Roman Empire. They are written from the perspective of an empire that admired the military superiority and mastery of Alexander; the millions whom were murdered at his hand are forgotten by the Roman Empire. Literature from his time is, for the most part, engineered towards bettering his appearance either out of loyalty for him or out of fear of him, making it not the most reliable for historical record.

Could this be similar to the friendship between Leontes and Polixenes? Perhaps they only claim to be friends in order to maintain political stability in their respective empires, but in reality they do not share a bond of friendship and trust. I honestly find this more believable in regards to Leontes’ behavior more than their friendship being legitimate. Perhaps my opinion will change as we continue reading the play.