Geoffrey Chaucer – Father of English Poetry

Introduction

Geoffrey Chaucer is widely known as the Father of English Poetry Long before the English became the powerful Language of Shakespeare and Milton, there was one man who dared to right in it Geoffrey Chaucer.

Childhood & Early Days

Geoffrey Chaucer was born in London around 1343, in the home of a wine merchant. Unlike many poets of his time, Chaucer didn’t come from nobility.

Yet his sharp mind eagerness to learn helped him rise above ordinary beginnings. As a child, he was fascinated by languages and soon became skilled in Latin, French, and Italian.

Father of English Literature
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A Life of Many Roles in Father of English Poetry

Chaucer life was not just about writing. He served as a page in the royal court, fought briefly as a soldier, and later worked as a diplomat.

These journeys across France and Italy allowed him to meet new cultures and discover great writers like Dante , Petrarch, and Bocaccio, whose works shaped his imagination.

The Poet Emerges

With these experiences, Chaucer began creating poetry that spoke about ordinary people. His most famous work, The Canterbury Tales , is not about kings or Knights but about travelers – Pilgrims telling stories on their way to Canterbury.

Through their voices, Chaucer painted a lively pictures of Medieval English society, filled with humor, wisdom, and truth. Other works like Troilus and Criseyde, The Book of Duchess, and House of Fame show his deep understanding of love, loss, and human nature.

His Legacy

Chaucer’s greatest gift was proving that English could be a language of literature. Until then, scholars believed only Latin or French were “worthy” of serious writing.

Chaucer changed this forever. He introduced iambic pentameter, a rhythm that later became the heartbeat of English poetry.

Final Days

Geoffrey Chaucer passed away on 25 oct 1400 in London. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, the very place that later became famous as the poets’ Corner – a resting place for England Greatest writers.

Conclusion

Geoffrey Chaucer was more than a poet; he was pioneer. By choosing to write in English, he opened the door for generations to writes to come. His voice still echoes in literature, reminding us that even the simplest language can carry the greatest stories.

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  1. Pingback: Edmund Spenser: Biography and Major Works englitcorner.com

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