Would You call Criseyde a Betrayer? Or Woman of Shallow Heart?

Criseyde a Betrayer Or Woman of Shallow Heart

Criseyde, a young widow of surpassing beauty, has undergone the vicissitude of life. She lives, nominally in Troy, really in fourteenth century England where the greatest of earthly goods and love has nothing do with marriage. The betrayal of Criseyde to Troilus, who loves more than his life, has become the readers. The artful man oeuvre of Pandarus in creating the story of Horastes’ love for her led her to sympathy ultimately resulting in her surrender to Troilus. The surrender is not based on any false feeling or pretension but an honest endeavor to save Troilus’ life. 

 

But in the Greek camp, she does not forget Troilus. Her heart pines for Troilus and still loves him heart 'and soul. But the predicament of life in the Greek camp gradually compels her to realize the value of necessity, the other name of which is fate. The picture of her future life horrifies her and her helplessness there teaches her to give up Troilus for Diemede. So, Criseyde cannot be called a betrayer but a victim of circumstances.