Pyrrhus's Compound

Pyrrhus's compound is located on the Trojan beaches. This is where Briseis's tent is located. She lives here with Alcimus, her new husband. Though she is always dutifully making Alcimus food and waiting for his return home, he often leaves her by herself. She spends most of her time lying on her bed and listening to the empty cradle rock in the wind.

When she becomes tired of her solitude, Briseis starts spending time with the other women in the compound. These shared evenings bolster Briseis's spirit and grant her new strength.

Agamemnon's Compound

Agamemnon's compound is located further down the Trojan beach. The characters are often moving between the two compounds throughout the novel. For example, Briseis leaves Pyrrhus's compound for Agamemnon's when she wants to visit with Cassandra. Calchas also goes to Agamemnon's compound when the Greek leader summons him. This is the setting for...