Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida

Troilus and Cressida

Troilus and Cressida is a drama in five acts by William Shakespeare. It was written about 1601-02 and first printed in quarto form in two states in 1609. Although it was printed in quarto form, it was almost entirely lacking pagination and is considered a problem play and a dark comedy.

Despite the tragedy of the play, Shakespeare demonstrates how art can restore a sick nation. Despite the irony of it all, the characters in Troilus and Cressida do not acknowledge their love for one another as anything other than a natural impulse. Their "love" for each other is based on Platonic ideas of fairness and chastity, and they do not recognize that their love is based on desires of the body.

An Ambiguous Shakespearean Work

The play is one of the most ambiguous Shakespearean works. It explores a variety of infidelities, criticizes the tragedies, and explores existential questions. In doing so, Troilus attempts to find a solution to his dilemma.

Origins of the Play

Troilus and Cressida first appeared in two quarto editions during 1609. The first issue stated that the play was performed at the Globe. The second edition was more complete with a new title-page and an additional leaf addressed to euer reader. Shakespeare's version of Troilus and Cressid owes much of its success to Chaucer's original poem.

Recurring Themes of Infidelity

Infidelity is a recurring theme throughout the play, as three of the stories revolve around the subject. The central characters of each story are blind to their own faults, and the two main characters are no exception. The play also reveals the futility of fighting for trivial reasons. In one instance, the Greeks and Trojans fought because Paris had stolen Helen from Menelaus.

Genre and Confusion

The themes in Troilus and Cressida are often confusing. Using genre labels can help you make sense of the play. For example, it has been called a tragedy, a morality play, and a problem play. These terms are not mutually exclusive, but can help you understand the plot of Troilus and Cressida better. If you can't decide what genre the play is in, you can always read up on its genre to see how it relates to other plays.

The Love Affairs of Troilus and Cressida

The plot of the play focuses on the love affairs of its two main characters. The Trojan prince Troilus falls in love with Cressida, but she is not interested in him. However, her father, Diomedes, wants to make sure that his daughter is safe with the Greeks. This is why the two of them are separated, but they continue to love each other.

A Different Take on the Trojan War

Troilus and Cressida is a retelling of the story of the Trojan War. While the play follows the same basic plot as the Iliad, there are some differences. For example, the story of Achilles persuading Cressida is different from the Iliad. Troilus and Cressida is a drama in five acts by William Shakespeare. It was written about 1601-02 and first printed in quarto form in two states in 1609. Although it was printed in quarto form, it was almost entirely lacking pagination and is considered a problem play and a dark comedy.