Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343-1400) was an English poet and author, best known for “The Canterbury Tales.” Often called the “Father of English literature,” Chaucer’s works are a cornerstone of the medieval literary canon.
Biography
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Geoffrey Chaucer |
| Pronunciation | CHAW-sər |
| Birth | c. 1343 |
| Death | 25 October 1400 |
| Nationality | English |
| Profession | Poet, Author, Civil Servant |
| Best Known For | The Canterbury Tales |
| Nicknames | “Father of English literature”, “Father of English poetry” |
| Burial Place | Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey |
| Scientific Work | A Treatise on the Astrolabe |
| Career | Bureaucrat, Courtier, Diplomat, Member of Parliament |
| Other Notable Works | The Book of the Duchess, The House of Fame, The Legend of Good Women, Troilus and Criseyde |
| Language Contribution | Legitimising the literary use of Middle English |
| Contemporary Praise | Thomas Hoccleve hailed him as “the firste fyndere of our fair langage” |
| Contribution to English Vocabulary | Almost two thousand English words are first attested to in Chaucerian manuscripts |
Early Life
Geoffrey Chaucer, often referred to as the Father of English literature, was born around 1343 in London, England. He was raised in a well-to-do family, as his father, John Chaucer, was a prosperous wine merchant. This advantageous position allowed Chaucer to receive a good education and eventually gain access to the English court. During his youth, he moved within the circles of the influential and powerful, which significantly shaped his literary career. Chaucer’s early exposure to diverse cultures and languages, facilitated by his travels and diplomatic missions, deeply influenced his writing style, making him one of the most notable figures in English literary history.
Family
| Relation | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father | John Chaucer | John Chaucer was a prosperous wine merchant and deputy to the king’s butler. His business success provided Geoffrey with a comfortable upbringing and opportunities for education. |
| Mother | Agnes Copton | Agnes Copton was an heiress who inherited property in London. Her family background added to the family’s wealth and social standing, contributing to Geoffrey’s privileged upbringing. |
| Sibling | Unknown | There is little documented evidence about Geoffrey Chaucer’s siblings. It is possible he had siblings, but their names and lives are not well-recorded in historical documents. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurement | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Unknown |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Other Body Measurements | Unknown |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Geoffrey Chaucer, often referred to as the “Father of English literature,” was an English poet and author best known for “The Canterbury Tales.” His personal life, particularly his relationships, has been a subject of interest for many historians and literature enthusiasts.
Geoffrey Chaucer was married to Philippa Roet. They were married in 1366. Philippa Roet was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Philippa of Hainault and was the sister of Katherine Swynford, who later became the third wife of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Philippa and Geoffrey had several children together, though the exact number is not definitively known.
Marriage Date:
Details About Philippa Roet:
Philippa Roet was a noblewoman and a significant figure in Chaucer’s life. As a lady-in-waiting, she had connections to the royal court, which likely influenced Chaucer’s career and status. She was known for her grace and connections, which played a vital role in the social and political landscape of the time.
There are no well-documented previous relationships or marriages of Geoffrey Chaucer before his marriage to Philippa Roet. Medieval records on personal lives were often sparse or focused more on notable public figures and events rather than detailed accounts of individual romantic relationships.
Given the historical context and the lack of concrete evidence, it is challenging to provide a detailed table of Chaucer’s previous relationships or girlfriends, as his marriage to Philippa Roet is the primary documented relationship in his life.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Geoffrey Chaucer, often referred to as the “Father of English literature,” became famous for his pioneering use of the English language at a time when Latin and French were the dominant literary languages in England. His most renowned work, The Canterbury Tales, secured his place in literary history. The collection of stories, told by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, showcased his mastery of narrative and character development, making him one of the most important figures in medieval literature.
Chaucer’s career began in the royal court, where he served in various capacities, including as a page, a soldier, and a diplomat. His early exposure to the court’s literary circles likely influenced his development as a writer. Some of his most popular works include:
- The Canterbury Tales
- Troilus and Criseyde
- The Book of the Duchess
- The House of Fame
- Parliament of Fowls
These works not only display his literary prowess but also provide valuable insights into the social and political landscape of 14th-century England.
While formal literary awards as we know them today did not exist during Chaucer’s time, his works received considerable recognition and patronage from influential figures, including King Richard II and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. His appointment as the Clerk of the King’s Works and later as a Member of Parliament for Kent are testaments to his esteemed position in society.
Chaucer’s life was not without controversies. One of the most notable controversies involves an accusation of rape in 1380. A woman named Cecily Chaumpaigne filed a deed releasing Chaucer from any actions related to “raptus,” a term that could mean rape or abduction. The nature of the case remains unclear, and some scholars argue that the term might have referred to a consensual elopement rather than a violent act.
Additionally, Chaucer’s works have been scrutinized for their treatment of women and minorities. Some stories in The Canterbury Tales reflect the misogynistic and anti-Semitic attitudes prevalent in medieval society, leading to debates about whether Chaucer himself held these views or was simply portraying the perspectives of his time.
Faq
Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet, author, and civil servant, often referred to as the “Father of English literature.” He is best known for his work “The Canterbury Tales,” a collection of stories told by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury Cathedral.
Geoffrey Chaucer was born around 1343, although the exact date of his birth is not known. He was born in London, England.
“The Canterbury Tales” is a collection of 24 stories written in Middle English. The tales are presented as part of a storytelling contest by a group of pilgrims as they travel to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. The stories cover a wide range of genres and themes, including romance, comedy, and moral lessons.
In addition to “The Canterbury Tales,” Geoffrey Chaucer wrote several other notable works, including “Troilus and Criseyde,” “The Book of the Duchess,” “The House of Fame,” and “Parliament of Fowls.” Each of these works reflects his mastery of narrative and his deep understanding of human nature.
Geoffrey Chaucer played a crucial role in legitimizing the use of the English language in literature at a time when Latin and French were the dominant literary languages. His works helped to shape the English literary tradition, and his use of iambic pentameter laid the groundwork for future poets, including William Shakespeare.
Geoffrey Chaucer died on October 25, 1400. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, and his tomb became the first in what is now known as Poets’ Corner, a place of honor for English writers.
