Criseyde’s Way of Life versus Troilus’ Pain of Life:

Criseyde is perhaps the most powerful, wisest, and knowledgeable character in the text. In the beginning of the text, her uncle Pandarus, convinces her to take on Troilus as a man lover. Pandarus forces, blackmails, and threatens Criseyde to display interest and or love for Troilus. Chaucer explains the following discussion between Pandarus and Criseyde,

“Take it, and don’t refuse!’ He caught her gown,

And in her bosom thrust the letter down…

I will write nothing to him, let me state.’

‘No? Well, I will,’ he said, ‘if you�

Chaucer is not describing the “typical” girl in the male driven society. Rather Chaucer applies a feminist approach in showing positive attributes and characteristics of Criseyde, which rebels against a patriarchal society.

What wonder then if I should give him joy?” (2.107).

Chaucer continues to deform the principle of patriarchal society, contrasting Criseyde’s open sexual behavior against Troilus’s shy and reserved behavior. Criseyde is extremely aggressive and passionate, wanting lustful sex, “Criseyde could take his whole appearance in; / … Saying to herself ‘O who has given me drink” / …For her own thoughts she started to blush red,” (2.93). In their first illicit encounter, Criseyde quotes, “You’re like a little boy; I ought to spank you!” (3.167). Criseyde knows exactly what she wants and reacts to it. Troilus who should be reacting the way Criseyde is – does not. The theme of role reversal is again stressed: Criseyde is looking for sex and Troilus is looking for love. Chaucer exhibits a clear deformation of the patriarchal formula.

Towards the end of the text, Troy is captured, and Calkas, the Greek traitor demands back his daughter, Criseyde. Troilus, who is present at court, is devastated with grief. Instead of acting against bravely, he is shattered.

Troilus is heartbroken and has no will to live anymore. He dies at the hands of Achilles soon after.

Chaucer uses the idea of love to demonstrate two very different characters. The man is impractical, whimsical and effeminate. While Troilus exhibits womanly qualities of shame and sickness, Criseyde is the practical and quick-minded one. Though both of them are dominated by external influences, Criseyde uses them to her own advantage, while Troilus remains helpless. Criseyde’s practicality may be seen as her infidelity, but given the limited options she had, she chose what was best suited for her own advantage. Though this was selfish, it was also smart. Thus, by the end of the story, through the characters of Troilus and Criseyde

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