Inevitability of Criseyde’s Choice

In Geoffrey Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde, the poignant tale of love and betrayal unfolds within the backdrop of the Trojan War. The central figures, Troilus, a noble Trojan prince, and Criseyde, a beautiful widow, navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and fate. Their relationship, initially filled with promise, is ultimately shattered by circumstances beyond their control. The inevitability of Criseyde’s choice, driven by external manipulations and internal conflicts, invites a deeper examination of her actions and the motivations behind them.

The Role of Pandarus: The Manipulative Matchmaker

Pandarus, Criseyde’s uncle and Troilus’ confidant, plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the romance between the two. His understanding of Criseyde's preferences allows him to manipulate her emotions and perceptions. He recognizes that she is drawn to tales of valor and heroism, leading him to present Troilus as the embodiment of those qualities. However, this portrayal is misleading. While Pandarus touts Troilus as a brave warrior, the reality is starkly different. Troilus is plagued by indecision and despair, often retreating into himself rather than asserting his love for Criseyde.

To illustrate Pandarus’ manipulation, consider the following points:

• Pandarus emphasizes Troilus' supposed bravery to align with Criseyde’s literary interests.
• He lies to Criseyde about Troilus’ feelings, claiming he believes she is in love with another man.
• His actions ultimately coerce Criseyde into a relationship based on false pretenses.

The Indecisiveness of Troilus

Troilus’ character is marked by a troubling indecisiveness that contributes to the tragic unfolding of events. At critical moments, he fails to act decisively, allowing circumstances to dictate the course of his relationship with Criseyde. For instance, during the Trojan Parliament’s discussion about Criseyde’s exchange for Antenor, Troilus remains silent and passive, unlike his brother Hector, who takes a stand. This lack of action leaves Criseyde vulnerable and ultimately leads to her departure.

Troilus’ inaction can be summarized in the following table:

Diomede’s Deceptive Intentions

As Criseyde navigates her complex emotional landscape, she encounters Diomede, a Greek soldier with ulterior motives. From their first meeting, Diomede is determined to seduce her, employing a mix of charm and deceit. He presents himself as a sincere lover, claiming he has never loved before, despite being married. His cunning approach leaves Criseyde in a precarious position, making it increasingly difficult for her to resist his advances.

Diomede's manipulation further complicates Criseyde's predicament. His tactics include:

• Feigning deep affection while concealing his marital status.
• Employing psychological manipulation to undermine her loyalty to Troilus.
• Creating an atmosphere of emotional vulnerability that Criseyde finds hard to resist.

Criticism of Criseyde: A Misunderstood Victim

Despite the circumstances that lead to Criseyde's departure from Troilus, she has faced significant criticism over the centuries. Many view her as a betrayer, failing to recognize the complex web of manipulation and emotional turmoil surrounding her choices. Critics argue that she should have informed Troilus of her feelings for Diomede, yet this perspective overlooks the context of her situation.

According to Joseph S. Graydon in his Defense of Criseyde, Criseyde was aware of Troilus’ suspicions regarding her fidelity. Her careful wording in correspondence with him reveals her intent to distance herself from their past relationship. She writes, “For truly, while my life may endure, / as a friend, of me you may be sure,” indicating her desire to redefine their connection and prepare him for her departure.

The Inevitability of Criseyde’s Choice

In conclusion, Criseyde’s departure from Troilus, often labeled as betrayal, is shaped by a confluence of factors beyond her control. The manipulations of Pandarus, Troilus' indecisiveness, and Diomede’s deceptive intentions create an environment in which her choices become inevitable. While Criseyde’s actions may appear condemnable at first glance, a deeper analysis reveals the tragic nature of her circumstances. For centuries, she has been unfairly maligned, and it is crucial to reevaluate her situation to understand the complexity of her character.

Works Cited

Chaucer, Geoffrey. Troilus and Criseyde. Trans. A.S. Kline. New York: Poetry in Translation, 2001. Web.

Graydon, Joseph S. “Defense of Criseyde.” PMLA, vol. 44, no. 1, 1929, pp. 141–177. www.jstor.org/stable/457671.