Markers of Transition : Laughter in Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde

Author / Editor
Stierstorfer, Klaus.

Title
Markers of Transition : Laughter in Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde

Published
Chaucer Review 34: 18-37, 1999.

Description
Although Chaucer does not divert from the pattern of Troilus's tragic fall from the top of the wheel of fortune, he employs ironic twists and ambiguities that diffuse the rigidity of the tale. The transitions in TC subvert attention from rigid establishments (such as social status or philosophy) and turn the focus toward stages "in between." Such stages in TC are marked by smiles, laughter, and merriment.

Chaucer Subjects
Troilus and Criseyde.