Summary

Act I

Act I, Scene I, takes place in “An Antechamber in Leontes’ Palace” in Sicilia. The Sicilian Lord Camillo and the Bohemian Lord Archidamus enter the room. Camillo says he believes the Sicilia's King Leontes plans a visit soon. Camillo says that the hospitality of each country is based on the fact that their kings were raised together. Leontes of Sicilia and Polixenes of Bohemia are no longer able to spend all their time together because they have duties to their own countries. However, they still keep in touch. Archidamus predicts there is nothing in the world that could change the friendship. He then says that the people of Sicilia should be pleased with “your young Prince Mamilius,” son of Leontes. He says Mamilius shows promise for being a great leader someday. Camillo says everyone is anxious to see him as the...