Evaluate ‘Troilus and Criseyde’ as a lover’s tragedy.

Answer

Write on the tragic philosophy of love in Chaucer’s ‘Troilus and Criseyde”. [2021, 2019] ✪✪✪

Or, ‘Troilus and Criseyde’ is a lover’s tragedy. Evaluate. [2017]

Or, What tragic philosophy of the poet do you find in “Troilus and Criseyde”? [2015]

Geoffrey Chaucer’s (1340-1400) “Troilus and Criseyde” (1385) is one of the greatest love tragedies in English literature. It shows how love brings both joy and sorrow. Chaucer presents love as a powerful emotion that rules human hearts but also destroys peace. Through Troilus, Criseyde, and Pandarus, Chaucer shows the tragic philosophy that love is sweet yet short, powerful yet painful.

Troilus’s Pure Love and Sudden Fall: Troilus is the brave son of King Priam of Troy. He first laughs at lovers. He mocks others and says, 

“O verrey foles! nyce and blinde be ye.”

(Oh, truly foolish people! You are silly and blind in love.)

Cupid, the god of love, did not like it. He shoots a love arrow in Troilus’s heart. So, inside the Temple of Palladion, he sees Criseyde and falls in love. She is a young widow. In Troilus’s eyes, Criseyde is now,

“So aungellyk was hir natyf beautee.”

(Her natural beauty was so angel-like.)

His proud heart becomes weak in love. Chaucer shows that love can suddenly change a man’s life. Troilus’s pride turns to pain. His passion begins his tragedy.

Pandarus’s Role: Pandarus is Criseyde’s uncle. He tries to help Troilus. He becomes the messenger of love. He plans secret meetings and letters. He wants to unite the lovers. At first, Criseyde is hesitant, but eventually, she is moved by Troilus’s genuine love. She decides to give him a chance. Their love blossoms, and they spend a happy and secret night together. But Pandarus’s plan becomes the hand of fate. His worldly wisdom cannot save Troilus. Chaucer’s tragic view is that human tricks cannot fight destiny.

Criseyde’s Weakness and Betrayal: Criseyde is gentle, kind,