Shakespeare Research Assignment

Drew Gardiner 10Ro Written by William Shakespeare

Troilus

• Troilus is the main character in the comedy ‘Troilus & Cressida’ written by

William Shakespeare in 1602 based on the tragedy ‘Troilus & Criseyde’ written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the mid 1380’s• The play is set in the seventh year

of the famous Trojan War

Troilus

SYNOPSISIn he seventh year of the Trojan War, a Trojan prince named Troilus falls in love with Cressida, daughter of a Trojan priest who has defected to the Greek side. Cressida's uncle Pandarus tries to bring them together, and they swear to be true to one another. But when Calchas, Cressida’s father, convinces the Greek commander to trade a Trojan prisoner for his daughter-much to Troilus & Cressida's dismay-they are split apart. Then when a hiding Troilus sees Cressida agreeing to become Diomedes (a Greek prince) lover. The next day, Troilus, furious & heart broken, accompanied his brother Hector on the battle field. Hector is slaughtered by Achilles and the play ends with the Trojans retreating to the city to grieve for their fallen hero. Troilus is murdered by the Greeks soon after.

Central conflict:Person vs. Person

Troilus is trying to battle against Cressida’s father Calchas to keep her with him. Calchas won’t stop until he has taken Cressida back. This conflict ends with the trade of Cressida for a Trojan prisoner. Also there is conflict between the Trojans and Greeks. The war occurs because Troilus’ older brother Paris steals the beautiful Helen from her husband, King Menelaus of Sparta, and brings her back to Troy with him. So Menelaus gathers all of his fellow Greek kings, and they sail to Troy, hoping to take hold of the city and reclaim Helen his wife.

The exiting forceWhen Pandarus, Cressida’s uncle, brings Troilus & Cressida together. They promise to be true to one another.

Rising actionCressida doubts whether what she is doing is right. Troilus reassures her and again pledges to be faithful. Pandarus observes them, and then leads them off to a secluded bedchamber to consummate their passion.

ResolutionThere is not much of a resolution in this play. Troilus takes to the battle field with Hector his brother. Troilus mocks Hector for being too merciful to his enemies in the past, saying that today he plans to slay as many men as he can. Later on in the battle Hector is cornered by Achilles and his fellow Greeks, and they stab Hector to death and then drag his dead body around the walls of Troy. Grief stricken, Troilus leads the Trojans back to the city to bring the bad news. The play ends with Troilus cursing Pandarus on the way back to the city. So there is not much of a resolution because the conflict is not resolved.

Turning point

Cressida's father, Calchas, who has betrayed Troy in order to join the Greeks, asks the Greek general to grant him a favour. He asks that they exchange the Trojan commander Antenor, who they recently captured, for his daughter, so that he might be reunited with her.

Falling actionCressida tells Diomedes that she will wait for him until later when he comes to sleep with her. All this is said whilst Troilus is listening in hiding. Heartbroken and Furious, he swears that he shall kill Diomedes the next day in battle.

Phase Two

Troilus: AT the beginning of the playA prince of Troy. Troilus is described as a valiant warrior and an honorable man. Troilus develops a relationship with Cressida's uncle Pandarus who is assisting him in trying to win Cressida’s affection. Troilus and Pandarus have a good relationship until the end of the play when Troilus curses at Pandarus. Troilus and Cressida’s relationship is one of love and this bond blossoms when they are taken to a secluded bedchamber to consummate their passion. However Troilus is betrayed by Cressida and his fury drives him to battle the next day.

Troilus:At the end of the play

Troilus is the victim when Cressida betrays him and this drives him to battle the next day which ends in the tragic murder of his brother Hector.

Troilus:How he changes

By the end of the play Troilus has lost. He loses Cressida to another man and he also loses his brother. He has learnt when finally realizes that his beloved is not all that he thought she was, and cries in despair “This she? No, this is Diomedes' Cressida.If beauty have a soul, this is not she; If souls guide vows, if vows be sanctimonies, If sanctimony be the gods delight, If there be rule in unity itself, This was not she.”(V.ii.134-139)

BibliographyWebsites:• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troilus_and_Cressida• http://

www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/troilus/context.html• http://

www.shakespeare-literature.com/Troilus_and_Cressida/0.html

Books:• World of Shakespeare By CLAYBOURNE Anna & TREAYS Rebecca2001 Usborne Publishing Ltd• ShakespeareBy CHRISP Peter2002 DK CHILDREN