"The Story of Criseyde According to Chaucer and Henryson" by Patricia O'Brien
 

Date of Award

7-31-1968

Degree Type

Master's Essay - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Joseph Schwartz

Abstract

One might begin to compare Chaucer's treatment of Criseyde with the treatment given this tragic figure at the hands of the Scottish poet Robert Henryson by pointing out differences, if they differed radically in their treatments. But they do not. Basically, both Chaucer and Henryson picture Criseyde as a woman who fell not because of any tragic flaw in her character, but because of the circumstances she found herself in and to which she responded in a human and, in my opinion, understandable way. Both say that they have pity for her and both present her in such a way that anyone who reads the narratives would also sympathize, to a greater or lesser degree.

Comments

An Essay Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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