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Troilus and Criseyde (c.1385) is an epic poem written by English poet Geoffrey Chaucer. Composed in Middle English, Troilus and Criseyde is the story of two lovers forced apart by the Greek siege of Troy. Often considered Chaucer¿s finest work for its structural consistency and completeness, the poem adapts Homer¿s Iliad and other ancient sources which expand on its tradition to tell a Christian moral tale about the importance of faith and the sacred nature of human love.
After mocking the god of love, Troilus¿a Trojan warrior and the youngest son of Priam¿is struck with desire for the beautiful Criseyde, the daughter of a prophet named Calchas. With her uncle Pandarus¿ help, the two begin to exchange letters before consummating their love in secret. Meanwhile, Calchas¿who has predicted the fall of Troy and abandoned the city to join the Greeks¿is negotiating with both sides in order to facilitate the release of Antenor in exchange for his daughter, Criseyde. Although Troilus and Hector object to the plan, Criseyde is sent to the Greek camp. Despite promising to return to Troy and to remain faithful to Troilus, she secretly doubts herself, and is soon courted by the Greek hero Diomede. Troilus and Criseyde, a masterpiece of medieval literature, is a tragic story of desire, will, and the divine that continues to move readers centuries after it was written.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Geoffrey Chaucer¿s Troilus and Criseyde is a classic of English literature reimagined for modern readers.
About the author
Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400) was an English poet and writer, widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in the English language. He is best known for his epic work "The Canterbury Tales," a collection of stories told by pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Chaucer was born into a family of wealthy merchants in London and was well-educated in several languages, including French and Italian. He worked as a civil servant and diplomat for much of his life, holding various positions in the court of King Edward III and later in the household of John of Gaunt. Chaucer began writing poetry in the 1360s, and his early works include "The Book of the Duchess" and "The House of Fame." However, it was "The Canterbury Tales" that cemented his reputation as a literary giant. The work, which was never completed, contains stories of all kinds, from bawdy jokes to poignant tragedies, and is notable for its vivid characterizations and its commentary on social and religious issues of the time. Chaucer's influence on English literature cannot be overstated. His works helped to establish English as a literary language in its own right, and his style and themes were emulated by countless writers in the centuries that followed.
Summary
Troilus and Criseyde (c.1385) is an epic poem written by English poet Geoffrey Chaucer. Composed in Middle English, Troilus and Criseyde is the story of two lovers forced apart by the Greek siege of Troy. Often considered Chaucer’s finest work for its structural consistency and completeness, the poem adapts Homer’s Iliad and other ancient sources which expand on its tradition to tell a Christian moral tale about the importance of faith and the sacred nature of human love.
After mocking the god of love, Troilus—a Trojan warrior and the youngest son of Priam—is struck with desire for the beautiful Criseyde, the daughter of a prophet named Calchas. With her uncle Pandarus’ help, the two begin to exchange letters before consummating their love in secret. Meanwhile, Calchas—who has predicted the fall of Troy and abandoned the city to join the Greeks—is negotiating with both sides in order to facilitate the release of Antenor in exchange for his daughter, Criseyde. Although Troilus and Hector object to the plan, Criseyde is sent to the Greek camp. Despite promising to return to Troy and to remain faithful to Troilus, she secretly doubts herself, and is soon courted by the Greek hero Diomede. Troilus and Criseyde, a masterpiece of medieval literature, is a tragic story of desire, will, and the divine that continues to move readers centuries after it was written.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde is a classic of English literature reimagined for modern readers.
