Analyze Chaucer’s poetic skill in “Troilus and Criseyde.”

Answer

Analyze Chaucer’s poetic skill in “Troilus and Criseyde”. [2020]

Or. Evaluate Chaucer’s poetic skill in “Troilus and Criseyde.” [2018] ✪✪✪

Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) shows his finest poetic skill in “Troilus and Criseyde” (1385). It is a long love story set in ancient Troy during the Trojan War. Through the story of Troilus, Criseyde, and Pandarus, Chaucer mixes love, sorrow, humour, and philosophy. His poetry shines in language, character, music, and moral truth. It is his greatest artistic success.

Versification and Meter: Chaucer’s poetic music is clear in every line. He uses rhyme royal, a seven-line stanza with a smooth rhythm. The lines move softly like music. In the opening, he writes,

“The double sorwe of Troilus to tellen, 

that was the king Priamus sone of Troye.”

(The poet wants to tell about the two sorrows of Troilus, 

who was the son of King Priam of Troy.)

This line shows balance and melody. The rhythm suits both joy and pain. The verse flows like a song of love and destiny. Chaucer’s control of meter gives harmony to the long story.

Imagery and Descriptive Language: Chaucer paints living pictures with words. His imagery brings Troy, the temple of Palladion, and Criseyde’s beauty before our eyes. When Criseyde appears in the temple wearing black, he says,

“So aungellyk was hir natyf beautee.”

(Her natural beauty was so angel-like.)

This image makes her shine like a star in the darkness. His description of April, the temple, and the streets of Troy shows both color and emotion. Every scene seems alive and full of movement.

Characterization: Chaucer shows deep human feeling through his characters. Troilus begins as a proud prince but becomes a true lover. Criseyde is wise and gentle yet weak in heart. Pandarus is clever, talkative, and humorous. Each speaks in their own voice. When Troilus falls in love, one glance changes his world. Chaucer gives emotion, hope, fear,