Troilus and Cressida · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare.

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Chapter 1
Act I
Troilus and Cressida — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
Chapter 2
Scene I
Troilus, tormented by his unrequited love for Cressida, laments the futility of the Trojan War and his dependence on Pandarus to woo her. Pandarus, frustrated by Troilus's impatience, refuses to further meddle in the affair. The scene ends with Aeneas summoning Troilus to battle after Paris is wounded by Menelaus.
Chapter 3
Scene II
Cressida and her servant Alexander discuss the movements of the Trojan royals and the anger of Hector, who was bested by Ajax in battle. Pandarus arrives and extols the virtues of Troilus, comparing him favorably to Hector and Paris, while Cressida remains coy and skeptical. After a parade of Trojan warriors, Pandarus leaves to meet Troilus, and Cressida reflects on the nature of love and desire, choosing to hold back her feelings.
Chapter 4
Scene III
In the Greek camp, Agamemnon and Nestor discuss the state of war and the undermining of their authority by Thersites. Aeneas arrives as a herald from Troy, delivering Hector's challenge to any Greek who dares to fight him in single combat to prove his lady's worth. After Aeneas leaves, Ulysses and Nestor devise a plan to use the challenge to humble Achilles by having Ajax chosen as Hector's opponent instead.
Chapter 5
Act II
Troilus and Cressida — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.

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Act I

Scene I

Scene II

Scene III

Act II