SYMPTOMS OF PARANOID PERSONALITY DISORDER IN WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S DRAMA THE WINTER’S TALE

Abstract

William Shakespeare's drama The Winter's Tale offers a fascinating insight into the complexities of the human soul. King Leontes, one of the central characters, a protagonist and antagonist, displays symptoms consistent with Paranoid Personality Disorder. This research analyzes Leontes' behavior through the lens of Paranoid Personality Disorder, revealing his destructive patterns of thought and behavior. Leontes' destructive behavior has fatal consequences. Hermione is exiled, Perdita, their daughter, is banished, and the entire kingdom is in chaos. This tragedy is a real consequence of a mind filled with paranoia. This entire research is conducted using a descriptive qualitative method, to understand and describe phenomena in depth and comprehensively, with a focus on the meaning and experiences of individuals or groups. The main theory of Paranoid Personality Disorder is obtained from Emil Kraepelin, supported by two other respective theories from Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. These three theories emphasize the role of delusional beliefs, suspicions, and projections. They see these disorders as the result of unresolved internal conflicts, which are then manifested in a distorted perception of reality. The research results show that Leontes, the central character in this drama, suffers from a mental disorder called Paranoid Personality Disorder with four features: jealousy, grudge, doubting the loyalty of the entourage and sensitivity to criticism. These symptoms fuel uncontrollable suspicion and paranoia, prompting him to bring disaster to people around him. Keywords: doubt of loyalty; grudge; jealousy; sensitivity to criticism