# Scene II explained — Troilus and Cressida

> Chapter companion for Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Troilus and Ulysses secretly observe Cressida meeting Diomedes in the Greek camp. Cressida gives Diomedes a sleeve as a token, betraying her vows to Troilus. Troilus struggles with his emotions, ultimately vowing revenge against Diomedes. Aeneas arrives to escort Troilus back to Troy, and Thersites comments on the pervasive lechery.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Betrayal

Cressida's gift of the sleeve to Diomedes and her broken vows to Troilus epitomize the theme of romantic betrayal.

### Deception and Manipulation

Cressida's duplicitous behavior and the secret observation by Troilus and Ulysses highlight the theme of deception.

### Cynicism and Idealism

Troilus's idealistic love clashes with Thersites's cynical view of lechery and human nature.

## Character check-ins

### Troilus

Witnesses Cressida's betrayal and struggles to reconcile his love with her infidelity.

### Cressida

Gives a sleeve to Diomedes as a token, breaking her vows to Troilus.

### Diomedes

Receives the sleeve from Cressida and plans to wear it on his helm.

### Ulysses

Guides Troilus and urges him to remain patient during the observation.

### Thersites

Provides cynical commentary on the lechery and deceit he observes.

### Aeneas

Arrives to escort Troilus back to Troy, informing him that Hector is arming.

## Key lines

> O beauty! where is thy faith?

Troilus laments the loss of Cressida's fidelity.

_Troilus expresses his anguish at Cressida's betrayal._

> This is, and is not, Cressid.

Troilus is torn between believing Cressida is faithful and accepting her infidelity.

_Troilus's internal conflict over Cressida's identity and actions._

> Lechery, lechery; still, wars and lechery; nothing else holds fashion: a burning devil take them!

Thersites condemns the pervasive lust and war, wishing destruction upon all involved.

_Thersites's cynical summary of the scene's moral decay._

## Links

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