Summary

Act V

Act V, Scene I, opens in “Sicilia. A Room in the Palace of Leontes.” Leontes enters the room with Paulina and several other members of the court. One member, Cleomenes, pleads with Leontes to set aside the grief and heartache that have been with him constantly since Hermione’s death. Paulina says Leontes will never find a woman as good as Hermione. Another courtier, Dion, says Paulina needs to encourage the king to remarry. Dion points out that they have no heir to the throne and that the kingdom would be in trouble if something happened to Leontes. Paulina counters, insisting that no one can live up to Hermione. She also points out that Apollo declared the kingdom would remain without an heir unless Perdita is found. Paulina then asks Leontes to swear that he will never marry without her blessing...