Geoffrey Chaucer's Life and Times

What does Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales offer that was new to literature?

What did Chaucer have to create to establish English literary traditions?

What makes Chaucer's language 'modern'?

What can be inferred about the language used in The Canterbury Tales?

Where did Chaucer turn to for literary inspiration?

What is an example of a phrase from Chaucer's works that has become part of everyday speech?

What is a characteristic of Chaucer's view of life?

What can be said about The Canterbury Tales?

What was one effect of the Peasants' Revolt during Chaucer's time?

What significant event began shortly after Chaucer's birth?

How did Chaucer's early experiences shape his literary abilities?

What dialect did Chaucer use in his literary works?

What personal experience did Chaucer have in France?

What educational background did Chaucer possess?

Which monarch was deposed shortly before Chaucer's death?

What was Chaucer's primary field of achievement?

Geoffrey Chaucer's Life and Times

Lived during the Hundred Years' War with France (already begun when he was born)
Experienced the Black Death three times in his life
Saw the English language established as the language of law-courts in his twenties
Witnessed the ascension and deposition of Richard II, and the subsequent rise of Henry IV
Lived through the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, which recognized laborers' human rights
Died in 1400, about 40 years before the invention of printing

Chaucer's Background and Influences

Son of a wine merchant, belonging to a growing class that produced many great writers
Became a page to the Countess of Ulster, learning about the aristocracy
Served as a young soldier, was taken prisoner in France, and was ransomed by the King of England
Married into the family of John of Gaunt, observing polite manners and studying sciences, arts, and literature
Influenced by the literature of France and Italy, which he drew upon to create the English language

Chaucer's Achievements

Confined himself to using the East Midland dialect of English, which was lacking in richness and literary traditions
Created the English language we know today, establishing its literary traditions
Brought elegance from French literature to East Midland English
Searched European tales and histories for subject matter
Invented a new kind of literature in The Canterbury Tales, featuring observation of real life, realistic characters, and a modern view of life

Chaucer's Legacy

Speaks to us today with a clear voice, making him a living poet
Uses language that is recognizable as Modern English, although it may sound foreign when heard
Introduced phrases that have become part of everyday speech, such as "Murder will out" and "Gladly would he learn and gladly teach"

Learn about Geoffrey Chaucer's life, including the significant events that occurred during his lifetime, such as the Hundred Years' War, the Black Death, and the ascension of Richard II to the throne. Quiz yourself on this medieval English writer's experiences!