Can anyone out there help me with the story of Troilus and Criseyde? I have to answer some questions but I honestly am having a hard time understanding the Middle English Translation.
http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/webcore/murphy/troilus/
This is a modernized English version of this poem. Scroll down for the unabbreviated version, and pay attention to the margin notes and footnotes. You'll need to have Acrobat Reader on your computer to open these links. You can download and install it here if you don't already have it: http://www.adobe.com (Be sure to download and install the FREE version.)
http://omacl.org/Troilus/troilus1.html
This version is truly middle English -- almost unreadable to us! But it's good for comparison with the one above if you don't already have it.
=)
Of course, I can help you with the story of Troilus and Criseyde! To get a better understanding of the poem, you can use the resources you provided.
First, let's start with the modernized English version of the poem. The link you shared (http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/webcore/murphy/troilus/) provides a modernized English translation of Troilus and Criseyde. This version will be easier to comprehend since it is written in contemporary English.
When you open the link, you'll see the poem presented in a readable format. Scroll down to find the unabbreviated version of the poem. As you read through the poem, pay attention to the margin notes and footnotes provided. These annotations provide valuable explanations and insights into the poem, helping you understand the context, language, and literary techniques used by the poet.
If you come across any unfamiliar words or terms, the footnotes will often provide explanations for them. This will greatly assist you in comprehending the Middle English translation. It's a good idea to keep a dictionary handy to look up any additional words you may not find explained in the footnotes.
Another resource you mentioned is the Middle English version of the poem, available at http://omacl.org/Troilus/troilus1.html. This version is written in true Middle English, which may be challenging to read. However, it can be helpful for comparison purposes.
By referring to this Middle English version alongside the modernized version, you can increase your understanding of the original poem's language and style. Comparing the two versions will allow you to see how the language has evolved over time and appreciate the skill involved in the translation process.
Remember, it's normal to find Middle English difficult to read initially, but with the help of the modernized English version and the accompanying annotations and resources, you'll gradually gain a better understanding of the poem.
If you have any specific questions about the story or need assistance with any particular aspect of Troilus and Criseyde, feel free to ask. I'm here to help!