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

Answer

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

“Troilus and Criseyde” (1385) is a tragic love story by Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) in the 14th century. The poem is set during the Trojan War and tells the story of Troilus, a Trojan prince, and his love for Criseyde, a widow. The narrative is filled with themes of love, betrayal, and fate, ultimately painting a picture of love as a source of both joy and deep sorrow.

The Beginning of Love: At the story’s start, Troilus is a handsome, brave prince who mocks other warriors for being in love. However, he soon sees Criseyde and falls deeply in love with her. He says,

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. His feelings overwhelm him, and he suffers greatly because he believes Criseyde could never love him back. He keeps his love a secret and becomes lovesick by losing interest in everything else. 

Pandarus’s Role: Troilus’s friend, Pandarus, and Criseyde’s uncle notice his condition and help. Pandarus acts as a go-between and convinces Criseyde to consider Troilus. At first, Criseyde is hesitant, but eventually, she is moved by Troilus’s genuine love and decides to give him a chance. Their love blossoms, and they spend a happy and secret night together.

The Separation: However, their happiness is short-lived. The Greek army captures a Trojan warrior named Antenor, and the Trojans agree to exchange Criseyde for him. Criseyde and Troilus are heartbroken, but they have no choice. Before leaving, Criseyde promises Troilus that she will find a way to return to him within ten days.

Criseyde’s Betrayal: When Criseyde arrives at the Greek camp, she meets Diomedes, a Greek warrior. Despite her initial determination to stay faithful to Troilus, Criseyde begins to fall for Diomedes. The days pass, and she does not return to Troy. Troilus becomes increasingly anxious and worried as he waits for her. He writes letters to Criseyde, but her replies become less frequent and affectionate. His heart is broken when he gets the brooch he gave Criseyde as a token of his love in Diomedess’ coat. Chaucer remarks,

And eek a broche (and that was litel nede)

That Troilus was, she yaf this Diomedes.

So Troilus laments at the end,

O lady myn Criseyde,

Wher is your feyth, and wher is your biheste?

Wher is your love, wher is your trouthe,

Troilus’s Despair: Finally, Troilus realizes that Criseyde has betrayed him. He is devastated and loses all hope. The once noble and joyous prince is now filled with grief and despair. Troilus returns to the battlefield with a heavy heart, fighting fiercely because he no longer cares whether he lives or dies. 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.

The Lover’s Tragedy: The story of “Troilus and Criseyde” is a classic example of a lover’s tragedy. At its core, the poem explores the intense emotions that come with love—excitement and happiness, pain, and heartbreak. Troilus’s journey from love to despair shows how love can transform a person’s life in beautiful and tragic ways.

The Role of Fate: Chaucer uses the backdrop of the Trojan War to highlight the themes of fate and destiny. Troilus and Criseyde’s love is doomed from the start because of the circumstances surrounding them. The war forces them apart, and despite their best intentions, they cannot overcome the external forces that dictate their lives. This inevitability adds to the tragic nature of their story.

Personal Choices: The characters’ choices also contribute to their tragedy. Troilus’s initial mysteriousness about his love and Criseyde’s eventual betrayal play significant roles in their downfall. Their love is passionate but fragile, and the outside world’s pressures combine with their decisions. It leads to their inevitable separation.

In conclusion, “Troilus and Criseyde” is a powerful tale of love and loss. It illustrates the joys of falling in love and the deep sorrow that often follows. The tragedy of Troilus and Criseyde lies in their separation and the transformation of their love from something beautiful to something painful and heartbreaking. Chaucer captures human emotions’ complex and often tragic nature through this story.