Troilus and Cressida · Chapter
Scene III explained
In the Greek camp before Achilles' tent, Thersites rails against Ajax and Achilles, calling them fools.
What happens
In the Greek camp before Achilles' tent, Thersites rails against Ajax and Achilles, calling them fools. Patroclus and Achilles engage in banter with Thersites. Agamemnon, Ulysses, Nestor, Diomedes, and Ajax arrive seeking Achilles, who refuses to come out. Ulysses and Nestor manipulate Ajax's pride, convincing him to challenge Achilles' arrogance. Agamemnon decides to let Achilles sleep and prepare for battle without him.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Manipulation
Ulysses and Nestor manipulate Ajax's pride to undermine Achilles' authority and redirect the Greek war effort.
Cynicism and Idealism
Thersites' cynical railing against the Greek leaders contrasts with the idealized notions of honor and heroism in war.
Characters to notice
- Thersites
Soliloquizes about his fury, rails against Ajax and Achilles, and engages in witty banter with Patroclus and Achilles.
- Achilles
Remains in his tent, refuses to see the Greek commanders, and is described as proud and self-absorbed.
- Patroclus
Interacts with Thersites and relays messages between Achilles and the Greek leaders.
- Agamemnon
Leads the delegation to summon Achilles, expresses frustration at his pride, and decides to proceed without him.
- Ulysses
Advises against sending Ajax to Achilles, manipulates Ajax's pride, and proposes Ajax as a champion.
- Ajax
Angry at Achilles' pride, easily manipulated by Ulysses and Nestor into believing he is superior.
Key passages
“How now, Thersites! what, lost in the labyrinth of thy fury!”
Thersites questions himself, feeling trapped in his own anger.
Thersites' opening soliloquy reveals his frustration and desire for revenge.
“Agamemnon is a fool to offer to command Achilles; Achilles is a fool to be commanded of Agamemnon; Thersites is a fool to serve such a fool, and Patroclus is a fool positive.”
Thersites declares that everyone in the Greek camp is a fool, highlighting the absurdity of their hierarchy.
Thersites' critique underscores the theme of deception and manipulation.
“The amity that wisdom knits not, folly may easily untie.”
Friendship not built on wisdom can be easily broken by foolishness.
Ulysses comments on the fragile nature of alliances among the Greeks.
“He is so plaguy proud that the death-tokens of it Cry 'No recovery.'”
Achilles is so excessively proud that it is incurable.
Ulysses describes Achilles' pride as a fatal flaw.