Understanding Criseyde: A Complex Character Analysis

Criseyde Criseyde’s Description: She is described both directly and indirectly. Directly: The author provides a written description of her physical appearance and personality. Indirectly: Criseyde's character is revealed through her actions. Psychologically, Criseyde is constantly developing throughout the work.

Goddess

She appears as a miracle, as if Troilus had seen her miraculously, which may relate Criseyde to something akin to a goddess, so close to perfection. Then, she is humanized, as she seems to suffer the inner mutations that are ceaselessly present in every human being.

Honor

Criseyde is encouraged to remain single to preserve her family's honor, which leads her to keep her relationship with Troilus a secret for three years. This creates a conflict between her honor and her desire to be with Troilus, who is a Lord.

Nature

• Personification of Nature: Criseyde embodies nature in the work.
• Mood: Her mood is compared with the weather in different seasons.
• Changeability: She is as changeable as nature across the seasons.
• Physical Appearance: Her physical appearance remains unchanging and unaffected by sorrow.
• Manipulation: Our opinion of Criseyde changes similarly to how Pandarus manipulates her to alter her decisions.

Instability

Throughout the work, we can discern Criseyde’s instability, as she does not act consciously but rather based on her emotions, always contemplating different possibilities. Ultimately, she ends up doing things she initially opposed.

Destiny

The goddess Fortune appears many times to indicate that Criseyde is limited by her destiny.

Faithless Woman

From the outset, Criseyde is portrayed as a suspicious and unfaithful person. By the end of the book, she acknowledges her betrayal. However, the narrator consistently positions himself in favor of Criseyde, attempting to portray her as faithful.

Innocence or Calculation

Criseyde appears innocent due to her unconscious actions. However, it could also be argued that her decisions are calculated, as she acts intelligently and prudently when necessary, likely influenced by her future.

Fear

Criseyde is, in a way, restricted by her own fears, primarily due to her social position. As a widow of high class, she does not need a partner. However, given her father's betrayal of Troy, her position is precarious, making isolation inadvisable. Pandarus exploits this fear of social decline to achieve his own ends.