Independent Research in Medieval Literature

Briefly describe the project you worked on. What did you create, who did you create it for, and how did you approach this project?

Anna

Suggested revision of Abstract: Criseyde’s Trauma: Blaming Chaucer’s Victim

Geoffrey Chaucer’sTroilus and Criseyde centers on betrayal as it recounts the failed romance between the two lovers as well as the ultimate destruction and betrayal of the city of Troy. In the poem, Criseyde falls victim to manipulation and threats at the hands of her father, Calkas, her uncle Pandarus, and the Greek warrior Diomede. The Criseyde tradition before Chaucer (Benoît, Guido and Boccaccio) and after (Lydgate, Henryson and Shakespeare) highlighted her culpability as though she were a free subject, possessing real agency. The daughter of Calkas becomes his female equivalent, treasonously changing sides and changing lovers. Despite these allegations, Chaucer in fact foregrounds the constant stress brought to bear on her decision-making. Many subtle clues point to an aloof quality in her character, suggesting perhaps that she is instead a victim of trauma, specifically from psychological abuse. Criseyde’s traumatic stress is caused at the beginning of the poem by the mob calling for her death as well as by Pandarus’ invented conspiracy against her by the same men who betray the city of Troy. The culture of victim blaming is highly problematic and infects every corner of our world. Put frankly, it is unprogressive; rather, it adds to the oppressive cycle that many trauma victims experience, making it harder for them to transcend their circumstances.