How did Troilus win the love of Criseyde?
Troilus and Criseyde is a notable literary work by Geoffrey Chaucer. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Troilus and Criseyde.
Answer
How did Troilus win the love of Criseyde? [2017]
Geoffrey Chaucer’s (1340-1400) “Troilus and Criseyde” (1385) is a romantic and tragic love story set in Troy. It shows how love grows between Troilus, the brave Trojan prince, and Criseyde, the gentle widow. Chaucer beautifully presents how Troilus wins her heart with the help of Pandarus.
First Sight in the Temple- Love at a Glance: One spring day, in the temple of Athena, Troilus sees Criseyde for the first time. Her beauty and grace capture his heart. Chaucer writes,
“So aungellyk was hir natyf beautee.”
(Her natural beauty was so angel-like.)
Troilus feels sudden love, deep and strong. From that day, he became silent, pale, and lost in thought. His heart burns in secret love. Thus begins the story of passion in Troy.
Pandarus’s Help- The Secret Messenger of Love: Pandarus is the uncle of Criseyde. He is a close friend of Troilus. He discovers Troilus’s secret. He promises to help Troilus win her heart. He goes to Criseyde and praises Troilus highly. He praises Troilus’s nobility, courage, and loyalty. Pandarus arranges secret meetings, letters, and gifts between them. Slowly, Criseyde begins to trust and admire Troilus.
The Night of Union- Love Fulfilled: At last, Pandarus brings Criseyde to Troilus’s chamber during a stormy night. There, they confess their love truly. Chaucer describes the moment with emotion. From that night, their love became deep and sincere. Troilus becomes the happiest man in Troy, and Criseyde’s heart belongs fully to him.
Thus, Troilus wins the love of Criseyde through beauty, patience, and the clever help of Pandarus. Their love begins in secret, grows in trust, and reaches perfection in union. But the same love later turns to sorrow. This shows that even true hearts can suffer under fortune’s wheel.