| Description |
William Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida, his version of the Trojan War, is problematic because the warriors of the play promote an irrational and hateful war at great personal expense. Although Helen is cited as the cause of the war, she is simply a metaphor for the true cause of the war: narcissism. Narcissus, the mythical and beautiful Greek youth, was so in love with himself that he drowned trying to kiss his reflection in a stream. The warriors of this play are similarly consumed with themselves. The narcissism of the warriors in Troilus and Cressida -- marked by feelings of grandiosity, emphasis on reputation and thirst for glory, honor and fame -- causes the vast destruction of the Trojan War. Helen, in her hedonsim, is unworthy as a cause of war and displays a narcissistic need for stimulation and attention. Agamemnon and Nestor are so preoccupied with themselves that they are oblivious to the destruction of the war which threatens their own lives. Achilles' thirst for fame and his lack of empathy are largely responsible for the death of his friend, Patroclus and the impending doom of Troy. Hector is so obsessed with honor that he irrationally fights in and promotes a war that kills him. Troilus is so concerned about his own merit and reputation that he supports a war that steals his horse, kills his brother and threatens to destroy his city. The social hierarchy, which codifies narcissism, oppresses women and servants contributing further to the chaos of the war. Even when the warriors are praising each other, they are searching to receive praise themselves. |
