key term - Geoffrey Chaucer

Definition

Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet and author, widely considered the Father of English literature, known for his influential work, 'The Canterbury Tales.' His writing marked a shift from Latin and French to English as the literary language in medieval England, impacting both literature and theater.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chaucer's writing contributed to the rise of English as a respected literary language during a time when Latin and French dominated literary works.
2. He is known for his use of iambic pentameter and rhymed couplets, which became a standard in English poetry.
3. Chaucer's characters in 'The Canterbury Tales' represent a wide range of social classes and professions, providing insight into 14th-century English society.
4. 'The Canterbury Tales' was written in the late 14th century and remains one of the most studied works in English literature due to its rich narrative structure and themes.
5. Chaucer's work laid the groundwork for future English writers and poets, influencing notable figures like Shakespeare and Milton.

Review Questions

• How did Geoffrey Chaucer's choice to write in English rather than Latin or French impact the development of medieval literature?
  • Chaucer's decision to write in English was revolutionary at the time, as it helped elevate the status of English as a legitimate literary language. By using English in his works, particularly in 'The Canterbury Tales,' he made literature more accessible to a broader audience, breaking away from the traditions that favored Latin and French. This shift not only encouraged other writers to adopt English but also contributed to the formation of a distinct English literary identity.
• In what ways does Chaucer's portrayal of characters in 'The Canterbury Tales' reflect the social structure of 14th-century England?
  • Chaucer's portrayal of characters in 'The Canterbury Tales' serves as a mirror to the social structure of his time. He includes individuals from various social classes—nobles, clergy, peasants, and merchants—each with their own distinct stories and perspectives. This diverse representation highlights the complexities of medieval society, exposing its virtues and vices while also providing commentary on issues such as class disparity, morality, and human behavior.
• Evaluate the influence of Geoffrey Chaucer on later English literature and theater, considering both style and thematic elements.
  • Geoffrey Chaucer's influence on later English literature and theater is profound and multifaceted. His innovative use of vernacular English paved the way for future writers to express themselves in their native tongue. The narrative techniques he employed, such as framing stories within stories and exploring various social themes, were adopted by later authors like Shakespeare. Additionally, Chaucer's exploration of human nature through allegory and character-driven narratives has left a lasting impact on literary forms that continue to resonate in modern storytelling.

Related terms

The Canterbury Tales:

A collection of stories written by Chaucer, presented as a storytelling contest among pilgrims traveling to Canterbury, showcasing a variety of characters and social classes.

Troilus and Criseyde: A narrative poem by Chaucer that tells the tragic love story of Troilus, a Trojan prince, and Criseyde, exploring themes of love and fate.

Allegory:

A literary device used by Chaucer in his works, where characters and events symbolize deeper moral or spiritual meanings, often used to critique society.