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Troilus and Cressida · Chapter

Scene IV explained

Thersites observes the chaotic battle between Trojans and Greeks, mocking Diomedes for wearing Troilus's sleeve and criticizing the Greek commanders' manipulation of Ajax and Achilles.

What happens

Thersites observes the chaotic battle between Trojans and Greeks, mocking Diomedes for wearing Troilus's sleeve and criticizing the Greek commanders' manipulation of Ajax and Achilles. Troilus pursues Diomedes in a fight, and Hector spares Thersites, who then exits to seek more entertainment.

Themes in this chapter

  • Deception and Manipulation

    Thersites criticizes the Greek commanders for manipulating Ajax and Achilles, highlighting the theme of political cunning.

  • War and Futility

    The chaotic battle and Thersites's cynical commentary underscore the senselessness of the conflict.

Characters to notice

  • Thersites

    Observes the battle, mocks Diomedes and the Greek commanders, and is spared by Hector.

  • Diomedes

    Wears Troilus's sleeve in his helm and fights Troilus.

  • Troilus

    Pursues Diomedes in battle, seeking revenge for the sleeve.

  • Hector

    Enters the scene, confronts Thersites, and spares his life.

Key passages

  • “Now they are clapper-clawing one another; I’ll go look on.”

    They are beating each other; I'll go watch.

    Thersites announces his intention to observe the battle.

  • “That dissembling abominable varlets, Diomed, has got that same scurvy doting foolish young knave’s sleeve of Troy there in his helm”

    That deceitful wretch Diomedes has that foolish young Trojan's sleeve in his helmet.

    Thersites mocks Diomedes for wearing Troilus's sleeve as a trophy.

  • “I do believe thee: live.”

    I believe you; you may live.

    Hector spares Thersites after he admits to being a rascal.

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