Chaucer's "Troilus and Criseyde"

Paper Summary:

The writer employs Freudian ideas in the textual analysis of "Troilus and Criseyde", allowing for a wealth of exploration of overt sexual imagery amid the poem's romantic elements. The paper explores the dream scenes in the poem, noting the ways in which the characters predict their tragic destinies.

From the Paper:

"Criseyde is the first to have a dream that reflects Troilus' damaging need for gratification, as well as her fear of the commitment of marriage. After learning of Troilus' interest in her, she declares, "I am myn owne woman, well at ease/ . . . Shall noon housbonde seyen to me, 'checkmate!?"(76). Although Criseyde is justifiably worried about the constraints that accompany a relationship, she is oblivious to the effect Troilus already has on her. Indeed, not long after her proclamation of independence, Criseyde, thinking about Troilus more and more, begins to question her steadfastness: "Sholde I now love, and put in jupartye/My sikerness, and thrallen libertee?"(77). Yet, after much deliberation, when she does relinquish her resolve and devote her love to Troilus, her subconscious assails her with a terrifying dream. Lulled to sleep by a nightingale's song, Criseyde dreams..."

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