54 pages • 1 hour read
Troilus and Criseyde
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Book Brief
368
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Troy • Ancient Greece
1385
Adult
18+ years
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.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Romantic
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
6,921 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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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.
6,921 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Criseyde
Criseyde
The daughter of Calkas and a young woman with remarkable independence, known for her beauty and serious demeanor, who gradually develops feelings for Troilus despite initial reluctance.
Pandarus
Pandarus
Criseyde’s uncle and Troilus' friend, whose rhetorical and cunning capabilities are pivotal in uniting Troilus and Criseyde, though his actions have mixed consequences.
Diomede
Diomede
A Greek soldier of calculated charm, tasked with escorting Criseyde from Troy, whose interactions with her are characterized by intentional and rational seduction.
368
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Troy • Ancient Greece
1385
Adult
18+ years
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