Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343 – 24 October 1400) was an English writer, poet, and administrator best known for his works The Canterbury Tales and Troilus and Criseyde. He is considered the father of English literature and one of the most important figures in the history of the English language.
Early Life
Chaucer was born in London to a wealthy wine merchant. He received a good education and served as a page in the household of the Countess of Ulster. He went on to work in the civil service and held a number of important positions, including Clerk of the King's Works and Comptroller of the Customs.
Literary Career
Chaucer began writing poetry in the early 1370s. His early work was heavily influenced by French and Italian literature. In the 1380s, he began to write in English, and his most famous work, The Canterbury Tales was published in the late 1380s.
The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury Cathedral. The stories are a diverse mix of genres, including romance, fabliau, and sermon. The Canterbury Tales is considered one of the greatest works of English literature and has been translated into many languages.
Chaucer's other major work is Troilus and Criseyde, a long poem based on the Italian story of Troilus and Cressida. The poem is considered one of the most important works of English literature and has been praised for its psychological realism and its exploration of the themes of love and betrayal.
Legacy
Chaucer is considered the father of English literature and one of the most important figures in the history of the English language. His works have had a profound impact on English literature, and he is still studied and admired by readers and scholars around the world.
Some of Chaucer's most famous quotes include:
- "Love is blind."
- "All that glitters is not gold."
- "A man is his own worst enemy."
- "Good wine is the life of man."
- "It is never too late to learn."
.jpeg)
.jpeg)