# Scene I explained — Troilus and Cressida

> Chapter companion for Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

In the Greek camp, Ajax and Thersites engage in a heated, abusive exchange. Thersites mocks Ajax's stupidity and Achilles' pride, revealing the discord and low morale among the Greeks. Achilles and Patroclus intervene, and Achilles informs Ajax of Hector's challenge to single combat, to be decided by lottery.

## Themes in this chapter

### Order and Disorder

The chaotic brawling and insults among the Greek leaders highlight the breakdown of military discipline and hierarchy.

### Cynicism and Idealism

Thersites' cynical mockery of Ajax and Achilles undercuts any heroic pretensions, exposing the futility and pettiness of the war.

## Character check-ins

### Ajax

Engages in a violent quarrel with Thersites, demanding to learn the proclamation; is mocked for his dullness.

### Thersites

Rails against Ajax and Achilles, exposing their folly and the Greeks' internal strife.

### Achilles

Intervenes in the fight, reveals Hector's challenge, and dismisses it as 'trash'.

### Patroclus

Attempts to quiet Thersites and observes the altercation.

## Key lines

> Hector have a great catch, if he knock out either of your brains: a’ were as good crack a fusty nut with no kernel.

Hector would have an easy victory if he fought either of you, since your heads are as empty as a nut with no kernel.

_Thersites insults Ajax and Achilles, calling them brainless._

> There’s Ulysses and old Nestor, whose wit was mouldy ere your grandsires had nails on their toes, yoke you like draught-oxen and make you plough up the wars.

Ulysses and old Nestor, whose wisdom is older than your grandfathers, control you like oxen and make you do the fighting.

_Thersites accuses the Greek commanders of being manipulated by the cunning Ulysses and Nestor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/troilus_and_cressida_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/troilus_and_cressida_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/troilus_and_cressida_se/chapters