Author Archives: teshia.sooklal

I think I need to put in my two cents about Thersites because if anyone else has noticed, the one person who is considered a “fool” is actually the only one who thinks rationally. The Greek commanders are so engulfed in their own egos and their desire to be true heroes that their actions fall extremely short.

In Act 2, we are introduced to Thersites whom we’ve discussed in class to be someone with some type of psychological defect and because of this, he’s allowed to say whatever he thinks without repercussions. Throughout Act 2, the Greek commanders, especially Ajax, belittle Thersites constantly. Even though Hector was completely against keeping Helen, he finally decided that she should stay because “for ’tis a cause that hath no mean dependence/ Upon our joint and several dignities.” (2.2. 192-193) His deranged sense of honor (deranged because how can it be “honorable” to keep another’s man’s wife) and egotistical tendencies keep him from actually thinking rationally.

At the beginning of 2.3, Thersites becomes the voice of reason explaining the commanders’ misguided decisions. He says, “Or, rather, the Neapolitan bone-ache,/ for that methinks, is the curse depending on those that war for a placket.” (2.3. 19-21) One can interpret this as Thersites scolding the commanders’ for continuing a war based on mostly sexual desires, which was the role of women during that time.

This irony can also extend to Cassandra who prophesied the demise of Troy if Helen was not returned. Cassandra’s brothers think she’s insane and do not heed to her warnings. Again, someone who is considered “defective” in the play is the one who actually becomes the voice of reason.