Insecurity is based on negative feelings towards oneself, which may result not only in jealousy but distrust aswell among each other. Out of all the evils mankind deals with, jealousy may have become the ugliest. Through time and by analyzing feelings, man learns to view jealousy as an insecurity within himself. Shakespeare acknowledges these insecurities, as a human characteristic, and incorporates them into a tragic comedy, titled The Winter's Tale. Leontes, in The Winter's Tale, exhibits insecurity because he is jealous and distrustful towards others.
Insecurity causes Leontes to react irrationally jealous toward his wife, Hermione, and his best friend, Polixenes. Leontes jealousy finally climaxes when he blames Polixenes and Hermione for having an affair. The accusation of an affair between Hermione and Polixenes, starts deteriorating the relationship that eventually leads to distrust. Camillo, Leontes's trusted advisor, is first to disagree. In responding to Leontes's accusation Camillo replies "I would not be a stander-by to hear my sovereign mistress clouded so, without my present vengeance taken; 'shrew my heart, you never spoke what did become you less than this; which to reiterate, were sin as deep as that, though true"(Shakespeare 52). Leontes becoming irrational in his jealousy argues the affair is factual. Leontes points out the different signs of an illicit affair "Is whispering nothing? Is leaning cheek to cheek? Is meeting noses? Kissing with inside lip?..." (Shakespeare 52). While Camillo defends Hermione's honor, Leontes is blinded by the vision of an affair. As Polixenes confesses his innocence to Camillo "Oh then my best blood turn to an infected jelly, and my name be yoked with his, that did betray the best!" (Shakespeare 57). Polixenes response clearly indicates nothing occurs with Hermione. Leontes publicly announces the claim of an affair, in front of his lords "She's an adult'ress" (Shakespeare 62).
Jealousy was not the only exhibition of insecurity Leontes shows. Distrust for all subjects is shown when Leontes's exclaims "There is a plot against my life, my crown" (Shakespeare 61). Leontes assumes since Camillo leaves with Polixenes, his suspicion on a plot against him is correct. Leontes starts to doubt the child, Mamillius, Hermione gave birth to, does not belong to him nor the unborn child she carries.
Insecurity causes Leontes to act irrationally jealous because he thinks his best friend Polixenes is cheating with his wife, Hermione. Leontes, because of insecurity also distrust the fact the newborn child his wife carries, is his. The distrust, associated in Leontes's position, leads him to believe there is a conspiracy against his life and crown.
William Shakespear. "The Winter's Tale." Signet Classic. F. Kermode, ed.