Troilus

Definition

Troilus is a central character in Chaucer's 'Troilus and Criseyde', a tragic tale of love and fate set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. His journey explores themes of courtly love, the influence of fate and free will, as well as the complexities of human relationships, particularly in his romance with Criseyde.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Troilus is depicted as a noble Trojan prince who falls deeply in love with Criseyde amidst the backdrop of war.
2. His character evolves from a passionate lover to a tragic figure who faces despair due to betrayal and loss.
3. The narrative includes Troilus's inner thoughts and emotions, providing insight into his vulnerabilities and desires.
4. Chaucer uses Troilus's experiences to illustrate the tension between fate and free will, highlighting how external forces shape personal choices.
5. The work is considered one of Chaucer's greatest achievements and is notable for its rich characterization and emotional depth.

Review Questions

• How does Troilus's character develop throughout the story, particularly in relation to his love for Criseyde?
  • Troilus starts as an idealistic young lover who believes wholeheartedly in courtly love, eager to win Criseyde's heart. As the story unfolds, his character transforms into a more complex figure, grappling with betrayal when Criseyde is taken away from him. This development showcases his transition from youthful passion to profound despair, ultimately revealing the vulnerabilities that come with love.
• Discuss how themes of fate and free will are portrayed through Troilus's experiences in the narrative.
  • In 'Troilus and Criseyde', Chaucer illustrates the conflict between fate and free will by showing how Troilus's choices lead him into a situation where he cannot escape his destined suffering. Despite his agency in pursuing Criseyde, external circumstances—such as her eventual betrayal—seem to conspire against him. This duality prompts readers to consider how much control individuals truly have over their destinies in matters of love and life.
• Evaluate Chaucer's adaptation of the tragic elements in Troilus’s story compared to earlier versions, particularly focusing on his relationship with Criseyde.
  • Chaucer’s retelling of Troilus’s story enhances its tragic dimensions by delving deeply into the psychological aspects of love and loss. Unlike Boccaccio’s 'Il Filostrato', which presents a more straightforward narrative, Chaucer enriches the characters' emotional landscapes, especially Troilus's internal struggles. This adaptation emphasizes how societal expectations and personal desires collide, heightening the tragedy as Troilus confronts not only loss but also his disillusionment with love.

Related terms

Criseyde: Criseyde is the female protagonist in 'Troilus and Criseyde', known for her beauty and emotional depth, whose relationship with Troilus shapes much of the narrative.

Courtly Love: A medieval European literary conception of love emphasizing chivalry, nobility, and the often unattainable nature of the beloved.

Fate: The concept of a predetermined course of events in life, often contrasted with free will; a significant theme in Troilus's struggles and ultimate outcomes.