# Scene X explained — Troilus and Cressida

> Chapter companion for Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Troilus announces Hector's death to Aeneas and the Trojans, expressing grief and a desire for revenge. Pandarus attempts to speak with Troilus but is rebuked, and delivers a bitter epilogue lamenting his fate as a pander.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Futility

Hector's ignoble death and Troilus's despair highlight the senseless brutality of war.

### Deception and Manipulation

Pandarus's epilogue underscores the theme of betrayal and the consequences of manipulation.

## Character check-ins

### Troilus

Grieves Hector's death and vows revenge against Achilles.

### Aeneas

Leads the Trojans and tries to rally them after Hector's death.

### Pandarus

Rejected by Troilus, delivers a final soliloquy lamenting his role as a pander.

## Key lines

> Hector is slain.

Hector has been killed.

_Troilus announces Hector's death to the Trojans._

> Hence, broker-lackey! ignomy and shame Pursue thy life, and live aye with thy name!

Get away, pimp! May disgrace and shame follow you forever.

_Troilus curses Pandarus and rejects him._

> Full merrily the humble-bee doth sing, Till he hath lost his honey and his sting;

The bumblebee sings happily until it loses its honey and its sting.

_Pandarus uses a metaphor to describe how he is used and discarded._

## Links

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