Some Observations on the Concept of Clandestine Marriage in 'Troilus and Criseyde'

Author / Editor
Wentersdorf, Karl P.

Title
Some Observations on the Concept of Clandestine Marriage in 'Troilus and Criseyde'

Published
Chaucer Review 15 (1980): 101-26.

Description
A clandestine "marriage" was not fornicatory but simply unlawful, since the church insisted on an eventual ceremony. Chaucer adds the troth plight to his source, thus raising the story above amorous intrigue and heightening the poignancy of Criseyde's unfaithfulness.

Chaucer Subjects
Troilus and Criseyde.