Shakespeare's works are among the finest examples of tragedy and comedy in the canon of English literature. The reason his works are so poignant and thoughtful is his use of both emotions in order to advance the other. In her interpretation of Troilus and Cressida, the traditional story of tragic love and loss is peppered with irony and satire to address current issues of gender roles, action/inaction of government and hero worship through juxtaposition and humor. The character of Troilus before that of Shakespeare's play can be considered a perfect archetype of the tragic romantic. His love has been intended for the gods from the beginning. The romance and relationship with Cressida is elevated to the level of a noble crusade. Then, as if Sophocles himself had dictated the events, we see success, conflict and eventual downfall. As in many of Shakespeare's works, we find that tradition and myth are excellent mediums for satire and irony. The noble and honorable Troilus approaches Cressida and instead of the tragic hero we meet a comic melodramatic. Epic expressions of devotion and intention are pushed to the point of ridicule and hyperbole. Although they may at first align with Roman and Greek tragic traditions, the addition of Cressida's flat and even overtly sarcastic responses makes the reader question whether Troilus is noble and devoted in his actions or obsessive and pathetic . Where there was destiny and honor, we now see neurosis and narcissism. Dialogue from traditional tales such as: As he is the well of loyalty, the foundation of truth, the mirror of politeness, Apollo of the mind, stone of security, the root of virtue, the seeker and the head of happiness, By whom all my sadness is alleviated, so, it is I who love her the most,And... middle of paper...admirable when women have a choice and motivations beyond that of a trophy? What is the difference between honor/heroism and selfish ignorance? How does this affect those not directly involved? Works Cited Aristoteles, Samuel Henry Butcher and Francis Fergusson. Aristotle's Poetics. New York: Hill and Wang, 1994. Print. Chaucer, Geoffrey and Nevill Coghill. Troilus and Criseyde;. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1971. Print. Frye, Northrop and Robert Sandler. Northrop Frye on Shakespeare. New Haven: Yale UP, 1986. Print. Orgel, Stephen and Sean Keilen. Shakespeare and gender. New York: Garland Pub., 1999. Print. The Royal House. “The Tudors.” www.royal.gov.uk. National Archives of the United Kingdom, 2008/9. Internet. December 10, 2013. Shakespeare, William, Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine. Troilus and Cressida. New York: Washington Square, 2007. Print.