Reflections on Shakespeare's Troilus & Cressida

By: Gil Bailie

Narrated by: Gil Bailie

Troilus and Cressida reveals William Shakespeare in a dark mood. Written shortly after his play Julius Caesar, it reveals another episode of a culture under stress - this time by way of Homer's epic story of the war between the Greeks and Trojans. Using the insights of René Girard's mimetic theory, Gil Bailie brings the inner dynamics of Shakespeare's play to life. "Would you see Shakespeare's mind unfettered, read Troilus and Cressida." (Goethe)

©2018 The Cornerstone Forum (P)2018 The Cornerstone Forum

Great Companion to Girard's "A Theater of Envy"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is one of a series of talks given by Gil Bailie in the 1990's at weekly gatherings of what was then the Florilegia Institute, which was later retitled the Cornerstone Forum. Bailie is one of the earliest interpreters of the thought of René Girard for popular audiences.

What about Gil Bailie’s performance did you like?

These talks were originally recorded on cassette tape but the audio has been enhanced in its transition to digital format and is very good.

Any additional comments?

If you like this you should look up Bailie's books: Violence Unveiled (1995) and God's Gamble (2016), only in print at this time (2018).

Problem Play, Problem Critique

Laughably bad. Virtually no discussion of the poetry, language, tone and mood shifts of Shakespeare’s play. Does not place it in context of his oeuvre, times, original audience or sources. Sheds no light on why or how this work is generally classified as a Problem Play. Instead, offers superficial social philosophy larded with jargon. Audio quality is not so great either.