# Scene I explained — Troilus and Cressida

> Chapter companion for Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

In the Greek camp before Achilles' tent, Achilles prepares to feast Hector but is distracted by a letter from Queen Hecuba and his Trojan love, vowing to honor his oath. Thersites cynically observes the characters, particularly Diomedes, whom he denounces as false. The scene ends with Troilus and Ulysses following Diomedes to Calchas' tent, while Thersites rails against lechery and deceit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Manipulation

Ulysses manipulates Troilus into following Diomedes, and Thersites accuses Diomedes of false-heartedness.

### Cynicism and Idealism

Thersites' cynical commentary contrasts with the ideals of honor and loyalty expressed by Achilles and Hector.

### Love and Betrayal

Achilles' vow to his Trojan love over the Greek cause hints at divided loyalties, while Diomedes' visit to Calchas' tent suggests romantic intrigue.

## Character check-ins

### Achilles

Receives a letter from Queen Hecuba and his Trojan love, vowing to honor his oath over the Greek cause.

### Patroclus

Present with Achilles, subjected to Thersites' insults.

### Thersites

Delivers a letter to Achilles and delivers cynical commentary on Diomedes, Menelaus, and others.

### Diomedes

Leaves the gathering to go to Calchas' tent, followed by Troilus and Ulysses.

### Troilus

Follows Diomedes to Calchas' tent, guided by Ulysses.

### Ulysses

Advises Troilus to follow Diomedes to Calchas' tent.

### Hector

Visits the Greek camp and bids good night to the Greek generals.

### Menelaus

Bids good night to Hector, mocked by Thersites.

## Key lines

> That same Diomed’s a false-hearted rogue, a most unjust knave; I will no more trust him when he leers than I will a serpent when he hisses

Diomedes is a deceitful scoundrel; I trust him as little as I would a hissing snake.

_Thersites expresses his distrust of Diomedes._

> I am thwarted quite From my great purpose in to-morrow’s battle. Here is a letter from Queen Hecuba, A token from her daughter, my fair love, Both taxing me and gaging me to keep An oath that I have sworn.

My plans for tomorrow's battle are disrupted by a letter from Queen Hecuba and a token from my beloved, which bind me to an oath I must keep.

_Achilles explains his change of plans due to a personal vow._

## Links

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