Geoffrey Chaucer successfully developed several themes that are seen throughout his works. Although the literary techniques used by Chaucer are not his own, these recurring themes are in the one-of-a-kind style that defines Chaucer's works. In both Troilus and Criseyde and The Book of the Duchess, the characters of Troilus and the Black Knight go through heartache and pain because of a love they once had but have both lost. Both characters are young and naive when it comes to matters of the heart and leave their fate in the hands of Love and Fortune. Although the woman Troilus loved did not die like the woman the Black Knight loved, she still broke his heart by not being faithful to him. Although they have lost their women in different ways, they are both still victims of love won and love lost. Chaucer never talks about his own experiences with love, but in Troilus and Criseyde it is made clear what his understanding of love really is. : "Ek, even if I speak of love unfaithfully, // No wonder, for there is nothing new" (T&C.II.19-20) Talk about love as if it were nothing new.Troilus he is very inexperienced and immature when it comes to love. This is represented when he criticizes love and people in love in Book I, which is why Cupid places Troilus' love l...... in the center of Troye's ...... card, In lovynge, as went his adventures wo to wele, and after for joy, my aim is, er that I part again. Thesiphone, help me to t'enditeThis woful vers, who weep while I write."(T&C.I.1-7)In the end, it all comes down to fate. Whether it's Cupid or Fortune, Troilus and the Black Knight had already had their destiny mapped out for them. These characters, who once started out with no experience in matters of love, had quickly gained love and lost love. This proves that you can never take anything for granted and Chaucer did great job playing him in both Troilus and Criseyde and The Black Knight..