NovelGuide: The Winter's Tale: Novel Summary: Act 3 Scene 1

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Act 3 Scene 1

Act 3 Scene 1
Cleomenes and Dion discuss their visit to Delphi, praising the climate and the ritual ceremonies they witnessed. Most of all, they were impressed by the deafening voice of the oracle. The verdict of the oracle is sealed, and Cleomenes hopes that when it is opened, it will make events turn out well, since he does not like the way Hermoine is being rushed to trial and judgment.
Analysis
This scene of only twenty-two lines is necessary to give a break between the intensity of the previous scene and the public trial that will take place in the next. Shakespeare also uses it to show there is some public unease (represented by Cleomene) about the proceedings against Hermoine.