Sketch The Character of Troilus

Answer

Troilus is the chief Protagonist in the poem,’ ‘Troilus and Criseyde.’ Discuss.

Or, Sketch the character of Troilus.

Troilus is the protagonist of the poem ‘Troilus and Criseyde’ (1385) by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400). Chaucer reveals his expertness in the art of characterization through Troilus and Criseyde. As a protagonist of the poem, Chaucer represents Troilus as a virtuous, faithful, self-sacrificing lover. He is a Trojan prince, warrior, and son of King Priam. Though his strong personality is shown in the very beginning, his gradual transformation leads him to terrible suffering. In the light of Chaucer in the poem ‘Troilus and Criseyde ‘, the characteristics of Troilus are exposed.

Troilus as a Mocker of Love: At the beginning of the poem “Troilus and Criseyde”, we find that Troilus is not interested in women. He had no faith in love. Chaucer presents himself as a manly young knight. He had no weakness. Even he was mocking his knights when they developed feelings for women. Chaucer says,

That Love is he that alle thing may binde;

For may no man for-do the lawe of kinde.

Troilus is above that type of behaviour. Troilus was very proud of his respectable and authoritative position. He is often compared to his older brother, Hector, Troy’s hero. Chaucer rightly remarks,

This Troilus, as he was wont to gyde

               His yonge knightes, ladde hem up and doun

               In thilke large temple on every syde,

The Embodiment of an Innocent Young Lover: As Troilus shows his strong personality about love and woman, he is struck by Cupid and falls instantly in love with Criseyde. Chaucer states,

For sodeynly he hit him at the fulle;

From here, he becomes single-mindedly focused on winning her over as his lady. Troilus’s inexplicable love for Criseyde transforms and humbles him. It influences him to become a more chivalrous, honourable, and mature man who realizes the true value of love as a divine force. Troilus was portrayed as the embodiment of an innocent young lover. He is betrayed by a fickle girl who abandoned him for the Greek hero Diomedes.

Humble and Religious: Troilus was humble and religious from the beginning till his death. He respected his elders like Gods. He entertained himself with friends in different activities. He fought bravely on the battlefield without caring about danger. He respected women. He had little attention for women and love. He was enjoying his free life. He did not abandon old customs of worshipping their Gods. Accompanied by other knights, Troilus attended the ceremony in April. 

Chivalrous and Valiant Warrior:  As a Trojan prince, Troilus achieved all the qualities that he should have. He was a brave and valiant warrior. He is presented as a knight of the Trojan soldiers who fought bravely. When Criseyde, a young widow of surprising beauty, needs the security of life in the city of Troy, utilizes the weakness of Troilus’s blind love. She knows that Troilus is a brave and valiant warrior. He can protect her. So, she expresses her false feelings of love toward Troilus.

Troilus as a Loyal, Patriotic and Ideal Knight: Troilus is described as an ideal knight and a Patriotic personality in the poem “Troilus and Criseyde.” He is the embodiment of true Patriotism. He is fighting for his country from the attack of the Greeks. Anyhow, he wants Victory over the Greeks. So, he did not pay any attention to the girls or sexual pleasure. His only goal was to win over the Greeks. He loved his country more than his life or anything. So, Hector gave him the title of most obedient Trojan Knight. His tragic end comes when Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior, kills him. Chaucer tells

… Achilles through the mayle

               And through the body gan him for to ryve; 

               And thus this worthy knight was brought of lyve.

In termination, everything is subject to change. The love of Troilus changes him and brings his ultimate doom. It is left up to the reader to decide if Troilus is a hero or fool, if his actions are motivated by true love or madness.  Breaking the qualities of an Aristotelian tragic hero, Chaucer established Troilus as an unconscious and passionate tragic hero who embraced his fate without complaining.