n,
that was the king Priamus sone of Troye.”
(The poet wants to tell about the two sorrows of Troilus,
who was the son of King Priam of Troy.)
This line shows balance and melody. The rhythm suits both joy and pain. The verse flows like a song of love and destiny. Chaucer’s control of meter gives harmony to the long story.
Imagery and Descriptive Language: Chaucer paints living pictures with words. His imagery brings Troy, the temple of Palladion, and Criseyde’s beauty before our eyes. When Criseyde appears in the temple wearing black, he says,
“So aungellyk was hir natyf beautee.”
(Her natural beauty was so angel-like.)
This image makes her shine like a star in the darkness. His description of April, the temple, and the streets of Troy shows both color and emotion. Every scene seems alive and full of movement.
Characterization: Chaucer shows deep human feeling through his characters. Troilus begins as a proud prince but becomes a true lover. Criseyde is wise and gentle yet weak in heart. Pandarus is clever, talkative, and humorous. Each speaks in their own voice. When Troilus falls in love, one glance changes his world. Chaucer gives emotion, hope, fear, joy, and sorrow through living, believable people. His characters are real human souls, not distant figures.
Narrative Technique and Structure: Chaucer’s narration moves smoothly from book to book. He begins with a prayer to the muse, tells the story of love, and ends with moral peace. His structure has rise, joy, fall, and sorrow. The narrator often speaks directly to readers, saying,
“Now herkeneth with a gode entencioun.”
(Now listen carefully and with a good heart.)
This makes the story friendly and warm. Chaucer’s control of time, dialogue, and inner thought shows a modern sense of storytelling. He balances love scenes, war scenes, and reflections perfectly.
Themes and Symbolism: The poem is full of great themes, such as love, fate, time, and change. Troilus represents true love. Criseyde stands for human weakness. Pandarus for worldly cleverness. The fall of Troy symbolizes the fall of earthly joy. Chaucer shows that all worldly happiness is short-lived. In the end, Troilus’s soul rises above the stars. It teaches that heavenly love is eternal. His use of symbolic contrast between Troy and Heaven gives deep moral beauty.
Language and Diction: Chaucer’s language is clear, sweet, and full of melody. His words touch both the heart and the ear. He mixes courtly style with natural speech. The Middle English words like “wo,” “wele,” “Ioye,” make the poem musical. His diction is simple yet noble. He uses emotional words when Troilus says,
“O lady myn Criseyde,
…………………………………….
Wher is your love, wher is your trouthe,”
(“O my lady Criseyde, where is your love now?
Where is your faith and truth that you promised me?”)
Every phrase sounds natural, emotional, and artistic. His poetic diction makes the story eternal.
Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde is a perfect example of poetic excellence. Through its music, imagery, and emotion, he shows his greatness as the “Father of English Poetry.” His art joins love, life, and lesson in one noble song. From Troilus’s sorrow to Criseyde’s fall, Chaucer’s poetry remains pure, human, and everlasting.
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