Chaucer’s ‘CanterburyTales’, which appeared some time in the 1380s, has done his reputation a disservice in that its popularity and reasonable accessibility has led most people other than Chaucer scholars to ignore a very much greater work :’Troilus and Criseyde’.
The ‘Tales’ are a valuable ... Read review
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An Epic Tragedy Review ofTroilus and Criseyde - Geoffrey Chaucerby
Schmutzie
Advantages: Chaucer's Greatest Work Disadvantages: Problems with reading Middle English
...When the story opens Troilus is in the temple with some friends. We are not told his age, but even though he is already a seasoned warrior he seems very young, probably eighteen or so. The young men are staring critically at the women, and making fun of men in love, when he sees a woman so beautiful that he falls almost instantly in love. Eros, the god of love, has heard his mocking words, and has decided to punish him.
Just as in ‘Eastenders’ if ... ...been marked out by Eros, Troilus is in trouble. There are other signals. The young woman gives him a provocative look, as if to say, "May I nat (not) stonden (stand) here?’ It’s not the reaction of a modest young girl. Worse follows. Criseyde is a widow, so she is she sexually experienced, while Troilus is not. She is several years his senior. She is also the daughter of a traitor and coward. Her father, Calkas, is a soothsayer, and having foreseen ...
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