Who was Geoffrey Chaucer?

Geoffrey Chaucer was an English author, poet, diplomat, and philosopher. He is known as the “Father of English Literature” because he popularized in the English vernacular instead of writing in Latin or French. He is most well-known for his collection of poems called The Canterbury Tales, which follows a group of pilgrims on a journey to a religious site.

Geoffrey Chaucer

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Geoffrey Chaucer

Geoffrey Chaucer was born sometime between 1341 and 1344, most likely in London. He was born in a well-to-do family, and because he was a courtier and bureaucrat, many records exist of his activities throughout his life. He was particularly close with John of Gaunt, who patronized a lot of his work including The Book of the Duchess, which was written as a tribute to John of Gaunt’s first wife Blanche of Lancaster.

While Chaucer wrote many poems throughout his lifetime, he is most well-known for his collection of poetic stories found in The Canterbury Tales. The Tales throw together an unlikely social group of thirty pilgrims who gather at an inn for a journey to Thomas à Becket’s tomb. The pilgrims are slated to tell four tales: two on the way to the tomb, and two on the way home. The original framework would have yielded 120 tales and likely kept Chaucer employed for many years to come. Unfortunately, he died before he could finish the Tales. The collection of stories is known for its wit, edgy humor, breaking of stereotypes, questioning of church personnel, and developing caricatures for which the audience needs to read between the lines to find Chaucer’s true thoughts on the characters.

Chaucer died in 1400 of unknown causes. There is some speculation that his political affiliations to King Richard II and John of Gaunt may have cost him his life, but there is no definitive proof.

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Famous Works of Geoffrey Chaucer

• The Romaunt of the Rose
• The Book of the Duchess
• The House of Fame
• Parlement of Foules
• Troilus and Criseyde
• The Canterbury Tales
• “Fortune”
• “Gentilesse”
• “Lak of Steadfastnesse”
• “The Complaint of Chaucer to His Purse”

Geoffrey Chaucer Quotes

Frequently Asked Questions about Who was Geoffrey Chaucer?

Who was Geoffrey Chaucer?

Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet and author, widely known as the 'Father of English literature.' He is best remembered for writing The Canterbury Tales during the late 14th century.

What are some famous works by Geoffrey Chaucer?

Chaucer's most famous work is The Canterbury Tales, but he also wrote Troilus and Criseyde, The Book of the Duchess, and The House of Fame.

Why is Chaucer important in English literature?

Chaucer is important because he helped establish English as a major literary language. His stories and poetry influenced writers for centuries and provided a vivid picture of medieval England.

What is The Canterbury Tales about?

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury. Each tale offers insights into medieval life, humor, and social commentary.

How did Chaucer influence the English language?

Chaucer wrote in Middle English, helping to standardize the language and make literature accessible to more people. His works introduced new words and storytelling techniques that shaped English for generations.