But because its necessary for my medieval literature course next year. Apparently, according to both the tutor that will be teaching this course and general literary criticism, it is Chaucer's greatest work.
I disagree.
Granted, I've had baaaad experiences with medieval literature in the past. A crazy tutor who will remain nameless, for one thing, and wasn't always enthusiastic about the literature in the period. But really? This is considered better than The Canterbury Tales?
OK, its definately high romance. Its not very bawdy. Its something a bit classier than the CT. But it really doesn't amuse me in the same way that the CT did.
Pandarus is hilarious, granted, but surely he's a bit gay for Troilus? Yeah, ok, 'chivalric brotherhood' and all that jazz, but it makes me quirk a smile and hope that those two end up together instead of drippy Troilus with not-really-that-keen Criseyde.
I don't think I would like Criseyde if I met her in real life. She's one of those annoying girls that isn't interested in a guy until they show an interest in her and then she's "oh, I might as well, I suppose,". Except she's still reluctant when she commits to him - the girl isn't keen, just flattered by male attention.
Arrragh.
The CT is just light-hearted good fun by comparison. And really...is it so much to ask that we be entertained by literature, rather than have didactic messages and be smothered by sybolism and all manner of heavy literature devices-and-meanings?
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