54 pages 1 hour read

Geoffrey Chaucer

Troilus and Criseyde

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 1385

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Before You Read

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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

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Narrative / Epic Poem

Romance

Period

Medieval Literature / Middle Ages

Topics

Military / War

Education

History: World

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Identity: Gender

Life/Time: Coming of Age