Beauty fades
One of the key themes in this poem is the concept of beauty being superficial to the soul. In the beginning, Cresseid is the envy of all women as she has the attention of not one but two prominent Trojan men. However, her lover, Diomedes, does not value her for more than her looks and banishes her. Only when she is cursed with leprosy, does Cresseid realize that beauty is nothing more than an illusion.
Poor vs Rich
In the beginning, Cresseid is wealthy and has everything she can desire. Even when she is banished, she is taken in by her father who cares for her. However, when she criticizes the cruelty of Venus and Cupid, she is struck down and becomes a leper and a beggar. However, she is taken pity on by Troilus who showers her with all his gold.
Love
Troilus is Cresseid’s first love yet she leaves him in favor of Diomedes. She quickly comes to regret this as Diomedes proves to be hateful and banishes her. Only when she is a beggar and dying does she see Troilus again, and seems to faintly recognize her as well. She realizes that it was Troilus who she should have chosen but dies before this can be so.
