Troilus and Criseyde Text Summary

Question 1

Book 1

Answer 1

• Criseyde is left alone in Troy after her father, Calkas, foresees the fall of Troy and leaves to join the Greeks.
• In the Temple of Pallas Athena Troilus mocks his Knights for loving women, and annoys the God Cupid.
• Cupid causes Troilus to fall in love with Criseyde, and Troilus becomes lovesick.
• Pandarus, Criseyde’s uncle learns about Troilus’ love and devises a plan for Troilus to speak to her.

Question 2

Book 2

Answer 2

• Pandarus visits Criseyde to tell her that Troilus has feelings for, and attempts to manipulate her into reciprocating.
• Although unsure because she enjoys her freedom, Criseyde symbolically dreams about falling for Troilus
• Pandarus encourages Troilus and Criseyde to engage in sending letters
• Pandarus orchestrates a situation in Deiphebus’ house for the couple to unwittingly meet.

Question 3

Book 3

Answer 3

• In Troilus’ bedchamber, Criseyde agrees to let Troilus serve her, and she in turn will love him, provided it doesn’t harm her honour - which Pandarus seconds.
• Troilus and Criseyde exchange letters and meet several times
• Pandarus orchestrates an overnight meeting with Troilus and Criseyde by hiding Troilus, and then inviting Criseyde over and persuading her to stay.
• Pandarus then tells Criseyde that Troilus has heard rumours that Criseyde has another suitor and that Criseyde must talk to him to clear it up
• They exchange marital-like vows before spending an intimate night together, parting at dawn.
• The couple spends more nights together and both live in a blissful state of happiness.

Question 4

Book 4

Answer 4

• Criseyde’s father Calkas asks for a treaty from the Trojan camp to exchange Criseyde for Antenor.
• Although Troilus is against this, he doesn’t dare publicise his relationship by opposing it.
• Pandarus suggests that they get publicly married or elope together, and although Troilus argues that he cannot due to his father and reputation, he asks Criseyde who refuses.
• Criseyde promises to return in ten days and then Troilus gives Criseyde a brooch to remember her by.
• Troilus leaves her in the morning with a sense of dread.

Question 5

Book 5

Answer 5

• Criseyde is exchanged for Antenor. Immediately, Diomede offers to protect Criseyde from any harm.
• On the tenth day, Criseyde does not return to Troy as promised. She writes to Troilus, explaining it is too difficult for her to leave and allows herself to be wooed by Diomede.
• Troilus realises she isn’t coming back and dreams of Criseyde embracing a boar. His sister Cassandra describes the boar as a new lover. Troilus refuses to believe Criseyde’s betrayal is true.
• Troilus continues to write to her, but her replies are consistently short and uninterested.
• The Trojans capture one of Diomede’s garments, and Troilus discovers the brooch he gave to Criseyde. This confirms the affair.
• The narrator briefly describes Troilus’ death in battle, where he is killed by Achille
• Troilus ascends to the eighth sphere of heaven and realizes the vanity of worldly affairs and laughs at those mourning for him.