How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
The ravish'd Helen, Menelaus' queen, With wanton Paris sleeps; and that's the quarrel. (Prologue, 9-10)
From the very beginning we're told that Paris' personal relationship with Helen is the root cause of the Trojan War. Notice how "Helen" is the subject of the sentence, though? It sure sounds like they're blaming her—when it really sounds like they should be blaming him.
Quote #2
Why should I war without the walls of Troy, That find such cruel battle here within? Each Trojan that is master of his heart, Let him to field; Troilus, alas! hath none. (1.1.2-5)
The first time we hear from Troilus, he tells us that he feels torn between his personal life (his love for Cressida) and his public duty (his service in the military). Way to set the tone, Shakespeare.
Quote #3
Fools on both sides, Helen must needs be fair, When with your blood you daily paint her thus. I cannot fight upon this argument; It is too starv'd a subject for my sword. (1.1.90-93)
Hmm. Troilus raises a pretty good question here, don't you think? Why are so many men willing to risk their lives to fight in a war just so that Paris can continue his affair with Helen?
Quote #4
I do not care whether you do or no. She's a fool to stay behind her father; let her to the Greeks; and so I'll tell her the next time I see her: for my part, I'll meddle nor make no more i' the matter. (1.1.80-83)
Although Cressida's dad (Calchas) has betrayed the Trojans and gone over to the Greek side, Cressida has chosen loyalty to her country (and maybe to Troilus?) over loyalty to her father. Too bad that she doesn't actually have a say in the matter.
Quote #5
The great Achilles, [...] Grows dainty of his worth, and in his tent Lies mocking our designs: with him Patroclus Upon a lazy bed the livelong day. (1.3.142-147)
We're always hearing about how the formerly "great Achilles" neglects his political and military duties. Instead of fighting on the battlefield, he spends all his time in bed with his lover. Way to totally ignore your duties, man.
Quote #6
Paris, you speak Like one besotted on your own sweet delights. You have the honey still, but these the gall; (2.2.142-144)
Here, Priam reminds his son Paris that while he gets to enjoy Helen's "honey," the rest of the Trojan army has nothing but "gall" (bitterness) for their efforts in the war. In other words, Paris is letting the Trojans suffer in the interests of his own personal pleasure. Not cool. Too bad Paris stopped listening to his dad a long time ago.
Quote #7
ACHILLES
Of this my privacy I have strong reasons.ULYSSES
But 'gainst your privacy
The reasons are more potent and heroical:
'Tis known, Achilles, that you are in love
With one of Priam's daughters. (3.3.190-194)
Achilles defends his decision not to fight in the war by citing personal and "private" reasons. But what are these "reasons," exactly? Earlier in the play, we're told that Achilles is too busy getting it on with his lover Patroclus to fight in the war (1.3.146-147). But here, Ulysses claims that Achilles refuses to fight because he's in love with Polyxena. (Later, we'll learn that Achilles promised her he would stay off the battlefield.) Either way, Achilles comes under attack in this play for neglecting his military duties.
Quote #8
When fame shall in our islands sound her trump, And all the Greekish girls shall tripping sing, 'Great Hector's sister did Achilles win, But our great Ajax bravely beat down him.' (3.3.211-214)
Ulysses tries to use a little reverse psychology on Achilles. Here, he claims that Achilles' personal reputation will suffer if he doesn't get back out on the battlefield ASAP and fulfill his political obligations. And you know what? It totally works.
Quote #9
AENEAS
That I assure you:
Troilus had rather Troy were borne to Greece
Than Cressid borne from Troy.PARIS
There is no help;
The bitter disposition of the time
Will have it so. On, lord; we'll follow you. (4.1.47-52)
There's a real pass-the-buck mentality at work here. As we know, Troilus and Cressida's romance is thwarted because the politics of warfare get in the way when Cressida is traded to the Greeks for a Trojan prisoner. Here, Paris says there's nothing that can be done about it because the "bitter disposition" of war dictates that the political exchange must be made.
Quote #10
O, courage, courage, princes! great Achilles Is arming, weeping, cursing, vowing vengeance: Patroclus' wounds have roused his drowsy blood, (5.5.30-32)
It turns out that the only thing that can "rouse" Achilles to action on behalf of his country is a very personal matter—the death of his best friend and lover, Patroclus. Well, we get that. But it's too bad he didn't get out of his tent earlier, right? Maybe Patroclus would still be alive.