Geoffrey Chaucer

Definition

Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet and author, widely regarded as the Father of English literature, who lived during the late 14th century. His works reflect the historical and cultural context of the Middle Ages, showcasing the development of the Middle English language and influencing various literary trends and genres of his time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer was born around 1343 and died in 1400; he held various positions in public service, including as a diplomat and customs controller.
2. His use of the vernacular Middle English in his poetry was groundbreaking, allowing literature to be accessible to a wider audience beyond the educated elite.
3. Chaucer's works often blend different literary genres, including allegory, romance, and satire, making him a versatile writer within Middle English literature.
4. He was influenced by Italian poets such as Dante and Petrarch, incorporating their themes and styles into his own writing, which helped shape the evolution of English poetry.
5. Chaucer's storytelling approach in The Canterbury Tales not only entertains but also serves as a reflection of societal norms and values during the medieval period.

Review Questions

• How did Geoffrey Chaucer's life experiences influence his writing and the themes he explored in his works?
  • Chaucer's various roles in public service and travel as a diplomat exposed him to different cultures and social classes, which deeply influenced his writing. His interactions with people from different backgrounds allowed him to explore themes of social hierarchy, morality, and human nature in his works. This diverse perspective is particularly evident in The Canterbury Tales, where he gives voice to a range of characters representing different aspects of medieval society.
• Discuss how Chaucer's use of Middle English impacted the development of English literature during the Middle Ages.
  • By choosing to write in Middle English instead of Latin or French, which were more common among educated writers at the time, Chaucer made literature more accessible to ordinary people. This decision played a crucial role in the transition from Old English to Middle English, allowing a broader audience to engage with literary texts. Chaucer's work contributed to the acceptance of Middle English as a legitimate literary language, paving the way for future writers to follow suit.
• Evaluate how Chaucer's blending of different genres in his works reflects the major literary trends of the Middle Ages.
  • Chaucer's blending of genres such as romance, allegory, and satire mirrors the evolving literary landscape of the Middle Ages. His ability to combine various elements allows him to comment on social issues while engaging readers through entertainment. This versatility not only reflects the major literary trends of his time but also showcases his innovation as a writer. By doing so, Chaucer laid groundwork for subsequent authors who continued to explore these diverse narrative techniques in their own works.

Related terms

The Canterbury Tales: A collection of stories written by Chaucer that follows a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury, featuring a diverse range of characters and tales that illustrate social commentary and humor.

Allegory: A literary device where characters and events represent abstract ideas or moral qualities, which is significant in understanding Chaucer's works and their deeper meanings.

Middle English: The form of English spoken from the late 11th to the late 15th century, characterized by a mix of Old English and Norman French influences, which Chaucer helped to popularize through his writings.