Winter s Tale is unusual amongst Shakespeare s plays in having three strongly defined roles for
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The Winter's Tale can be distinguished from Shakespeare's other work by being classified as one of his romances: along with Pericles, Cymbeline and The Tempest. It is also known as a tragic-comedy. Many of the characters and events that happen are based on those that are present in Robert Greene's Pandosto.
Shakespeare creates a favourable image of women in one sense, with the three main female characters showing themselves to be strong and playing an important and significant role in the men's lives. However he also sustains the idea that women are submissive to their male counterparts dominance and that this is the natural way that it should be. This is a theme that Shakespeare keeps throughout most of his plays and is also apparent in The Taming of the Shrew. In this Katherina initially rebels against the gender roles in society but later on conforms to them.
All three of the main women are strong but in a traditionally feminine way. They are confident and frank with what they say in the play, but remain compassionate and thoughtful as well. They all believe that they speak justly and with indignation...