The fundamental problem with
Troilus and Cressida is that the story of Helen of Troy is too well known to have liberties
taken with it. In plays such as
Julius Caesar,
Coriolanus and
Anthony and Cleopatra – where the storyline is less well known – Shakespeare appears inspired and inspirational; however in this play he appears (at best) amateurish. The historical accuracy of the play is never as important as when the events are as well known. Shakespeare would have been better advised to strictly adhere to the script. No doubt, it is a good idea to describe the unfolding events from the perspective of two lesser known historical figures (Troilus and
Cressida) but it has been poorly executed, and overall lacks conviction.
Another problem is that the treatment of the characters is (exceedingly) shallow and leaves a lot to be desired. Ulysses – as conceived by Shakespeare – is a scheming and cunning old fox shorn of all nobility; Cassandra is
described as a deranged lunatic, and the treatment given to Achilles and Ajax is one that would have been better reserved for a pair of juvenile delinquents! Or, perhaps, this is only because Shakespeare is being measured against the genius of Homer – and falls short. No doubt, among all his twenty-seven plays, this is the most disappointing effort. I would be loathe to accuse Shakespeare of using foul language; but the fact remains that Helen of Troy has been described as a whore and Menelaus as a cuckold. Somehow, this does not gel with the gravity of the events being described.
A casual reading of the play leaves one in no doubt that the playwright’s sympathies are with the Trojan camp; especially with the Trojan princes Hector and Troilus. There is nothing wrong with that – but the play seems to lack balance nonetheless. Especially in the last scene, when Achilles slays an unarmed Hector?!
The events described in the play lead upto the death of Hector. Troilus (the second son of Priam) is in love with Cressida; who has been described in beauty next only to Helen of Troy. The problem is that Cressida’s loyalties are suspect, because her father Calchas has deserted to the side of the Greeks. However, Cressida’s uncle (Pandarus) helps to bring the romance to fruition. Unfortunately, Calchas requests the leader of the Grecian host (Agamemnon) to ransom his daughter for a Trojan commander who has been captured in battle. Priam – and the Trojans – who are unaware of their romance agree to this exchange; and Troilus meekly submits to their command.
A final word about the title itself: Compared to Julius Caesar, Anthony and Cleopatra, and Coriolanus, Troilus and Cressida are unknown (historical) figures that the audience has difficulty in relating to. Though outwardly this is a romance – between the two title figures - it would have been much more relevant if the playwright had named the play “The Death of Hector”. The audience would have had no difficulty in placing the play, and forming a brief idea about what the play was all about.