
Troilus and Cressida
'Troilus and Cressida' Summary
Troilus and Cressida is set during the later years of the Trojan War, faithfully following the plotline of the Iliad from Achilles' refusal to participate in battle, to Hector's death. Essentially, two plots are followed in the play. In one, Troilus, a Trojan prince (son of Priam), woos Cressida, another Trojan. They profess their undying love, before Cressida is exchanged for a Trojan prisoner of war. As he attempts to visit her in the Greek camp, Troilus glimpses Diomedes flirting with his beloved Cressida, and decides to avenge her perfidy.
While this plot gives the play its name, it accounts for only a small part of the play's run time. The majority of the play revolves around the leaders of the Greek and Trojan forces, Agamemnon and Priam, respectively. Agamemnon and his cohorts attempt to get the proud Achilles to return to battle and face Hector, who sends the Greeks a letter telling them of his willingness to engage in one-on-one combat with a Greek soldier. Ajax is originally chosen as this combatant, but makes peace with Hector before they are able to fight. Achilles is prompted to return to battle only after his protege Patroclus is killed by Hector before the Trojan walls. A series of skirmishes conclude the play, during which Achilles catches Hector and has the Myrmidons kill him. The conquest of Troy is left unfinished, as the Trojans learn of the death of their hero.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1602Authors

William Shakespeare
United Kingdom
William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon. The son of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden, he was probably educated at the King Edward VI Grammar School in Stratford, where he...
Books by William ShakespeareDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

mandragola by Niccolò Machiavelli
Mandragola is a satirical comedy written by Niccolò Machiavelli in the early 16th century. The play revolves around the cunning schemes of Callimaco,...

The Island Pharisees by John Galsworthy
In the picturesque landscape of Edwardian England, where the air is filled with the scent of privilege and tradition, E.M. Forster takes us on a journ...

Arcadia in Avernus by Will Lillibridge
Set in the early 1900s, "Arcadia in Avernus" tells the story of a woman who escapes a loveless marriage of convenience. She finds love and starts anew...

Reveries of a Bachelor by Ik Marvel
Reveries of a Bachelor is a introspective novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. The protagonist, Paul, rem...

"Mind The Paint" Girl by Arthur Wing Pinero
Mind the Paint Girl is a play by Arthur Wing Pinero that explores the effects of stardom on the star as well as those that love them. It tells the sto...

Ram Alley, or Merry Tricks by Lording Barry by Lording Barry
Ram Alley, or Merry Tricks is a play by Lording Barry, a contemporary of Shakespeare, set in a vibrant and disreputable London street teeming with div...

"But Gentlemen Marry Brunettes" by Anita Loos
In this witty and humorous sequel to "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", Lorelei Lee continues to document her and Dorothy Shaw's misadventures in their quest...

Lullaby by Louisa May Alcott
“Lullaby” is a poignant and reflective poem by Louisa May Alcott, exploring themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet memories of childhood. Alcott us...

Mademoiselle De Belle Isle by Alexandre Dumas
Mademoiselle de Belle Isle is a captivating tale set in the decadent world of 18th-century French aristocracy. The story revolves around Mademoiselle...

Philoctetes (Campbell Translation) by Sophocles
Sophocles' "Philoctetes" is a classic Greek tragedy that explores themes of suffering, betrayal, and redemption. The play tells the story of Philoctet...
Reviews for Troilus and Cressida
No reviews posted or approved, yet...