Masochism, Masculinity, and the Pleasures of Troilus

Author / Editor
Crocker, Holly A., and Tison Pugh.

Title
Masochism, Masculinity, and the Pleasures of Troilus

Published
Tison Pugh and Marcia Smith Marzec,eds. Men and Masculinities in Chaucer's "Troilus and Criseyde" (Cambridge: D.S. Brewer, 2008), pp. 82-96.

Description
Troilus's suffering in TC is informed by a "Christian economy" of pain that valorizes a new kind of manhood, one that activates others through its passivity and converts weakness to strength "through a managed display." Troilus's identity "emerges from inaction," and his "masculinity is produced as masochistic to secure its privileged position." His exaltation at the end of the poem confirms the audience's enjoyment of his suffering.

Contributor
Pugh, Tison.

Alternative Title
Men and Masculinities in Chaucer's "Troilus and Criseyde."

Chaucer Subjects
Troilus and Criseyde