Geoffrey Chaucer and Elizabethan Literature Quiz

English Literature

English literature is a vast field of study that encompasses a variety of genres and time periods. This article will focus on two specific aspects within this literary realm: the works of Geoffrey Chaucer during the Elizabethan age.

Geoffrey Chaucer and His Work

Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet and author who lived from around 1340 until 1400. He is widely considered one of the greatest writers of the Middle Ages and is often called the father of English poetry.

Chaucer's most famous work is "The Canterbury Tales," which he began writing in 1387 and completed by 1400. It is a collection of 24 stories written in verse and prose, each narrated by a different character on their way to Canterbury Cathedral. These tales range from bawdy humor to moralistic lessons and historical allusions. They offer a unique snapshot into medieval life and society.

Apart from "The Canterbury Tales," Chaucer wrote other notable works such as "Troilus and Criseyde," which is considered his major contribution to romance fiction, and "An ABC for the Poets," a pseudo-alphabetic poem that suggests possible opening lines for poems, demonstrating practical applications of the art of rhyming and metrics.

Elizabethan Age

The Elizabethan era refers to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England, starting from her accession in November 1558 until her death in March 1603. During her rule, the arts flourished, with significant developments in painting, music, drama, and literature. English society became more self-confident during the Renaissance, leading to great interest in classical knowledge.

Authors like William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson dominated the stage during this period, producing masterpieces such as "Romeo and Juliet," "Doctor Faustus," and "Volpone." These plays were known for their intricate plots, memorable characters, and exploration of human emotions.

Shakespeare himself did not belong to the Elizabethan era, as he started writing around 1590; however, because of its cultural influences and continuity, it can be argued that much of what we associate with the Elizabethans actually belongs to the Jacobean period, when James I succeeded Elizabeth.

In conclusion, both Chaucer's work and the Elizabethan age played crucial roles in shaping English literature. While Chaucer laid the groundwork for English poetry and set standards for storytelling, the Elizabethan age saw the blossoming of drama and its acceptance as a noble art form. The literary landscape of today owes much to the contributions made during these periods.