Brutus, Geoffrey of Monmouth, and influence on Chaucer and Shakespeare's Troilus

¶ … History of the Kings of Britain, by Geoffrey of Monmouth. Specifically, it will explain how the legend of Brutus (the Brut), as it appears in Geoffrey of Monmouth's history, may have influenced Chaucer's and Shakespeare's Troilus narratives and character representations.

Geoffrey of Monmouth

Geoffrey of Monmouth was the first historian of Britain, and he alleges Brutus (the Brut) was the first king of Britain. It is quite clear Brutus is an early legendary hero of the British people, and it is quite clear how Monmouth's depiction could have influenced Chaucer and Shakespeare. Chaucer's depiction of Trolius is far different from Shakespeare's and probably more closely aligned to Monmouth's legend. Chaucer's character at first scorns love, and certainly does not make himself a fool over it, even though Cressida is unfaithful to him. He is a fierce warrior, who ultimately gives his life in battle fighting against the Greeks. Trolius is a romantic and tragic figure, and Chaucer does not portray him as a fool, unless it is a lovesick fool. He is a model of chivalry and bravery of the time, and seems to have been much more influenced by the brutish king who conquered the British Isles than Shakespeare's Trolius, who seems to represent all that is wrong with war and love.