Troilus and Cressida: Full Score (William Walton Edition) : Book Review

Troilus and Cressida by William Walton is a tragic play that takes place during the infamous Trojan War. It delves deep into the themes of love, honor, and the futility of war, offering readers a captivating exploration of the human condition.

The story primarily revolves around Troilus, a prince of Troy, who becomes enamored with Cressida, a woman of Greek descent. However, their love is continually put to the test as the chaos of war tears them apart and manipulates their emotions. The play vividly portrays their inner conflicts and emotional struggles, evoking a strong sense of empathy in readers.

Amidst the passionate love story, Troilus and Cressida raises thought-provoking questions about honor and the true motivations behind war. The characters grapple with the clash between their personal desires and their duty to their respective sides, leading them into moral dilemmas and ultimately to a sense of disillusionment. The play effectively depicts the destructive consequences of pride, jealousy, and selfishness.

Walton's writing style is beautifully poetic and filled with vivid imagery, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the characters' emotions and the chaotic backdrop of war. The dialogue is sharp and insightful, unveiling the intricacies of the characters' motivations and relationships. The play's structure seamlessly weaves together the multiple storylines and themes, creating a cohesive and immersive narrative.

Overall, Troilus and Cressida is a captivating and thought-provoking play that explores the complexities of love, honor, and war. Walton's skillful storytelling and profound exploration of human nature make this a compelling read for fans of Shakespearean tragedies. The play's profound themes and resonant characters will leave a lasting impression on readers as they reflect on the deep-rooted flaws in humanity and the consequences of our actions.

What are readers saying?

Troilus and Cressida, a play written by William Walton, delves into the tragic love story between Troilus, a prince from Troy, and Cressida, a woman from the Greek camp, amidst the backdrop of the Trojan War. The themes explored within this book include love, war, and betrayal. The reception of Troilus and Cressida has varied among readers, with a mixture of reviews offering different perspectives.

Praising the play, some reviewers commended its intricate characters and thought-provoking plotline. They admired how Walton artfully portrayed the complexities of love and the profound impact of war on interpersonal relationships. The language and poetic writing style also garnered appreciation, as readers were able to immerse themselves in the vivid descriptions and powerful dialogues. Furthermore, the depiction of heroes from a cynical perspective and the commentary on the futility of war resonated strongly with these readers.

However, certain reviews expressed mixed sentiments. Some readers found the language and writing style to be challenging, hindering their ability to fully engage with the story. The multitude of characters and their relationships were overwhelming for a few reviewers, causing confusion and a lack of investment in the narrative. In addition, some felt that the play lacked a clear focus and direction, resulting in a disjointed reading experience.

Controversially, a few reviewers criticized the play for its portrayal of women, contending that the female characters lacked agency and were underdeveloped. They argued that Troilus and Cressida perpetuated sexist stereotypes and missed an opportunity to explore more multidimensional female perspectives.

Overall, Troilus and Cressida has garnered a range of reviews. While some readers appreciated the intricate characters and thought-provoking themes, others found the writing style challenging and the plot disjointed. The portrayal of women in the play also generated controversy, with some believing it reinforced sexist stereotypes. Ultimately, readers who are intrigued by a unique interpretation of the Trojan War and the complexities of human emotions may find Troilus and Cressida captivating, but it may not resonate with everyone.

ShakespeareanLove EpicTragedy GreekMythology