54 pages • 1 hour read
Geoffrey ChaucerTroilus and Criseyde
Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 1385A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Geoffrey Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde, set during the Trojan War, the Trojan prince Troilus falls in love with Criseyde, the daughter of a traitorous Trojan soothsayer. Criseyde’s uncle, Pandarus, facilitates their romance, which eventually leads to a passionate but doomed affair. When she is exchanged for a prisoner, Criseyde pledges to return, but her commitments waver, leading to heartbreak and Troilus's despair. The narrative addresses themes of fate, loyalty, and the transience of happiness. The work contains scenes of emotional distress related to romantic and familial betrayal.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Geoffrey Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde offers a rich narrative blending romance and tragedy set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. Critics praise its complex characters and masterful use of language. However, some find its pace slow and its medieval context challenging for contemporary readers. Ultimately, it remains a seminal work in English literature.
Who Should Read Troilus and Criseyde?
A reader who enjoys Troilus and Criseyde likely appreciates medieval literature, romantic tragedy, and poetic narratives. Fans of works like Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare or The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer himself will find this Middle English poem captivating for its blend of love, fate, and historical context.