Geoffrey Chaucer’s (1340-1400) “Troilus and Criseyde” (1385) is a great love story written with soft humour and deep feeling. Chaucer mixes love and laughter in a beautiful way. His humour is never harsh. It makes the sad story more human and real. Through Troilus, Criseyde, and Pandarus, Chaucer shows wit, irony, and playful laughter even in pain and passion.
Humour in Troilus’s Pride and Fall in Love: At first, Troilus laughs at lovers in the temple of Palladion in Troy. He mocks others and says,
“O verrey foles! nyce and blinde be ye.”
(Oh, truly foolish people! You are silly and blind in love.)
Chaucer’s gentle humour begins here. Troilus proudly thinks he can never fall in love. But soon, Cupid strikes him through Criseyde’s eyes. She is a young widow. In Troilus’s eyes, Criseyde is now,
“So aungellyk was hir natyf beautee.”
(Her natural beauty was so angel-like.)
Chaucer’s humour lies in this quick change. The proud warrior becomes a helpless lover. The poet smiles at how love makes even heroes foolish. It is the humour of irony that pride turns into passion.
Humour in Pandarus’s Talk and Tricks: Pandarus is the uncle of Criseyde. He brings comic life to the sad story. His talk is full of witty lines and clever games. When Troilus weeps, Pandarus says,
“What womman coude love swich a wrecche?”
(What woman could ever love such a miserable man?)
He scolds him like a friend and teases him like a brother. His playful advice brings humour into pain. Pandarus jokes, flatters, and even tricks both lovers with funny plans. He becomes the comic middleman who makes readers laugh through his lively speech and confident tone. His humour makes the love story light and human.
Humour in Criseyde’s Behaviour and Words: Criseyde is soft, wise, and careful. She plays with words. This shows humour through gentle irony. When Pandarus praises Troilus, she smiles shyly and answers cleverly. Her calm talk and careful replies bring subtle humour. She knows Pandarus is trying to make her love Troilus, but she pretends not to understand. Her smart avoidance and polite laughter make the scene lively. Chaucer shows that Criseyde’s wit is her gentle defence. Her humour hides her fear and makes her more real and charming.
Humour in Pandarus’s Secret Meetings and Love Messages: Chaucer uses situational humour in the love scenes. Pandarus secretly carries Troilus’s letters, arranges meetings, and makes funny excuses. When he hides behind doors or whispers through windows, the situation becomes full of comic feeling. Chaucer paints him as half-wise, half-foolish. His excitement, secret running, and quick tongue make the story bright. The readers smile at how he works like a clever servant of love. The humour makes the atmosphere soft and joyful, even in secret love.
Humour in the Poet’s Gentle Irony and Final Tone: Chaucer’s own voice also carries humour. He sometimes smiles at his own hero. He says,
“Blissed be love, that thus can folk converte.”
(Blessed be Love, that can change people so completely.)
He means love can change anyone, even the proud Troilus. In the end, when Troilus dies and looks down from heaven, the humour becomes gentle and sad. Chaucer smiles kindly at human weakness. His humour is not cruel; it is full of sympathy. He laughs softly at love, pain, and fate, the things that make life both sweet and sorrowful.
Chaucer’s humour in “Troilus and Criseyde” shines through characters, words, and situations. Troilus’s proud love, Pandarus’s comic plans, and Criseyde’s gentle wit make the story alive. It is humour of kindness, not mockery. Chaucer’s smile makes the tragedy beautiful. His humour touches the heart, just as his poetry touches the soul of love and loss.
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