65 pages 2 hours read

William Shakespeare

Troilus and Cressida

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1601

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Troilus and Cressida, Troilus, a Trojan prince, enlists Cressida's uncle, Pandarus, to win her love amid the ongoing Trojan War. Despite blossoming love, Cressida is traded to the Greeks, where her flirtation with Diomedes breaks Troilus's heart. War strategies, personal betrayals, and tragic combat punctuate the complex narrative, exploring themes of honor, infidelity, and disillusionment.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Reviews of William Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida highlight its complex blend of dark comedy and tragic elements, presenting a cynical view of love and war. Critics laud its rich characterizations but note its convoluted plot and ambiguous tone may challenge some readers. Overall, it stands out for its bold exploration of human frailties within a war-torn setting.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Troilus and Cressida?

Readers who enjoy complex themes of love and betrayal, set against a backdrop of war, would appreciate William Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida. Fans of Romeo and Juliet or Homeric epics like The Iliad would find the play’s intricate character dynamics and philosophical quandaries similarly engaging.

RecommendedReading Age

14+years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Play: Tragedy

British Literature

Topics

Military / War

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict