Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400) was an influential English poet and author. He is considered the father of English literature and was one of the earliest English poets to influence the development of the English language. Some of his most notable works include The Canterbury Tales, Troilus and Criseyde, and The Parliament of Fowls. He brought a new realism to English poetry by depicting realistic characters and themes from everyday life. The document provides biographical details about Chaucer and discusses his major works and his significant contributions to early English literature.

1. Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400)
14th Century(1327)-1377-99
Kings-Edward III Richard II
Earliest of Great Moderns
Father of English Poetry
Morning Star of Renaissance
Dr. SEEMA JAIN

2. Index
1. General info about the age
2. Silent Features of The Age of Chaucer
3. About Geoffrey Chaucer
4. Chaucer’s Works
5. Features of Chaucer’s Works
6. The Canterbury Tales
7. Chaucer’s Contribution to Literature
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3. About Chaucer
Geoffrey Chaucer is
known is the father of
English literature.
Geoffrey Chaucer is
the first great landmark
in English literature.

4. CHAUCER’S LIFE:-
 Chaucer was born in London ,
entered the services of the
duchess of Clarence, served
abroad as a soldier, was
captured and ransomed and
then entered the royal services.
In succession , he served three
kings -

5. “THE
REPRESENTATIVE
POET”
 Chaucer lived in an age which was Epoch-making in
religious, social and political planes. The victories of
the English army in the continent made Calais an
English colony and the nation prosperous . The
disasters which came after the victories helped in
ripening the English mind. Under these
circumstances, Chaucer is the perfect exponent of his
age. He has painted with great fidelity, the body and
soul of the society of his time. His poetry reflects
the14th century not in fragments but as a complete
whole.

6. He is the most comprehensive soul, and he
takes a full view of the wide and variegated
life of his times. As Compton-rickett remarks:
“Chaucer symbolishes , as no other writer
does, the middle ages. He stand in much the
same relation to the life of his time as pope
does to the earlier phases of the eighteenth
century, and Tennyson to the Victorian Era ;
and his place in English literature is even more
important than theirs………………..

7. “CHAUCER IS THE EARLIEST OF
THE GREAT MODERNS”
 Chaucer is considered the first poet of the
middle ages , Like Dante , Chaucer is a bridge
between the middle ages and renaissance . If
the modern world had begun to assert itself ,
the medieval world had by no means passed
away . Side by side they stood , the old and the
new . Chaucer represent them both , He is
romantic; He is realistic . He is modern among
medieval and a medieval among modern . “He
is a child of light not merely of twilight” .

8. “CHAUCER’S REALISM”
 The most important thing that Chaucer did for
English poetry was to bring a healthy realism to it
. He brought poetry to nature or reality . He was
the first poet who revealed the truth about life as
he saw it . Before him , the writer were dreaming
and weaving allegories . He didn’t record the
superficial view of the life of his own day . His
acquaintance with life was wide and
comprehensive.

9. Because of the catholic mind , he painted life as he
saw it ; and saw it minutely , that his epoch has
become a vivid epochs of history comparable even
to the age of Shakespeare .
 Chaucer was a man of the world , mixing freely
with all types of mankind and he used his
opportunities to observe the little peculiarities of
human nature . He had the sharp eye, retentive
memory, the judgment to select , and the
capacity to expound. Thus his description is very
real and brilliant.

10. CHAUCER’S DISCRIPTIVE
POWER Chaucer is one of the great painter in words. His
aim in writing verse, one may say even his sole
aim, was poetry for its own sake. He had no wish
to influence his contemporaries, nor to reform
morals, nor to evolve any system or philosophy.
He had set before himself an artistic ideal, and
knowing how crude were the attempts of his
predecessors, He applied himself heart and soul
to its fulfillment.

11. WORKS OF CHAUCER
The works of Chaucer are
roughly divided into three
classes, corresponding to
the three periods of his life.

12. * Chaucer’s Works . . .
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13. THE FIRST PERIOD
 Which was of 30 years, include has youth and manhood
in which time he was influenced almost exclusively by
French literary models therefore this period is called
French period.
 In this period he made a translation of THE
ROMANCE Of THE ROSE – from the famous very
long poem LE ROMAN DE LA ROSE.
 BOOK OF DUCHESS (dramatic and emotional power)
, written after the death of Blaunche, wife of Chaucer
patron, john of gaunt.
 Other minor poem of Chaucer are
 THE COMPLAINT UNTO PITY,
 THE COMPLIANT OF MARS,
 QUEEN ANELIDA AND
 THE ABC.

14. THE SECOND PERIOD
 WHICH WAS OF 15 YEARS.
 In this period he made his first official visit to Italy; to
arrange a commercial treaty with genoa, and from this
time is noticeable a rapid development in his literary
power and the prominence of Italian literary influence.
 The chief work of this period,
 TROILUS AND CRESEYDE (8000 line poem),
 PALAMON AND ARCITE, known is the
KNIGHT’S TALE,
 THE HOUSE OF FAME,
 DANTE’s DIVINE COMEDY.

15. THE THIRD
PERIOD
 Chaucer’s master piece “THE
CANTERBURY TALES” one
of the most famous work in all
literature fills the third or
English period of his life.
 Chaucer succeeded in his purpose so well that
in the Canterbury tales, He has given us a
picture of Contemprary English life, its work
and play, its deeds and dreams, its fun and
sympathy, and hearty joy of living, such as no
other single work of literature ever equaled.

16. In short we can say
that “CHAUCER IS
THE MORNING
STAR OF
RENAISSANCE”

17. Silent Features of The Age of Chaucer
1.An Era of Transition
2.The Growth of Nationalism
3.Black Death, Famine and Social unrest
4.The Corruption of the Church and Reformation
5.The Dawn of New Learning
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18. 1. An Era of Transition
(Change from Medieval to Modern)
• Chaucer was born in a tumultuous period of social,
religious and political change.
• The Spirit and romantic idealism was at its climax.
-- But the change from medieval to modern was slow and
imperceptible.
-- Yet, England was characteristically medieval , the
strange amalgam of love, war and religion reached perhaps
its fullest development at this time.
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19. •Literature changed from oral to written.
-- Focus shifted from the text to reader.
-- Reader was given more importance than writer.
-- Value of self-expression and originality are
upgraded (upheld).
-- English established as literary language by
adapting, translating and imitating Greek and Latin
texts.
• Feudalism, chivalry and church were on their
decline.
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20. 2. Growth of Nationalism
(Upsurge of national spirit)
•This age was remarkable for the growth of national spirit
(Nationalism).
-- There was a striking awareness of unity of customs,
temperaments and language.
-- The East Midland speech became the language of capital
and universities.
-- French and English amalgamated to form standard English.
• Influence of the church was on the wane.
-- Political, intellectual and spiritual influence had
diminished.
-- But in the reign of john (a clergy) legislation was working
to nurture the growth of national consciousness.
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21. 3. Black Death, Famine and Social unrest
(An epoch of natural calamities )
• Natural calamities increased sufferings of common people.
-- Black Death [Plague] (A.D. 1348-49) followed by famine
wiped out one third population of England.
• The age of social unrest and economic troubles.
-- Labour become unsatisfied with their salary.
-- Efforts were made to keep the labours under control with
the help of legislation.
•The French wars led to cost heavy burdens of taxation.
•Conflict between king Richard and his subjects resulted in
endless discord and confusion. 21

22. Black Death
22

23. 4. The Corruption of the Church and Reformation
(Infection of corruption, turpitude and superstition)
• Church was the seat of power, prestige and influence.
-- They lived in a godless and worldly ways in wealth and
luxury.
-- Clergy were ignorant and careless.
-- Superstition became social evil.
• John Wycliffe (1320-84) “the morning star for
reformation”, who challenged the authority of the catholic
Church.
-- The Lullard movement was the first important
opposition to Catholicism.
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24. -- Wrote religious pamphlets and complete English
version of “The Bible”.
•Religious reforms –
-- Pilgrimages were common during this period.
-- Religious reformers opposed church on grounds of
idleness and laxity.
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25. 5. The Dawn of New Learning
( Spirit of new learning begins )
• In the age of Chaucer the medieval habits and traditions
still in practice.
• Study of the literature of classical antiquity-
-- Not for only art but for moral ideas of ancient Greece
and Rome.
-- Their works were influenced by humanism.
-- The sense of beauty, the delight in life, and the secular
spirit comes in practice.
-- People loves ancient Greek philosophers and their
philosophy.
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26. • During this age England passed through the journey of
medievalism and come to the beginning of the modern
world.
-- It was the world of medieval, also the world of coming
Renaissance excited by new ideas.
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27. “The Canterbury Tales” - (c.1387)
( Most remarkable work of Chaucer )
 Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales influenced by Boccaccio’s
‘Decameron’.
 29 pilgrims meet at Tabard Inn.
 23 of them tell stories.
 In Canterbury Tales there are 24 stories.
 Chaucer tells two stories – Tale of Thopas and Tale of
Melibeus.
 The Canterbury Tales begins with Knight’s Tale and
ends with Parsons Tale.
 It ends with “Retraction”, Chaucer’s apology for the
vulgar and unworthy parts of this book.
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28. Pilgrims meet at Tabard Inn --
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29. Upper Class
Middle Class
Upper Lower
Lower Class
Virtuous Immoral
Knight Merchant Cook Yeoman Miller
Squire Clerk of Shipman
Oxford
Parson Manciple
Prioress Man of Law Doctor of Physique Plowman Reeve
Monk Frankline Wife of Bath Summoner
Friar Five Guildsmen Pardoner
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30. *Characters
The Pardoner The Knight The Squire The Monk
The Friar The Summoner
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31. The Parson The Nun’s Priest The Second Nun The Prioress
The Merchant The Clerk of Oxford
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32. The Wife of Bath The Man of Law The Shipman The Physician
The Reeve The Franklin
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33. The Manciple The Miller The Cook
Chaucer
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34. The Knight –
 Member of the Household Group
 Represents ideals of truth, honour, generosity,
courtesy, modesty and gentleness.
 First to arrive Tabard Inn after Chaucer.
 Wildly travelled and prudent.
 Tells first tale ‘Knight’s Tale’.
The Squire –
 Son of the Knight.
 Was “as fresh as the month of may”
 Fought battles for winning his ladyloves.
 He is humble and modest.
 Tells an ‘Oriental Tale’.
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35. The Prioress –
 Her name was Eglantyne.
 Beautiful, romantic and amiable.
 She had fine table manners.
 loves small dogs more than human
beings.
The Monk –
 Compared to the Prioress in religious
affection.
 A robust and masculine man, the Monk
travels with the Prioress and Second Nun.
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36. The Friar –
 Supposed to live a poor life by
begging but is more interested in love
affairs of young people.
 Good singer
The Pardoner –
 Chaucer’s masterpiece in character
drawing.
 Good story-teller; sing hymns
beautifully.
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37. The Summoner –
 Pardoner’s companion
 Lecherous and dishonest
 Children are afraid of his fiery red face
full of pimples and scary eye brows.
He loves garlic, onion, leeks and wine.
 Spout of few Latin Phrases he knows.
The Parson –
 Ideal parish priest.
Thought only holy thoughts and did
only good deeds.
 He is very gentle and diligent.
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38. The Clerk of Oxford –
 A Neutral portrayal
 Devoted to the study of philosophy
 Eager to learn and teach
 Prayed for the souls of those who helped
him
 He is polite and speaks only when
necessary
 He speaks about morality
 His tale is a reply to the tale of wife of bath
it is about the patient Wife Griselda.
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39. The Merchant –
 Wealthy businessman
 He wore rich and multicolored clothes
and hat from Holland.
 Carries himself so well that no one
realizes he is heavily in debt
 Newly and unhappily married
The Man of Law –
 Wise and slightly suspicious of
everything
 He had vast knowledge of law
 often appointed by the king as a judge
of the court of assizes
 Wealthy land-buyer 39

