Geoffrey Chaucer /Father of poetry

 Geoffrey Chaucer

Father of poetry

 Geoffrey Chaucer belonged to a merchant family. Geoffrey Chaucer is probably regarded as the most important figure in English poetry and he was called the father of English poetry. Chaucer is a French word spelled as “chausseur” which means shoemaker. His father's name was John Chaucer. The age of Chaucer starts from the very 1340 to 1400. He was born in 1340 and died in 1400. Geoffrey Chaucer was the most imitated poet not only in his time but also many ages followed his footsteps and copied his work of great esteem. Geoffrey Chaucer was the first poet of his time to write in Englishated materials.

Facts about Geoffrey Chaucer

·        Chaucer became a royal court member at the age of seventeen years.

·        In the era of King Edward 3, Chaucer joined the English army.

·        Chaucer played a pivotal role in 100 years war in 1359.

·        Chaucer was captured in the 1360 war and he was released against a heavy amount.

·        Geoffrey Chaucer married Philippa in1366.

Influence on poetic career

·       Chaucer was influenced by French writers.

·       The book of Duchess was written by Chaucer in1369 by French inspiration on the death of the wife of his best friend.

The most important event of Chaucer's life

This event took place when Chaucer (the father of English poetry) was being sent to Europe officially as a fighter. Throughout this journey, Chaucer visited many places, met different people, their cultures and traditions. This thing illuminated his ideological insight and he felt more strength in poetical vision through different and fresh ideas to explain and put forth in front of people.

Italian language

This language proved very inspiring and impactful on Chaucer's vision of writing and he had employed this language in his works as well.

His works

·       Parliament of Fowls

·       House of fame

·       Legend of good women

·       Anelida  and Arcite

In 1377 king Edward died and Chaucer wrote a prologue named legend of a good woman.

Important contemporary poets of his Time

·       John Gower  

·       William Langland

Important prose writers of Chaucer’s Time

·       John Wycliffe

·       In 1348 plague occurred and more than 60% of people died.

·       In 1387 his wife died.

·       He started writing Canterbury tales in 1388 …1400.

·       In 1389 he got the royal appointment.

In 1391 he left his job.

Around 1398 he stopped working on Canterbury tales and he remained commissioner till that time and worked as deputy forester.

He died in 1400.

His graveyard was shifted to Westminster abbey in 1556.