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Geoffrey Chaucer: The Father of English Literature

Mario Simmons

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Published in Geoffrey Chaucer In Context (Literature In Context)

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Geoffrey Chaucer was a 14th century English poet who is regarded as the father of English literature. His most famous work, The Canterbury Tales, is a collection of 24 stories told by a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral. Chaucer's work is notable for its vivid portrayal of medieval life and for its use of vernacular English.

Early Life and Education

Geoffrey Chaucer was born in London in 1343. His father was a wine merchant, and Chaucer was raised in a wealthy family. He received a good education, and he spent time at the University of Oxford and the Inns of Court.

Geoffrey Chaucer in Context (Literature in Context)

by Ian Johnson

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7939 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	485 pages

Career

Chaucer began his career as a civil servant. He worked in the customs service and in the royal household. He also served as a member of Parliament. In addition to his work as a civil servant, Chaucer was also a poet. He wrote a number of poems, including The Book of the Duchess, The House of Fame, and The Parliament of Fowls.

The Canterbury Tales

Chaucer's most famous work is The Canterbury Tales. The poem tells the story of a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral. The pilgrims tell each other stories to pass the time, and the stories range from the humorous to the tragic. The Canterbury Tales is a masterpiece of English literature, and it is considered one of the greatest works of literature ever written.

Death and Legacy

Chaucer died in London in 1400. He was buried in Westminster Abbey. Chaucer is regarded as one of the greatest poets in the English language. His work has had a profound influence on English literature, and he is considered the father of English literature.

Chaucer's Impact on English Literature

Chaucer's work has had a profound impact on English literature. He is credited with helping to establish the English language as a literary language. He also helped to develop the genre of the verse narrative. Chaucer's work has been imitated and adapted by countless poets and writers, and it continues to be studied and enjoyed today.

Geoffrey Chaucer was a towering figure in English literature. His work has had a profound impact on the development of the English language and literature. Chaucer is considered the father of English literature, and his work continues to be studied and enjoyed today.

Geoffrey Chaucer in Context (Literature in Context)

by Ian Johnson

4.1 out of 5