Troilus and Cressida
📘 About This Book
George Lyman Kittredge’s insightful editions of Shakespeare have endured in part because of his eclecticism, his diversity of interests, and his wide-ranging accomplishments—all of which are reflected in the valuable notes in each volume. The plays in the New Kittredge Shakespeare series retain the original Kittredge notes and introductions, changed or augmented only when some modernization seems necessary. These new editions also include introductory essays by contemporary editors, notes on the plays as they have been performed on stage and film, and additional student materials. These plays are being made available by Focus with the permission of the Kittredge heirs.
📖 Summary
William Shakespeare's 'Troilus and Cressida' is a dark, cynical, and problem play set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. The narrative intertwines two main plots: the tragic romance between the Trojan prince Troilus and Cressida, and the political machinations of the Greek and Trojan military camps. Troilus, fiercely devoted to Cressida, wins her love with the help of her uncle, Pandarus. However, their union is short-lived as Cressida is traded to the Greeks in a prisoner exchange. Despite swearing eternal fidelity, Cressida quickly transfers her affections to the Greek commander Diomedes, witnessed by a heartbroken and disillusioned Troilus. Concurrently, the Greek camp is in turmoil. The mighty Achilles has retreated to his tent out of pride and pique over Polyxena, while the clever Ulysses schemes to goad him back into battle by elevating the boastful Ajax. The play subverts classical heroic myths, transforming the noble figures of Homer's Iliad into petty, lustful, and self-serving individuals. Through biting satire and cynical dialogue—largely driven by the jester Thersites—Shakespeare explores themes of value, worth, and the corrupting nature of war and desire. Nothing in the play holds a stable value; love, honor, and valor are constantly devalued by the pragmatic realities of human nature. The play concludes not with heroic triumph or traditional tragic catharsis, but with the death of the noble Hector at the hands of Achilles' Myrmidons, the unravelling of Troilus's romantic ideals, and Pandarus leaving the audience with a disease-ridden epilogue. It remains one of Shakespeare's most intellectually challenging and modern-feeling works, questioning the very foundations of romantic idealism and military glory.
🎯 Key Lessons
💬 Notable Quotes
"The worth of each thing is in its worthiness."
"Time hath, my lord, a wallet at his back, / Wherein he puts alms for oblivion."
"The specialty of rule hath been neglected: / And, look, how undesignated degrees / Prevent employment, are deracinated."
"The wound of peace is surety, / Surety secure; but modest doubt is call'd / The beacon of the wise."
"True swains in love shall in the world approve / O, so my Cressid lies, 'gainst truth in truth."
"This is the monstruosity in love, lady, that the will is infinite and the execution confined, that the desire is boundless and the act a slave to limit."
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Brilliant, biting satire that deconstructs traditional classical heroism and romantic tropes.
Complex, psychologically nuanced characters like Ulysses and Thersites who offer profound commentary on human nature.
Masterful use of shifting tone, blending bitter comedy, high romance, and brutal tragedy.
⚠️ Cons
The cynical and bleak worldview can leave readers feeling unsettled or depressed.
Defying easy categorization, the play's jarring tonal shifts make it structurally difficult for some audiences.
✍️ About the Author
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright and poet widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. His works include tragedies like 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth', comedies like 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', and 154 sonnets.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Is this book worth reading? +
Yes, especially for those who enjoy Shakespeare's darker, more cynical comedies and tragedies that challenge traditional heroic tropes.
How long does it take to read? +
Typically, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to read the play in one sitting, or slightly longer to study it thoroughly.
What is the main message? +
The play questions the absolute value of love, honor, and war, suggesting that human actions are often driven by vanity, fickleness, and self-interest.
