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¶ … 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.
However, to Shakespeare, who seemed to be more of a pacifist, Brutus certainly would have seemed brutish and cruel in his non-stop killing to achieve his goals, and his character Trolius illustrates this. Trolius is also a leader, and a fierce warrior, but ultimately, Shakespeare portrays him as a fool and a pathetic figure who cannot rise above his warring and his childlike love for Cressida. Troilus is a Trojan warrior compelled to fight for causes he does not understand, and so, he is an anti-hero, and clearly a testament of how Shakespeare felt about war, and about warlike heroes such as the Brut, who took over Britain by sheer might and force, according to Monmouth's legend.
References
Geoffrey of Monmouth. "History of the Kings of Britain." Trans. Aaron Thompson. York University. 2003. 17 Dec. 2003. http://www.yorku.ca/inpar/geoffrey_thompson.pdf
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