40. The Franklin –
 Companion of Man of Law
 A wealthy gentleman who like to have wine
in the morning
 Because he loves pleasure, he is called “Son
of Epicurus”
 At Country meetings he is representative and
chairman
 ‘ The Franklin’s Tale’is story set in Brittany
* The Five Guildsmen –
 They are artisans and are newly rich represents urban
middle class
 They are – Haberdasher, a Carpenter, a Weaver, a Dryer and
a Tapestry Maker
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41. The Wife of Bath –
 Bath is famous for cloth-making and she
was herself an expert in weaving/ embroidery.
 Lived an honourable life
 Wildly travelled in Italy, Spain and
Jerusalem
 Loved to tell romantic tales and to gossip
The Physician –
 Extremely good at his profession and
astronomy
 Knew of every disease and where it came
from and gives cure immediately
 Eats a simple diet which is healthy
 He saved gold, because of his love of gold
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42. The Reeve –
 Slender (thin and graceful) man named
Oswald
 In charge of his master’s sheep, cattle, dairy,
swine (pig), horses, stock and poultry.
 He could observe seasons, weather and
foretell harvest
 Also a good carpenter, a trade which he had
learnt in youth
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43. The Shipman –
 Live din the west country and comes from
Dartmouth
 Bold and prudent
 Wildly travelled
 Expert in matters regarding the position of
the moon, the tides, the currents and the
perils of the sea
 His ship was called The Magdalen
* The Yeoman –
 Knew all techniques of carpentry and carried a
sword, guard and a shield and a dagger
 He is a woodsman compared to Robin Hood
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44. The Manciple –
 Worked at a college of lawyers.
 An attendant who purchases provisions for a
college and an inn of court
 He serves food to the lawyers and students at
the temple
 Despite his lack of education, this Manciple
is smarter than the thirty lawyers he feeds.
The Cook –
 His name is Roger.
 He was employed by the Guildsmen.
 Perfect in cooking food
 His masterpiece is minced chicken in
white sauce.
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45. The Miller –
 His name is Robyn.
 Found of telling indecent tales
 He tells the tale of a bawdy fabliau.
 Wore white coat and blue hood.
 Expert in grinding corn and stole corn by pushing the
scales with his thumb, for which narrator swears he had a
“golden thumb”.
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46. The pilgrims delivering tales
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47. *Chaucer’s Contribution to Literature
 Creator of English Language and Poetry –
-- First metrical artist, humorist and humanist
-- First national poet of England
-- He gave reformed and reshaped language as a powerful
instrument of expression
-- Informed musical sweetness and liquidity to language
-- First man to use “Naked Words”
 First Great Realist –
-- Believe that poetry is the free secular spirit
-- Portrayed comprehensive picture of contemporary life
-- Realistically presented the social, economic and religious
condition of age
-- Keen observer of men and manners
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48.  Characterization of Chaucer –
-- First great character painter
-- Portrayed real life characters
-- Characters are drawn from keen observation of man and
women
-- First writer to bring atmosphere of romantic interest about
men and women
 First great narrative poet in English –
-- Father of English Novel
-- “Troilus and Criseyde” first novel written in verse
-- It has plot, dialogue, humour, irony, realism, conflict,
dramatic elements etc.
-- Character Criseyde is the first true psychological study of
complex woman
-- Pandarus is the first comic character in English
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