In the very beginning Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) in his poem, Troilus and Criseyde refer to double sorrows in love. Here in this poem, double sorrow is seen in the case of Troilus. First of all to win the love of Criseyde. She is a widow of surprising beauty. Secondly after Criseyde’s departure from Troy to the Greek camp. She declined her love for Troilus and embraced Diomedes.
More Notes: Troilus and Criseyde
Troilus was not interested in women and love in the very beginning. He was a hater of love who mocked the lovers. He did not pay any attention to women. So, Cupid the God of love shot an arrow into Troilus’s heart. Troilus saw Criseyde, a widow of charming beauty, and falls in love with her in a temple. She was looking very attractive to Troilus. Troilus feels that he can not live without her. He wants her at any cost. So, he tries again and again to win the love of Criseyde. And finally, with the help of Pandarus, he becomes successful.
Then Troilus passed the best moments of his life. But after some period of happiness, Criseyde leaves Troy for the Greek camp in exchange for Antenor. She promised to return within ten days. But she did not return anymore. Troilus was eagerly waiting for her. But Criseyde did not keep her promise. She betrayed Troilus. She started to love Diomedes. On the other hand, Troilus suffered terribly. He had been broken from the inside and ultimately, he was slain by Achilles on the battlefield.
Thus, Troilus suffered double sorrow in love.
More Notes: Suggestion
