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Biography Of Geoffrey Chaucer
Geoffrey Chaucer, born in London in the early 14th century, is widely regarded as the father of English literature. He is best known for his masterpiece, “The Canterbury Tales”, a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral. Chaucer’s work has had a profound impact on the development of the English language and literature, and his legacy continues to be felt today.
Early Life and Career
Chaucer was born in London in 1343 into a middle-class
family. His father, John Chaucer, was a successful wine merchant, and his
mother, Agnes de Copton, came from a family of London merchants. Chaucer
received a good education, and by the age of 17, he was working as a page in
the household of Elizabeth, Countess of Ulster.
In 1359, Chaucer joined the English army in France, where he
was captured and held for ransom. He was eventually released and returned to
England in 1360. Chaucer then began a career in the civil service, working as a
clerk and a diplomat. He travelled to Italy on several occasions, where he was
exposed to the works of Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio, all of whom would
influence his own writing.
Literary Career
Chaucer began writing in the 1360s, and his early works
include The Book of the Duchess and The House of Fame. These works demonstrate
Chaucer’s skill in the art of courtly love, which was popular in medieval
literature. However, it was with The Canterbury Tales that Chaucer truly made
his mark.
The Canterbury Tales tells the story of a group of pilgrims
traveling to the Canterbury Cathedral. Each pilgrim tells a tale to pass the time
on the journey, and the result is a collection of stories that range from bawdy
humor to religious allegory. Chaucer began working on The Canterbury Tales in
the 1380s, and it was unfinished at the time of his death in 1400.
Nevertheless, the work has had a profound impact on English literature, and it
remains one of the most studied and beloved works of the medieval period.
In addition to The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer wrote numerous
other works, including Troilus and Criseyde, a long poem that tells the story
of two lovers during the Trojan War. Chaucer also translated several works from
Latin and French into English, including The Romance of the Rose and Boethius’
Consolation of Philosophy.
Government positions
Geoffrey Chaucer held several government positions during
his lifetime, including:
Clerk of the King's Works (c. 1389-1391)
In this role, Chaucer was responsible for overseeing the
construction and maintenance of royal buildings, such as palaces and castles.
He was also involved in the design and decoration of these buildings.
Controller of Customs and Subsidy of Wools (c. 1374-1386)
As Controller of Customs, Chaucer was responsible for
collecting taxes on imported goods, including wool. This was a lucrative
position that provided him with a steady income.
Member of Parliament (c. 1386-1388)
Chaucer was elected to Parliament as a representative of
Kent, one of the counties in southeastern England. His exact role in Parliament
is not clear, but he may have been involved in drafting legislation or advising
on matters related to trade and finance.
Justice of the Peace (c. 1385-1390)
As a Justice of the Peace, Chaucer was responsible for
enforcing the law and maintaining order in his local community. This was a
prestigious position that required a high level of education and social status.
Chaucer's government positions reflect his social and
political status in medieval England. He was a member of the middle class, but
his education and connections allowed him to rise to positions of influence and
authority. These positions also provided him with financial stability and
allowed him to pursue his literary interests without having to worry about
money.
Impact on English Literature
Chaucer’s impact on English literature cannot be overstated.
He was one of the first writers to use the English language in a literary
context, and he helped to establish English as a legitimate language for literature.
Chaucer’s writing is characterized by its realism, its humor, and its attention
to detail. His characters are vividly drawn, and his descriptions of their
actions and surroundings are both vivid and accurate.
Chaucer’s work also reflects the social and cultural changes
of his time. The Canterbury Tales, for example, provides a fascinating glimpse
into medieval society, with its portraits of knights, nuns, and tradespeople.
Chaucer was also a master of satire, and his writing often pokes fun at the
foibles and weaknesses of his fellow human beings.
Achievements/ Awards
As a medieval writer, Geoffrey Chaucer did not receive any
official awards in the modern sense. However, he was highly regarded and
respected by his contemporaries and later generations of writers, and his
literary achievements have been recognized and celebrated in various ways
throughout history. Here are some of the ways Chaucer has been honored:
Buried in Westminster Abbey
Chaucer was buried in Westminster Abbey, which was and still
is considered one of the highest honors for a writer or artist. His tomb was
situated in what is now called the Poets' Corner, alongside other literary
giants such as Shakespeare and Dickens.
Royal Appointments
Chaucer held several prestigious positions in the royal
court throughout his career, including Clerk of the King's Works, Controller of
Customs and Subsidy of Wools, and Member of Parliament. These appointments
indicate that he was highly respected by the monarchy and considered a valuable
member of society.
Patronage from Noble Families
Chaucer was patronized by several noble families, including
John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, and the Countess of Pembroke. This
support provided him with financial stability and allowed him to pursue his
literary interests without having to worry about money.
Popularity during his lifetime
Chaucer was popular and well-respected during his lifetime,
and his works were widely read and admired. This is evident from the numerous
manuscript copies of his works that survive from the medieval period.
Overall, while Geoffrey Chaucer did not receive any official
awards in his lifetime, his literary achievements and influence have been
recognized and celebrated in various ways throughout history, cementing his
status as one of the greatest writers of the English language.
Influence on English Literature
Chaucer's influence on English literature cannot be
overstated. His works have inspired countless writers and poets throughout
history, and his contributions to the English language have been recognized
with the inclusion of many of his words and phrases in the Oxford English
Dictionary.
Chaucer’s legacy continues to be felt today, both in the
world of literature and beyond. His influence can be seen in the works of
countless writers who have followed in his footsteps, from Shakespeare to
Dickens to Joyce. Chaucer’s contributions to the English language have also
been recognized, with many of his words and phrases still in use today.
Death
Geoffrey Chaucer died on October 25, 1400, at the age of
approximately 56 years old. The exact cause of his death is unknown, and there
are no contemporary accounts that describe his final moments. However, it is
believed that he died of natural causes.
Chaucer's death occurred during a period of political
upheaval in England. King Richard II had been deposed the year before, and the
country was in a state of flux. Chaucer's death went largely unnoticed at the
time, and there was no formal record made of his passing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Geoffrey Chaucer was a significant figure in
medieval English literature and society. Born in the 14th century, he lived
through a period of great change and upheaval, including the Black Death, the
Peasants' Revolt, and the Hundred Years' War. Despite these challenges, Chaucer
rose to prominence through his literary talent, government positions, and
connections with the royal court. His literary achievements and influence have
been recognized and celebrated in various ways throughout history, cementing
his status as one of the greatest writers of the English language.
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