"Cressida and the Folly of Youth" This essay discusses possible answers to the question 'what is Cressida' in Shakespeare's "Troilus and Cressida."

The love story between Troilus, the Trojan prince, and the maiden Cressida is only one of the two major plot lines in Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida. However, the actions of Troilus and Cressida seem more poignant because they deal closely with the concept of human values and virtues. Indeed, it seems that the love story between these two provides an overarching metaphor for the second plot line, that of the Trojan War. While the scenes …

…n full contempt for her actions. If she must shoulder the blame, then so must the men who desire her. These men overwhelm Cressida by plotting against her, in a fashion. Troilus consorts with Pandarus and Diomedes seeks advice with Thersites. The combination of two sexually mature men against one woman is a rather unfair advantage. Cressida never made the first move and therefore, should not be held responsible for the actions of others.