Evaluate The Ingredients of Romance in Troilus and Criseyde.

Answer

Evaluate the ingredients of romance in  Troilus and Criseyde.

“Troilus and Criseyde” (1385) by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) is a medieval romance poem. Romance usually refers to a story that focuses on love and adventure. It often involves a hero who goes through various trials and tribulations for the sake of love. These stories typically feature idealized love, brave deeds, and dramatic, emotional events.

Evaluating the Ingredients of Romance in “Troilus and Criseyde”: “Troilus and Criseyde” is a famous romance set during the Trojan War. The story includes several key ingredients that make it a classic romance. Let us discuss these ingredients.

Love at First Sight: Love at first sight is one of this story’s main ingredients of romance. Troilus, a young Trojan prince, falls in love with Criseyde the moment he sees her. This instant attraction is common in romantic stories. Chaucer describes Troilus’s reaction: 

Allas! what is this wonder maladye?

               For hete of cold, for cold of hete, I deye.

This shows how deeply Troilus is affected by seeing Criseyde.

Secret Meetings: Troilus and Criseyde have to keep their love a secret because of the war and Criseyde’s position as a widow. They write letters to each other and meet privately. They make their love more exciting and mysterious. This secrecy adds a thrilling element to their romance.

Help from Friends: Another important part of their romance is the help they receive from Troilus’s friend Pandarus, Criseyde’s uncle. Pandarus arranges their meetings and delivers their messages. Without his help, their love story might not have happened. Chaucer shows how crucial Pandarus is:

How hastow thus unkindely and longe

Hid this fro me, thou fool?

He is always ready to help them.

Promises and Betrayals: Promises and betrayals also play a big role in their romance. Troilus and Criseyde make promises to each other, but difficult circumstances test these promises. Criseyde is sent to the Greek camp in exchange for a Trojan prisoner and promises to return to Troilus. However, she ends up staying with Diomedes, a Greek warrior, breaking her promise. Chaucer captures Troilus’s heartbreak with these words: 

O lady myn Criseyde,

Wher is your feyth, and wher is your biheste?

Wher is your love, wher is your trouthe,

Fate and Fortune: The story highlights how fate and Fortune can influence love. Despite their deep feelings, many events are beyond their control. Chaucer often refers to Fortune’s wheel, symbolizing life’s changing fortunes. 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;

This idea of fate adds a dramatic element to their romance.

Idealized Love: Troilus sees Criseyde as the perfect woman. He idealizes her in a common way in romantic literature. He views her as the epitome of beauty and virtue, intensifying his love. Chaucer illustrates this idealization with these words: 

So aungellyk was hir natyf beautee,

That lyk a thing immortal semed she,

As doth an hevenish parfit creature,

This idealized love is another key ingredient of their romance.

In conclusion, “Troilus and Criseyde” by Geoffrey Chaucer is a rich and multi-layered romance. These elements make the story timeless and relatable, showing why it remains a beloved tale of love and adventure. By understanding these key parts, we can appreciate the enduring appeal of Chaucer’s romantic story.