Geoffrey Chaucer: The Father Of English Literature

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Geoffrey Chaucer was born in London sometimes between 1340 and 1344 to john Chaucer and Agnes Copton. His father was a wine merchant and deputy to the King’s butler. Chaucer is known as the Father of English literature and he is considered the greatest English poet of the Middle Ages. According to tradition, Chaucer studied law at inner Temple. He achieved fame in his lifetime as a great author, poet, bureaucrat, astronomer, and a philosopher. Chaucer first appeared in public records in 1957 as a member of the house of Elizabeth, countess of Ulster. In 1359-1360 Chaucer went to France with Edward III’s army on a diplomatic mission during the Hundred Years’ war. He was captured in the Ardennes and came back to England after a successful treaty…show more content…
This is the greatest literary accomplishment of Chaucer. “The Canterbury Tales” ranks one of the best poetic works in English literature. It depicts the stories of some thirty pilgrims who are going on a spring day in April to the shrine of the martyr, St, Thomas Becket. Chaucer was so amused by their stories. Those 30 pilgrims were a prioress, a Knight, a monk, a plowman, a miller, a merchant, a clerk, and a widow. In the general prologue, there are some 24 short stories which depicts as the incomplete work of Chaucer. The tales are diverse in different styles, subject matter and themes. Many critics believe that Chaucer had not plan to end his work. weaknesses of the groups presentation. Chaucer’s main tool in criticizing the weaknesses is humor. Most of the pilgrims were exemplified rather than as realistic individuals. Chaucer criticism is filled with humor which we should read it carefully otherwise we will be misled by his laughter. Chaucer wrote “Parliament of Foules”, “The Legend of Good women” and “Troilus and Criseyde” during 1374 to 1386. Chaucer’s writings depict mostly humor, love and connection with nature. Apart from poetic talent, Chaucer was well renowned by his

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