Geoffrey Chaucer

Definition

Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet and author, best known for his work 'The Canterbury Tales,' which is considered one of the most important pieces of literature from the Middle Ages. He is often referred to as the 'Father of English literature' for his use of the English vernacular in a time when Latin and French were more dominant in literary contexts, connecting him to the broader themes of European medieval literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer was born around 1343 and lived through significant events such as the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War, which influenced his writing.
2. His use of iambic pentameter and rhymed couplets helped to establish a rhythm that would influence later poets.
3. Chaucer's portrayal of various social classes and professions in 'The Canterbury Tales' offers insight into the complexities of 14th-century English society.
4. 'The Canterbury Tales' consists of 24 stories told by a diverse group of characters, each representing different social backgrounds and viewpoints.
5. Chaucer's impact on the English language was profound, as he helped to elevate English to a literary language at a time when it was often overlooked in favor of Latin and French.

Review Questions

• How does Geoffrey Chaucer's use of the English vernacular in 'The Canterbury Tales' contribute to our understanding of medieval society?
  • 'The Canterbury Tales' is significant because Chaucer chose to write in Middle English, making literature more accessible to a wider audience. His diverse characters represent various social classes, professions, and moral viewpoints, providing valuable insights into the complexities of 14th-century life. This use of vernacular not only reflects the changing linguistic landscape but also emphasizes the importance of individual voices in medieval literature.
• Analyze how Chaucer employs allegory within 'The Canterbury Tales' to convey moral lessons.
  • Chaucer's use of allegory in 'The Canterbury Tales' allows him to address deeper moral and social issues within the narrative. Each character's tale often serves as a reflection of their personality, social status, or beliefs, which collectively highlight themes such as corruption, virtue, and the human condition. Through this technique, Chaucer engages readers in a dialogue about morality while critiquing societal norms and values of his time.
• Evaluate Geoffrey Chaucer's legacy and its significance in shaping the evolution of English literature from the medieval period onwards.
  • Chaucer's legacy is marked by his pioneering use of Middle English and his establishment of a narrative style that blends realism with allegory. His influence extends beyond his own time, as he set a precedent for future writers to explore individual voices and complex social issues. By elevating English as a legitimate literary language, Chaucer opened the door for subsequent authors such as Shakespeare and Milton, ultimately shaping the trajectory of English literature for centuries.

Related terms

The Canterbury Tales:

A collection of stories written by Chaucer, framed as a storytelling contest among pilgrims traveling to Canterbury, showcasing various aspects of medieval society.

Allegory:

A literary device where characters or events symbolize broader themes or moral lessons, frequently used in medieval literature, including Chaucer's works.

Middle English: The form of English spoken and written during the medieval period, in which Chaucer composed his major works, reflecting a shift in language and culture.