Geoffrey Chaucer

Definition

Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet and author, often called the Father of English literature, known for his contributions during the Middle Ages. His most famous work, 'The Canterbury Tales,' showcases a variety of characters from different social backgrounds, illustrating the complexities of 14th-century English society and laying the groundwork for the evolution of English literature from Old English traditions to a more accessible Middle English form.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer was born around 1343 and died in 1400, living during a time of significant social and political change in England.
2. He was not only a poet but also held various positions, including a civil servant and diplomat, which gave him insights into different aspects of society.
3. 'The Canterbury Tales' was innovative for its use of vernacular English, making literature more accessible to common people at the time.
4. Chaucer's works often featured satire and humor, addressing issues like class disparity, corruption within the Church, and human folly.
5. The framing device of 'The Canterbury Tales,' with characters telling their stories while on a pilgrimage, allows for diverse perspectives and themes throughout the collection.

Review Questions

• How did Geoffrey Chaucer's background influence his writing style and subject matter?
  • Chaucer's background as a civil servant and diplomat exposed him to various layers of society, allowing him to create characters from different social classes. His experiences helped him craft relatable and vivid narratives that explored complex themes like social hierarchy and morality. This diverse perspective enriched his writing style, leading to a blend of humor, realism, and allegory in his poetry.
• Discuss the impact of 'The Canterbury Tales' on the development of English literature during the Middle Ages.
  • 'The Canterbury Tales' significantly impacted English literature by shifting away from Latin and French influences toward a more localized vernacular. Chaucer's use of Middle English made literature more accessible to the general public, paving the way for future writers to express themselves in English. The work's diverse characters and rich storytelling also set a precedent for character development and thematic complexity in later literary works.
• Evaluate how Chaucer's use of allegory in 'The Canterbury Tales' reflects the social issues of his time and its relevance today.
  • Chaucer employed allegory effectively in 'The Canterbury Tales' to critique societal norms and highlight moral dilemmas faced by individuals. By presenting characters that embody various virtues and vices, he commented on issues like greed, hypocrisy, and class struggle. This exploration remains relevant today as it encourages readers to reflect on contemporary social challenges while emphasizing the timelessness of human experience.

Related terms

The Canterbury Tales:

A collection of stories written by Chaucer, presented as tales told by a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury, which reflect a range of societal issues and human experiences.

Middle English: The stage of the English language spoken from the 12th to the 15th century, characterized by significant linguistic changes and the influence of Norman French.

Allegory:

A narrative that uses symbolic figures, actions, or events to convey deeper meanings and moral lessons, often present in Chaucer's works.