TheIntrusiveNarratorinTroilus
From Wyclif
Besides the fascinating characters of Troilus, Criseyde, and Pandarus, the narrator of the poem is also sometimes considered a character in his own right, adding as much to the work as the narrator of Byron's Don Juan adds to that poem.
Please define what is meant by an intrusive narrator and comment on Chaucer's use of this device in his poem.
Where else in literature do we find similar kinds of narrators?
I believe the intrusive narrator is a narrator that comments on and evaluates the characters and their actions as well as events in the literary work. It may be the poet as himself or he may disguise himself. In Chaucer's case in this particular work, he adds his observances of the characters as well as sly bits of humor. I especially liked line 170 in book 1 whereas he refers to Criseyda's presence as sure as the first letter of our alphabet is A. Elizabeth(ah)2-16-06
The narrator comments on his own life, thus inviting us to judge him. Even as he tells the tale of love he sets himself clearly apart from it; he is the servant of love's servants. He admits he's talking about powerful feelings he has never felt, and even looks to the muse Clio to guide him. He's an interesting foil to Troilus. Troilus, who mocked all lovers, is now a lovesick fool. The narrator, who is relentlessly aware of the perils of love and has a clear respect for its dangers, remains untouched by love. This gives the narrator the power to seem very objective; at the same isn't there a bit of a note of longing in his tone? What the narrator cannot do, he will teach? Seem at all like Nick in The Great Gatsby? RRobin 2-16-06
The intrusive narrator tells the story of Troilus and Criseyde but also interjects comments about the tragedy that is to come. His dialogue is informative and didactic. I looked up the term intrusive narrator in Merriam Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature and found the term defined as "one who interrupts the story to provide a commentary to the reader." The narrator in Troilus and Criseyde certainly falls into this category. Chaucer's use of this technique builds suspense in reader by foreshadowing the events. Simant
Although I agree with the definitions provided above, I believe the instrusive narrator not only interjects his opinions about the action into the work, but the narrator also pauses in his storytelling to directly implicate the reader. The narrator invites the reader to muse with him about the previous and present actions in the story. A narrator cannot be more intrusive than when he steps off of the page and talks to readers as if he is sitting next to them. Line 1331 in Book II says, "But as we may alday ourselven see" and the use of "we" and "our" gives the reader an equal perspective with the narrator. I see this type or narrator used in many 19th century short stories, such as Mary Shelley's the The Mortal Immortal but the intrusive narrator has dissapeared slowly since then. I enjoy being a part of the story and above all, I appreciate Chaucer's technique. Blueridgeborn 2/16/06
I really liked the way you stated that thought. It does make me wonder whether it has disappeared or merely morphed. The first popular culture reference that comes to mind is ""The Princess Bride"" where the story is framed around the exchanges between a grandfather and grandson. I think we could find other works that use this as a framing tool, and it can create a substory that works to clarify overarching themes. RRobin 02/16/06
I believe that all the definitions provided above are really accurate but Ialso believe that it can be taken from a birds eye view as well with the author loking in on the characters. Yes I think that he is the narrator but also takes himself ou of the sotry and paces himself inside one of the characters. I really enjoyed this selection of reading for this time.I believe that Chaucer pulls you into the story but with little effort. JLJohnson
The Intrusive Narrator is exactly what he/she is called, Intrusive. I think Chaucer uses the narrator to sometimes recap what has just happened, or the narrator is the teacher, although he reminds us that he has no experience. Is he sad? He seems to be in Book III when he speaks of their night together. Occasionally, the narrator pops up as if out of nowhere, hence the Intrusive. The Intrusive Narrator is the opposite of the Genteel Narrator you get in much of the reading in 302.(L Underwood 02-22-06)
My absolute favorite stanzas attributed to our narrator are lines 1786-1799. Writers dare not talk to their stories within their stories anymore. We do not urge the books to go into the world and make an impression for many centuries to come. Few writers are modest enough to demand that their work kiss the foundations of the great writers before them. This section is a very powerful moment for the narrator, the very intrusive narrator, who certainly crosses into the boundary of the ever present Chaucer. A very risky way to end such a complex and unique piece for its time. Blueridgeborn 2/23/06
The role of the intrusive narrator was extremely shocking. While reading, I suddenly became aware that I was hearing the narrator's perspective on the particular passage or scene. This intrusive narrator was somewhat new to my reading because I am used to reading works of fiction. In Book II, lines 1709, we see the intrusive narrator's perspective as he guides our attention to Pandarus and away from Troilus(magzie).
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