Study Questions for Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde
Book 1
- How would you characterize the narrator of the poem? What does he
say about his task?
- Who is the narrator's muse? What does this choice of muse tell you
about what will happen in the poem?
- What is Troilus's "double sorrow"?
- What are your impressions of the main characters: Criseyde, Troilus,
and Pandarus?
- How does Troilus respond to the sight of Criseyde? How is his
behavior affected?
- How is the theme of love introduced and discussed? How do these
ideas correspond to your own ideas about love?
- Read carefully the "Song of Troilus," which begins at stanza
58. How would you characterize the language of the song? What
does the song say about the nature of love?
Book 2
- What does the narrator say at the beginning of this book?
- What are your impressions of Pandarus's first encounter with
Criseyde? How would you describe the relationship between the two?
- How does Pandarus reveal the secret to Criseyde? How does she
respond?
- What, according to Criseyde, are the advantages and disadvantages of
loving Troilus?
- What does Pandarus tell the truth about, and what does he lie about?
In general, how would you characterize the manner in which he speaks to and
interacts with other characters?
- How does Pandarus manipulate the other characters in the poem?
- How does Chaucer combine Christian and pagan ideas in the poem?
Book 3
- This book opens with a song of praise to Venus. What kind of
love does Venus represent?
- What happens when Troilus and Criseyde finally meet? What is
the significance of the kneeling and other gestures depicted in this scene?
- Why does Troilus swoon? How does this affect the narrative?
- What do you learn about Chivalry in this part of the poem?
Book 4
- Why doesn't Troilus protest when the trade of Criseyde for Antenor is
suggested?
- What courses of action does Pandarus suggest to Troilus when it becomes
clear that Criseyde will be sent over to the Greek side?
- What promise does Criseyde make to Troilus at the end of Book 4?
Book 5
- At the opening of this book, how long has it been since Troilus and
Criseyde first met in the temple?
- Which Greek warrior courts Criseyde? How does she respond?
- What events cause Troilus to lose faith in Criseyde?
- How does Troilus die? What happens to Troilus after he dies?