Geoffrey Chaucer

Definition

Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet and author, best known for his work 'The Canterbury Tales,' which is a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury. Chaucer's significance lies in his use of vernacular English at a time when Latin and French were the dominant literary languages, making literature more accessible to the general public and paving the way for future writers to use their native languages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer is often referred to as the 'Father of English Literature' because of his significant impact on the development of the English literary tradition.
2. He was born around 1343 and served in various government roles, including as a civil servant and diplomat, which influenced his understanding of society.
3. Chaucer's work reflected the social structure and cultural life of medieval England, showcasing characters from different social classes and professions.
4. His writings helped legitimize the use of English as a literary language, contributing to its status over Latin and French during the late medieval period.
5. Chaucer's innovative narrative style combined various genres, including satire, romance, and allegory, setting the stage for future literary works.

Review Questions

• How did Geoffrey Chaucer's choice to write in vernacular English impact literature during his time?
  • Chaucer's decision to write in vernacular English allowed him to reach a broader audience, as most people at that time were not fluent in Latin or French. By using English, he made literature accessible to common folk, thus democratizing literary culture. This choice also inspired other writers to adopt their native languages for literary expression, leading to a significant shift in the literary landscape of medieval Europe.
• In what ways does 'The Canterbury Tales' reflect the social dynamics and cultural context of medieval England?
  • 'The Canterbury Tales' features a diverse cast of characters from various social classes, including knights, merchants, and peasants, each telling their own story. This structure allows Chaucer to explore the complexities of social interactions and cultural norms of the time. Through satire and humor, he comments on issues such as corruption in the church and class distinctions, making the work a rich tapestry of medieval society.
• Evaluate how Geoffrey Chaucer's influence can be seen in later English literature and how it has shaped modern writing styles.
  • Chaucer's innovative use of narrative techniques and character development has had a lasting impact on English literature. His ability to blend various genres and perspectives laid the groundwork for future authors like Shakespeare and Spenser. Additionally, by establishing English as a legitimate literary language, Chaucer paved the way for subsequent generations of writers to explore themes relevant to their own experiences, ultimately shaping modern storytelling and poetic forms.

Related terms

The Canterbury Tales: A collection of 24 stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer, presented as tales told by a group of pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury.

Vernacular: The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular region, which Chaucer used extensively in his writings to reach a wider audience.

Middle English: The stage of the English language spoken between 1150 and 1500, during which Chaucer wrote, characterized by a significant amount of French influence.