s not to tell him bluntly and baldly what course of action he should pursue, but rather, gradually to lead up to the main point, expanding on the notion in various ways and especially by quoting sufficient authority and testimony to show his plan is the correct one, in fact, the only one possible" (Kirby 133).This demonstrates that not only does Pandarus have a classical education, but that he also maintains some grasp on the concept of psychology.Aside from the intellectual side of Pandarus, Chaucer develops a very human aspect to this character. Chaucer purposefully places Pandarus in the role of the unrequited lover, making him seem less feeble-minded. At the same time however, Pandarus reasserts his illogical reasoning in order to convince Troilus to divulge his heart wrenching secret. Even after Troilus curt dismissal, Pandarus continues to badger the beleaguered knight, demonstrating yet another strong personality characteristic: tenacity. This is supported by Pandarus physically shaking Troilus."And with that word he gan hym for to shake,/And seyde, "Thef/ thow shalt hyre name telle,/But tho gan sely Troilus for to quake/As though men sholde han led hym into helle,"(Chaucer 36).Consequentially frightened, Troilus tells Pandarus of his love for Criseyde, Pandarus niece and even goes so far as to agree to enlist Pandarus help in bringing his nieces heart to the beleaguered knight.In his dealings with his niece, issues of Pandarus morality comes into being, especially as his roll of the go-between for Troilus and Criseyde. "The word pander, where he has bequeathed the English language, illuminates the negative connotations that are put on his actions in modern meaning" (Berkley Research 3). In regard to Pandarus selling of Criseydes honor, one scholar believes that his loose morals would be fitting for someone of younger years, but on an older man, it would be a serious affront to his morality (Rosetti 177). A slightly more ...
