Summary
In the throes of the Trojan War, young Troilus, the son of King Priam, finds himself captivated by Cressida, a woman of great beauty but distant demeanor. She is the daughter of Calchas, a Trojan priest who has defected to the Greeks. Burdened by his unreciprocated feelings, Troilus confides in Pandarus, Cressida's uncle, and proclaims he will abstain from fighting the Greeks until his heart finds peace. Pandarus only aggravates Troilus's despair by extolling Cressida's unmatched allure, prompting Troilus to impatiently reprimand him. Pandarus, in turn, dismissively suggests that Cressida might as well join her father in the Greek camp.
The Indifferent Cressida
Meanwhile, Pandarus accidentally becomes a witness to a conversation between Cressida and her servant about Hector’s anger over being struck by Ajax, a formidable Greek warrior with Trojan blood. Eager to promote Troilus, Pandarus extols his virtues to Cressida, who remains largely unmoved. As they converse, the Trojan soldiers return from battle. Pandarus seizes the opportunity to shower praise on the likes of Aeneas, Antenor, Hector, Paris, and Helenus as they parade past Cressida’s window, all in eager anticipation of Troilus's appearance. Yet, as Troilus passes by, and despite Pandarus's enthusiastic commendations, Cressida appears disinterested. Once alone, she reveals in a soliloquy that although she is indeed taken by Troilus, she sees no need to rush into revealing her feelings.
Turmoil in the Greek Camp
In the Greek encampment, Agamemnon, the supreme commander, rallies his disheartened generals, while the seasoned Nestor observes that the prolonged siege of Troy is a genuine test of their endurance. Ulysses argues that their troubles stem from disorganization and a lack of discipline, rather than any significant Trojan strength. He points out that the discord caused by Achilles’ discontent and Patroclus’s antics contributes to the chaos within their ranks. Even Ajax, typically reliable, has become unpredictable, and Thersites stirs further embarrassment for the Greeks with his taunts.
Hector's Challenge
While discussing strategy, the Greek leaders receive a challenge from Hector, delivered by Aeneas. Hector offers to defend his lady’s honor against a Greek champion in single combat. Ulysses and Nestor, aware of Achilles’ pride, conspire to ensure Ajax is chosen to fight Hector, believing this choice to be the most tactful. Upon hearing of the challenge, Achilles, Ajax, and Patroclus are dismissive, leading to a break with Thersites due to their levity.
The Debate in Troy
Back in Troy, Hector considers a Greek proposal to end the war in exchange for returning Helen to Menelaus. However, Troilus rebukes Hector and Helenus for their wavering resolve. During a family council, Priam and his sons weigh the merits of continuing the conflict. Cassandra, the prophetic daughter of Priam, foresees Troy’s destruction by the Greeks. Despite her warnings, Troilus, joined by Paris, insists that their honor demands they continue to fight. Hector, although aware of the moral wrongdoing inherent in defending Paris’s actions, agrees that honor calls for continued warfare.
Achilles Holds Back
In the Greek camp, Achilles remains withdrawn, refusing to meet with Agamemnon or the Greek leaders. Instead, he sends Patroclus to deliver his apologies. The Greek commanders, seeking a champion to face Hector, find themselves rebuffed by Achilles. Ulysses cleverly uses flattery to appeal to Ajax’s vanity, persuading him that he should be the one to challenge Hector in place of Achilles.
Troilus and Cressida's Secret Meeting
Meanwhile, in Troy, Pandarus facilitates a secret meeting between Troilus and Cressida by securing support from Paris and Helen to cover for Troilus's absence. In Pandarus’s orchard, the young lovers confess their deep affection for each other. Cressida vows that her name will forever be...
(This entire section contains 1172 words.)
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synonymous with falsehood if she proves unfaithful. Similarly, Pandarus declares that his name will bear the blame if the couple does not remain true to one another. Assured by these declarations of fidelity, Pandarus leads them to a bedchamber in his house.
The Exchange of Cressida
In the Greek camp, Cressida's father, Calchas, convinces Agamemnon to arrange an exchange: Antenor, a Trojan prisoner, for his daughter. Diomedes is tasked with executing the exchange. The Greek leaders, choosing to dismiss Achilles, pass him without acknowledgment, prompting Ulysses to impart a lesson on the fleeting nature of fame. Concerned for his reputation, now that Ajax is the Greek champion, Achilles resolves to host Hector after the duel.
Diomedes Escorts Cressida
Diomedes returns Antenor to Troy and arrives at dawn to escort Cressida to the Greek camp. Troilus, upon learning of this, unsuccessfully pleads with the Trojan leaders to let Cressida stay. Heartbroken, Troilus and Cressida exchange vows once more before parting. Escorting Cressida and Diomedes to the city gates, Troilus hears Diomedes comment on Cressida’s beauty. Upon meeting the Greek leaders outside Troy's walls, Cressida is kissed by Agamemnon, Menelaus, Nestor, Patroclus, among others, prompting Ulysses to remark on her apparent wantonness.
Combat Between Hector and Ajax
The warriors from both sides gather to witness Hector and Ajax’s duel, which is brief, as Hector refuses to harm his cousin. Accepting Hector’s gesture, Ajax invites him to dine with the Greek commanders unarmed. Troilus accompanies Hector, and the Greeks warmly receive them, though Achilles, encountering Hector, arrogantly indicates where he intends to inflict a mortal wound. Provoked by this disrespect, Hector declares he will destroy all of Achilles in a single blow, leading to an agreement for combat the following day. Ajax manages to calm tensions, and the banquet proceeds.
Troilus's Heartbreak
Eager to see Cressida, Troilus asks Ulysses for guidance to Calchas’s camp. After the feast, they follow Diomedes to Calchas’s tent, where Troilus secretly observes Cressida’s affectionate interactions with Diomedes, revealing her waning loyalty. She gives Diomedes a sleeve belonging to Troilus as a token of love, momentarily hesitating before succumbing to Diomedes' charm and promising to meet him again. Diomedes vows to wear Troilus’s sleeve on his helmet in battle, swearing to kill the Trojan whose sleeve he bears. Distressed, Troilus returns to Troy, unable to reconcile the woman he loves with what he has witnessed, and swears vengeance on Diomedes.
The Fall of Hector
As a new day dawns, Andromache and Cassandra implore Hector not to engage in battle, citing ominous portents. Even Priam’s pleas fail to deter him. During the fighting, Diomedes unhorses Troilus and sends his horse to Cressida. Undeterred, Troilus fights valiantly, while Hector seems invincible. However, when Patroclus is severely injured, a furious Achilles orders the Myrmidons to prepare. As the battle wanes and Hector disarms at day's end, Achilles’ men ambush and kill him with their spears at Achilles’ command.
Troilus's Vow of Vengeance
Troilus informs the retreating Trojans of Hector's betrayal and murder, describing how his body is disgracefully dragged by Achilles’ horse across the plains. As he heads back to the city, he predicts widespread mourning in Troy and vows eternal enmity against the Greeks. In his path, he encounters Pandarus, whom he scornfully dismisses as a pimp, predicting that Pandarus’s name will become synonymous with disgrace.
