The Between Cressida And Troilus And Cressida Essay

PANDARUS [†¦] Have you any eyes? Do you know what a man is? Is not birth, beauty, good shape, discourse, manhood, learning, gentleness, virtue, youth, liberality, and so forth the spice and salt that seasons a man? CRESSIDA Ay, a minced man†¦ (1.2.231-236) This conversation between Cressida and Pandarus demonstrates the representation of masculinity in both Coriolanus and Troilus and Cressida. Each of them is concerned with ideas of honour and military prowess in relation to the male identity, drawing on the masculine ideals of Roman antiquity – a prominent notion during the early modern period – as is evident in Pandarus’ notions of ‘what a man is’. Shakespeare does not, however, endorse these notions in the plays; his handling of the subject is reminiscent more of Cressida’s response in this passage, suggesting that the same qualities which make a man can also effeminize him. This essay will examine how this paradoxical nature of manhood and its arbitrary relations to honour and women are exposed in the plays. In the world of Coriolanus, violent and aggressive masculinity is set on a pedestal by the people of Rome. This is evident in Volumnia’s attitude towards raising children – applauding wounds Coriolanus has received in battle and even going as far as saying that The breasts of Hecuba, When she did suckle Hector, looked not lovelier Than Hector’s forehead when it spit forth blood At Grecian sword, contemning. (1.3.37-40) Intimacy has no place in this violentlyShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Troilus And Cressida Essay1766 Words   |  8 Pages In the essay, I am attempting to reveal the true character of Cressida as opposed to the reputation she obtains in the play. This is accomplished through the conversations Cressida has with Pandarus and Troilus, where the two men obtain early encounters with Cressida as this noble nature is revealed. 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