What's gone and what's past help Should be past grief

What's gone and what's past help Should be past grief

In William Shakespeare's play, "The Winter's Tale," the character Leontes utters the famous line, "What's gone and what's past help should be past grief." This line encapsulates the theme of forgiveness and moving on from the past that is prevalent throughout the play.

Leontes, the King of Sicilia, is consumed by jealousy and suspicion, falsely believing that his wife, Hermione, has been unfaithful to him with his best friend, Polixenes, the King of Bohemia. His irrational jealousy leads him to order the death of his wife and the abandonment of his newborn daughter. However, as the play progresses, Leontes realizes the error of his ways and is consumed with grief and regret for his actions.

The line, "What's gone and what's past help should be past grief," reflects Leontes' realization that dwelling on the past and the mistakes that have been made will not change the outcome. Instead, he must learn to accept what has happened and move forward with his life. This sentiment is echoed throughout the play as characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and strive to find forgiveness and redemption.

The theme of forgiveness is central to "The Winter's Tale," as characters must learn to forgive themselves and others in order to move on from the past. Leontes must forgive himself for his unfounded jealousy and the harm he has caused to his family, while Hermione must forgive her husband for his betrayal and the suffering he has caused her. The characters in the play must also learn to forgive each other and work towards reconciliation in order to find peace and happiness.

Ultimately, "What's gone and what's past help should be past grief" serves as a reminder that holding onto past grievances and regrets will only hinder one's ability to move forward and find happiness. By letting go of the past and embracing forgiveness, characters in "The Winter's Tale" are able to find redemption and create a brighter future for themselves and those around them.