Spettralità femminile in The Winter’s Tale: raccontare il silenzio, trasformare la memoria

Abstract

The aim of this essay is to examine the ‘spectral’ nature of the character of Hermione in The Winter’s Tale and how this half-living, half-dead female being stands out not as a relic or obsolete remnant of paganism or popular and medieval culture, but as a groundbreaking figure in Shakespeare’s theatre. Redefined as a cultural metaphor with ethical, social and political potential, female spectrality becomes enduring beneficial actions and memories.

The ‘spectral turn’ provides the methodological framework that serves to emphasise the meaningful cultural progression in the history of spectrality displayed in the play. Starting from Derrida’s reflection that anything that haunts like a ghost demands justice, or at least a response, this field of analysis intersects with questions of gender. Female spectral subjects, who are marginalized, disavowed and repressed in history as well as in society, are brought to light and made visible.