Troilus and Criseyde MCQs & Summary

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: June 3, 2025

Summary:

Troilus and Criseyde is a medieval romance poem written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. The poem is set during the Trojan War and tells the tragic love story of Troilus, a Trojan prince, and Criseyde, the daughter of a Trojan priest who defects to the Greeks. Troilus, a mighty warrior and son of King Priam, falls deeply in love with the beautiful Criseyde. With the help of Pandarus, Criseyde’s uncle, the two lovers come together in a secret relationship. However, their love is doomed when Criseyde is exchanged for a Trojan prisoner and sent to the Greek camp. Although Criseyde promises to return, she soon falls in love with Diomede, a Greek warrior. Troilus, heartbroken, loses faith in love and destiny. In the final part of the poem, he dies in battle and his soul ascends to the heavens, showing Chaucer’s philosophical view on fate and love. The poem explores themes of love, fate, betrayal, and the instability of human happiness. It is considered one of Chaucer’s greatest works, influencing later literary works, including Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida.