and irrespective of conventions of courtly love that appear to have dictated that young men in love with an unattainable object should a hopeless situation with heroic dignity. In Troilus's case, the heroic dignity is his plunge into battles with the Greeks with such extraordinary vigor that Pandarus intervenes on his behalf. Indeed, even after Pandarus offers to "help him in the loving of Criseyde" (I.145), Troilus continues to "play the lion to defend the town; / Woe to the Greek who met with him that day!" (I.154). In other words, the hope of Criseyde's love ennobles Troilus's heroism and bravery and indeed makes him a more virtuous prince.
Chaucer builds narrative conflict around Criseyde's behavior and thought. When Pandarus tells Criseyde of Troilus's love, she does not jump at the chance for a perfectly honorable connection with Troy's royal family. Indeed, she is suspicious when Pandarus wants to arrange a meeting with Troilus, chiefly because she knows perfectly well that her reputation and honor would be at great risk if she dared to initiate a
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