Geoffrey Chaucer

Source: https://www.infoescola.com/biografias/geoffrey-chaucer/

Chaucer, I confess, is a rough Diamond; and must first be polish’d e’er he shines.

—John Dryden

Life and Works

Geoffrey Chaucer was born around 1340 into a distinguished commercial family. He is hailed as the “Father of English Literature”. In addition to his literary pursuits, he held roles as a diplomat, civil servant, and member of parliament. His father, John Chaucer, served as a wine merchant with a royal appointment, establishing familial ties to the royal household. Growing up in London exposed Geoffrey to diverse cultures and languages.

Though details about his education are scarce, Chaucer was renowned for his avid reading and proficiency in Latin, French, and English. Throughout his career, he enjoyed the support of three successive English monarchs: Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV.

Chaucer’s marriage to Philippa Roet, connected to the influential Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt, afforded him connections to the royal court. Notably, he was the first writer to be buried in Poet’s Corner, in Westminster Abbey.

Chaucer’s literary career is often classified into three periods:

1. French Period (1343-1370)

During this period, Chaucer served as a public servant to the Countess of Ulster. Additionally, he joined the English Army and participated in the Hundred Years’ War in France. While involved in the siege of Rheims, he was briefly captured but subsequently released on ransom, which was paid by Edward III.

Chaucer’s literary influences during this time were notably shaped by French poets such as Machaut, Guillaume De Lorris, and Jean De Meung. His poems from this period exhibited a strong French influence and portrayed a vibrant celebration of love and life. A significant work from this phase is “The Romaunt of the Rose,” an extensive allegorical poem composed in straightforward eight-syllable lines. Directly inspired by the French poem “Le Romaunt de la Ross” by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean De Meung, it comprises 7,700 lines.

Another notable poem from this era is “Dethe of Blaunche the Duchesse,” also recognized as the “Boke of the Duchesse.” This emotionally powerful poem was composed following the death of Blaunche, the wife of Chaucer’s patron, John of Gaunt.

2. Italian Period (1370-1385)

At this time, he worked as a controller of customs in London and sent on diplomatic missions to Italy. He came into personal contact with Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio. His significant work, “Troilus and Criseyde,” drew inspiration from Boccaccio’s “Il Filostrato,” marking a shift in emphasis from passion to character compared to his earlier French-influenced works.

Chaucer’s exposure to Italian literature not only enriched his narrative style but also expanded the thematic breadth of his works, introducing a heightened level of sophistication. Additional compositions from this period include “The House of Fame,” delving into the whimsical nature of fame, and “The Legend of Good Women,” narrating tales of virtuous women from mythology, as he sought to rectify his earlier portrayals.

3. English Period (1385-1400)

During this time, Chaucer held roles as a Justice of the Peace and a Member of Parliament. He preferred using the East Midland Dialect in his writings, opting for English over Latin or French. He introduced Rime Royal to elevate the tone and rhythm of his poems. His works showcase his skills not as a moralist but as a satirist and a keen observer of human behaviour.

Chaucer’s masterpiece, “The Canterbury Tales,” written during this period. It presents a diverse group of pilgrims meeting at the Tabard Inn for a journey to Canterbury. The tales, though influenced by Boccaccio, are distinctly English in execution. This collection serves as a vivid portrayal of 14th-century English society, showcasing Chaucer’s keen observation and genial humour.

You might want to know more about Chaucer’s The Knight’s Tale.

If you are looking forward to prepare for UGC NET/JRF, you may find this article useful.

©2024. Md. Rustam Ansari [profrustamansari@gmail.com]