SOURCE: Marsh, Nicholas. “Women.” In Shakespeare: Three Problem Plays, pp. 82-115. Basingstoke, U.K.: Palgrave Macmillan, 2003.

In the following excerpt, Marsh focuses on a single passage from Troilus and Cressida (I.ii.249-86) which, he contends, shows Cressida to be both a tease and a sincere lover. Marsh explains that this apparent contradiction in fact reveals, on one hand, the stereotypical male view of women as temptresses, and on the other, Cressida's genuine feelings for Troilus.

Analysis: Troilus and Cressida, 1, Ii, 249-86

The extract we have chosen to study shows Cressida in two contexts: first in her uncle's company, then alone.

PAND:

You are such another woman! one knows not at what ward you lie. 

CRESS:

Upon my back to defend my belly, upon my wit, to defend my wiles, upon my secrecy to defend mine honesty, my mask to defend my beauty, and you to defend all...