Geoffrey Chaucer

Father of English Literature

The foundational writer of the English language is widely considered to be Geoffrey Chaucer.

He is often called the "Father of English Literature" or the "Father of English Poetry" because he played a pivotal role in legitimizing and popularizing Middle English as a literary language. Before Chaucer, much of the serious literature in England was written in Latin or Anglo-Norman French.

Chaucer's most famous work, The Canterbury Tales, written in Middle English, demonstrated the richness and expressive potential of the vernacular language. His choice to write in the language of the common people helped to elevate English and pave the way for future writers. He also contributed significantly to the vocabulary of English, with almost two thousand English words first attested in Chaucerian manuscripts.

His Works

Geoffrey Chaucer's body of work is incredibly significant, not just for its literary merit but for its profound impact on the development of the English language. Here are his most important works:

The Canterbury Tales: This is Chaucer's undisputed masterpiece and his most famous work.

• Summary: It's a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims who are traveling from London to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. The pilgrims, representing various social classes of 14th-century England, agree to tell two stories on the way to Canterbury and two on the way back.
• Significance: The tales offer a vivid and satirical portrait of medieval English society, with characters ranging from knights and monks to merchants and housewives. Chaucer uses a variety of literary styles and genres within the tales, showcasing his mastery of language. It's renowned for its psychological depth, humor, and keen observation of human nature. Most importantly, it's written entirely in Middle English, firmly establishing it as a language capable of sophisticated literary expression.

Troilus and Criseyde: Considered by many to be Chaucer's second great work, this is a long narrative poem.

• Summary: It retells the tragic love story of Troilus, a Trojan prince, and Criseyde, a Trojan woman, during the Trojan War. Their love is tested by the war and ultimately ends in heartbreak due to Criseyde's unfaithfulness.
• Significance: This poem is a profound exploration of love, fate, and human frailty. It showcases Chaucer's skill in character development and his ability to convey complex emotions. It's written in "rime royal," a seven-line stanza form that Chaucer either invented or popularized.

The Book of the Duchess: This is one of Chaucer's earlier dream-vision poems.

• Summary: The narrator, a heartbroken man suffering from sleeplessness, dreams of wandering into a forest and encountering a Black Knight who is deeply mourning the loss of his beloved lady, "White." The poem is an elegy for Blanche of Lancaster, the first wife of John of Gaunt (Chaucer's patron).
• Significance: It demonstrates Chaucer's early poetic abilities and his engagement with courtly love themes. It's a poignant exploration of grief and consolation.

The House of Fame: Another significant dream-vision poem.

• Summary: The poet dreams he is transported by an eagle to the House of Fame, a fantastical castle where the goddess Fame arbitrarily bestows renown upon people. The poem explores the nature of fame, rumor, and the unreliability of information.
• Significance: It's a more philosophical and satirical work than The Book of the Duchess, showing Chaucer's growing intellectual curiosity and his willingness to experiment with form and content.

The Parliament of Fowls: This allegorical dream-vision poem is often associated with Valentine's Day.

• Summary: The narrator dreams of a gathering of birds, presided over by the goddess Nature, who are choosing their mates on St. Valentine's Day. Three male eagles vie for the affection of a beautiful female eagle, leading to a debate about different types of love.
• Significance: It's a charming and witty exploration of love, courtship, and social hierarchy. It reflects the courtly traditions of Chaucer's time and his interest in human (and avian) relationships.

A Treatise on the Astrolabe: This is a prose work, unique among Chaucer's literary output.

• Summary: It's an instruction manual on how to use an astrolabe, a medieval astronomical instrument. Chaucer wrote it for his young son, Lewis.
• Significance: This work demonstrates Chaucer's scientific interests and his practical knowledge. It's one of the earliest examples of technical prose written in English, showcasing the language's capacity for clear and precise explanation beyond poetry.

Chaucer's works are essential for understanding the transition of English from a lesser-used vernacular to a rich literary language, laying the groundwork for future literary giants like Shakespeare.