Description:
(14 Century English Poet & Author Best Known for His Book 'The Canterbury Tales')
Geoffrey Chaucer, hailed as the Father of English literature, was the greatest English poet of the Middle Ages. He was also the first poet to be buried in Poet's Corner of Westminster Abbey. Chaucer was also famous as an author, philosopher, alchemist and astronomer. He also had an active career in the civil service as a bureaucrat, courtier and diplomat. His most prominent role was developing the legitimacy of the vernacular, Middle English when French and Latin were the dominant literary languages in England. It is not known when he first started writing, but his first major poem, ‘The Book of the Duchess’, was written in December 1369 to commemorate the death of Blanche of Lancaster, mother of King Henry IV. What makes it special is that it was written in Middle English, not in French, as was customary those days. Thereafter, he continued writing in Middle English on various subjects with varying tone and style, being called ‘the first finder of our language’ by later writers. Today, he is best remembered for his magnum opus, ‘The Canterbury Tales’.
City
London, England
Died on
October 25, 0
Spouse/Ex-
Philippa Roet
Parents
John Chaucer
Agnes Copton
Children
Elizabeth Chaucer, Thomas Chaucer
What is Geoffrey Chaucer known for?
Geoffrey Chaucer is known for being considered the "Father of English literature" and for writing "The Canterbury Tales," a collection of stories set within a framing narrative of a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury.
What was the historical context in which Geoffrey Chaucer wrote?
Geoffrey Chaucer lived during the Middle Ages in England, a time of great political, social, and religious change. He served in various roles at the royal court and was influenced by the events and culture of his time.
What were some of the themes explored in Geoffrey Chaucer's works?
Geoffrey Chaucer's works often explore themes such as love, marriage, social class, gender roles, and religious hypocrisy. He used satire and humor to comment on the society and values of his time.
How did Geoffrey Chaucer's writing style influence English literature?
Geoffrey Chaucer's writing style, characterized by his use of vernacular Middle English and realistic character portrayals, had a significant impact on the development of English literature. His work helped establish English as a literary language.
What is the significance of "The Canterbury Tales?"
"The Canterbury Tales" is considered a landmark work in English literature for its portrayal of a diverse group of characters and its exploration of various aspects of medieval society. It remains a classic example of storytelling and social commentary.
