Troilus and Cressida
Scholars agree that Chaucer wrote for the court, even though his books, especially The Canterbury Tales would appeal to a wider audience. He wrote Triolus and Cressida first, so it is safer to assume that his audience was a little more educated. The text tells us that although Chaucer had a source for this tale, it is very original. What do you make of the characterization of Troilus, Cressida, and Pandarus? We talked in class about the exaggerated romantic lover character of Troilus, in contrast to Diomede, and indeed to Cressida herself. How real is Troilus? What is the effect of creating his character the way Chaucer did? What about Troilus, or about the conventions of writing romance, or about courtly love, do you think Chaucer is wanting to explore--and perhaps comment on without coming out and saying it?
posted by Dr. Battles at 8:55 AM
2 Comments:
I think that Chaucer wanted us to think about actions and reactions. Triolus was portrayed as someone who was weak in emotions even though he was a knight, giving the impression that he, after all, was only human. But one can be human without making the reader sick. Pandarus was more in control of his emotions. You can still have feelings or love someone without appearing weak. As for Cressida, she was the samrt one. She knew how to play her cards, so to speak. I liked the approach that Chaucer gave Pandarus, the "straightforwarded "I know whats going on and how you feel but this is the situation, this is how I feel and who I am, take it or leave it." He wasn't all slobbery and weak as was portrayed in the character of Troilus. And this allowed Cressida the choice to make her own decision, which showed a level of respect.
Emma,
I agree with you. Troilus is a weak individual. When you picture a knight, you think of someone who is strong and fearless, even in control. But Chaucer placed him as just the opposite, even thoughhe was known as all those qualities in battle. to bad he lacked those qualities in his personal life. and like you said, he needed someone who had a strong personality like Pandarus and Cressidato take care of him. at least Cressida was smart enough to know that she wanted a partner, not a child to marry. Like I said in my commentary, she's no fool.
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