Imitated Desire in Troilus and Cressid II -- Mimetic Theory and Literary Study

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Date Posted: 05:42:38 01/28/08 Mon
Author: Betsy Peters
Subject: Imitated Desire in Troilus and Cressid II

Behind his denials, because Pandarus cherishes the idea that he has �gone between and between� (1.1.68) Troilus and Cressida despite their ingratitude, he plays this mediating role most explicitly when he brings Cressida to Troilus for the night. In this intimate scene between united lovers, Pandarus refuses to leave. He remains for the first sixty lines of the scene, steps out for a brief moment, only to return and stay long enough to deliver the concluding lines of the scene, observing their union with a profound sense of pride in the pains he has suffered to �bring you together� (3.2.195). In addition to remaining in the room as an awkward third party to remark on the kisses, blushes, and exchanges, when Pandarus delivers Cressida to Troilus, he demonstrates his mediation by physically standing between the two: �Here I hold your [Troilus�] hand, here my cousin�s� (3.2.193). Again when the two lovers part, Pandarus joins the farewell, �What a pair of spectacles is here! Let me / embrace, too� (4.4.13-14). By both his later claims and his actions, Pandarus demonstrates that he does indeed play the role of the Trojan mediator.

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