Plot summary, “Troilus and Cressida” by William Shakespeare in 5 Minutes - Book Review

Summary

William Shakespeare's 'Troilus and Cressida,' written around 1602, is a complex play that delves into the Trojan War. The narrative unfolds with Troilus, a Trojan prince, who is smitten with Cressida, a local beauty. Despite initial resistance, Cressida is swayed by her uncle Pandarus to reciprocate Troilus's affections. Meanwhile, Achilles, a Greek hero, refuses to fight, causing a crisis within the Greek ranks. Ulysses and other leaders devise a plan to provoke Achilles by choosing Ajax to face Hector, a Trojan warrior. In a twist, Hector refuses to fight Ajax due to his Trojan heritage, leading to a temporary truce and a feast. During the feast, Troilus is devastated to discover Cressida's infidelity with Diomedes, after she is traded to the Greeks by her father. Achilles, spurred by the death of his lover Patroclus at Hector's hands, finally enters the battle. The play concludes with Achilles and his men murdering Hector, leading to Troilus's vow of vengeance. Pandarus, who played a pivotal role in the lovers' union, is left to die from his injuries, offering a bitter commentary on the tragic outcomes of the war.

Takeaways

• 📜 **Shakespearean Challenge**: 'Troilus and Cressida' is considered one of Shakespeare's most complex plays due to its varied tone and enigmatic character portrayals.
• ⏳ **Setting in Time**: The play begins several years into the Trojan War, highlighting the prolonged nature of the conflict.
• 💘 **Troilus's Infatuation**: Troilus, a Trojan prince, is deeply infatuated with Cressida, a local girl, despite her initial reluctance.
• 👴 **Family Involvement**: Troilus seeks the help of Cressida's uncle, Pandoras, to win her over by extolling the virtues of Troilus.
• 🏺 **Achilles' Inaction**: The Greek hero Achilles refuses to participate in the war, choosing to stay in his tent, which affects the morale of the Greek army.
• 🤝 **Leaders' Strategy**: Greek leaders, including Ulysses, Agamemnon, and Nestor, strategize to motivate Achilles by selecting Ajax for a one-on-one combat with Hector.
• 🏰 **Helen's Dilemma**: The Trojan leaders debate returning Helen, the cause of the war, to the Greeks, but ultimately decide against it to avoid dishonor.
• 🌪️ **Cassandra's Prophecy**: Cassandra, the Trojan prophetess, predicts the fall of Troy, but her warnings are disregarded in the heat of battle.
• 🛏️ **Love Consummated**: Troilus and Cressida pledge their love and fidelity to each other in a private moment.
• 🔁 **Deception and Exchange**: Cressida is traded to the Greeks in exchange for a Trojan prisoner, leading to a dramatic shift in her fate.
• 🏺 **Ajax's Pride**: The selection of Ajax to fight Hector boosts his pride, which in turn provokes Achilles' jealousy.
• 🥊 **The Battle of Egos**: The fight between Hector and Ajax is postponed when Hector learns of Ajax's Trojan heritage, leading to a temporary truce.
• 🍽️ **Feast and Betrayal**: During a feast, Troilus is shown Cressida's apparent infidelity with Diomedes, shattering his trust and love.
• ⚔️ **Hector's Demise**: Achilles, driven by revenge for Patroclus' death, kills Hector in an underhanded manner, dragging his body through the mud.
• 💔 **Troilus's Vengeance**: Troilus vows to avenge Hector's death by destroying Achilles and the Greeks.
• 🤕 **Pandorus's Fate**: Pandoras, after being beaten by Troilus for his role in the love affair, addresses the audience about his impending death and the misfortune he has brought upon himself and others.

Q & A

When was 'Troilus and Cressida' written?

Troilus and Cressida was written in or around 1602.

Why is 'Troilus and Cressida' considered one of Shakespeare's most difficult plays?

It is considered difficult because its tone varies wildly and the characters are presented in an opaque manner, making them difficult to analyze and understand.

Who is the main male character in 'Troilus and Cressida'?

The main male character is Troilus, a prince of the Trojans and the son of the Trojan King Priam.

What is the relationship between Cressida and her father, Kalchas?

Kalchas is Cressida's father, who has defected to the Greeks and later makes a deal to trade his daughter to the Greeks in exchange for a Trojan prisoner.

Why does Achilles refuse to leave his tent during the war?

Achilles refuses to leave his tent because he is living with Patroclus and is not motivated to fight, despite being the greatest warrior of the Greek army.

What is the reason for the Trojan War?

The Trojan War began because Prince Paris of Troy kidnapped the Greek princess Helen, which sparked the hostilities.

Who is chosen to face Hector in one-on-one combat after Achilles refuses to fight?

Ajax is chosen to face Hector in one-on-one combat after Achilles is deemed not to be the greatest warrior by the Greeks.

What does the prophet Cassandra predict about the Trojan War?

Cassandra predicts that the Greeks will eventually burn Troy to the ground.

What happens to Hector after he kills Patroclus?

After Hector kills Patroclus, Achilles is driven to leave his tent to avenge his lover. Hector is later found unarmed and alone by Achilles and his friends, who murder him, and Achilles drags Hector's mutilated body through the mud of the battlefield.

How does Troilus react to the sight of Hector's body being dragged through the mud?

Troilus is furious and makes a bitter vow to destroy both Achilles and his Greek countrymen.

What is the role of Pandarus in the love story between Troilus and Cressida?

Pandarus is Cressida's uncle who assists Troilus in convincing Cressida to be with him. He later escorts them to the bedroom to consummate their love.

What is the fate of Pandarus at the end of the play?

Pandarus is beaten up by Troilus, who is angry about Cressida's betrayal. Pandarus addresses the audience, telling them he is dying from his injuries and plans to pass all of his diseases to the audience in his will.