Sketch the Character of Criseyde.

Answer

Sketch the character of Criseyde. 

Or, Discuss Criseyde as a grief-stricken woman.

In Geoffrey Chaucer’s (1340-1400) “Troilus and Criseyde (1385),” Criseyde is a multifaceted character whose complexity adds depth to the narrative. Across various interpretations, she embodies qualities ranging from helplessness to wisdom, beauty to betrayal, and tragedy to practicality. In this discussion, we will discuss these dimensions of Criseyde’s character.

Helpless Widow: The poem shows Criseyde as a seemingly helpless widow, having lost her husband. Her husband was killed in battle. This loss places her in a helpless position within a patriarchal society where women often depend on male protection and support. Again, Her father, Calchas, fleed from Troy, predicting the fall of Troy. So, Chaucer says,

For bothe a widowe was she, and allone.

Her defenselessness is heightened by her reliance on her uncle Pandarus, a mediator between her and potential suitors. Despite her initial helplessness, Criseyde demonstrates flexibility and adaptability as the story progresses. 

Woman of Surprising Beauty: Criseyde’s beauty is central to her character. Her beauty is often described in glowing terms throughout the poem. Her physical attractiveness captivates Troilus, the titular character, and other men who encounter her. This beauty catalyzes much of the plot’s action. It drives Troilus to pursue her ardently and provokes jealousy and desire in other characters. Chaucer describes her beauty in such a way,

So aungellyk was hir natyf beautee,

That lyk a thing immortal semed she,

As doth an hevenish parfit creature,

However, Criseyde’s beauty is not merely superficial; it also symbolizes her inner qualities, such as intelligence, wit, and charm.

Wise and Clever: Criseyde is portrayed as a woman with considerable wisdom and cleverness. She is capable of navigating the complexities of courtly love and political conspiracy. Despite her youth and inexperience, she demonstrates tricky and insightful beyond her years. She often outplays those who seek to manipulate or deceive her. Her wisdom is particularly evident in her interactions with Troilus and other characters. Here, she adeptly manages her emotions and desires to achieve her goal.

Betrayal of Love: Despite her wisdom, Criseyde’s character is also marked by betrayal. She surrenders to the pressures of political expediency and rejects her love for Troilus in favour of a marriage of convenience with the Greek warrior Diomedes. This betrayal is a pivotal moment in the narrative. It leads to Troilus’s despair and the tragic outcome of their love affair. So Chaucer states at the very outset of the poem,

The double sorwe of Troilus to tellen,

That was the king Priamus sone of Troye,

Criseyde’s actions challenge conventional notions of loyalty and commitment. It complicates her character and adds depth to the poem’s exploration of human nature. 

Aristotelian Tragic Hero: In considering Criseyde’s character through an Aristotelian lens, she exhibits the qualities of a tragic hero. Her downfall is not brought about by inherent flaws or vice but by circumstances beyond her control. Her betrayal of Troilus is driven by the political and social pressures of her time. This highlights the tension between personal desires and external forces. Despite her best intentions, Criseyde’s tragic fate is sealed by the constraints of fate and fortune. It makes her a figure worthy of sympathy and reflection.

Practical and Realistic: Criseyde demonstrates a practical and realistic outlook on life throughout the poem, particularly concerning love and relationships. While she experiences genuine affection for Troilus, she understands the limitations of their romance within the context of a society torn by war and political strife. Though heartbreaking, her decision to marry Diomedes reflects her practical approach to securing her future and survival in a tumultuous world.Troilus finds the brooch in the coat of Diomedes, which he gave Criseyde as a token of his love. So Troilus laments at the end,

O lady myn Criseyde,

Wher is your feyth, and wher is your biheste?

Wher is your love, wher is your trouthe,

In conclusion, Criseyde emerges as a complex and multidimensional character in “Troilus and Criseyde.” She embodies various qualities, from her initial portrayal as a helpless widow to her eventual betrayal of Troilus.  Her beauty, wisdom, and practicality are balanced by vulnerability and betrayal. It makes her a character whose humanity and complexity resonate across centuries of literary interpretation.