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What was special about Chaucer?
Geoffrey Chaucer is considered one of the first great English poets. He is the author of such works as The Parlement of Foules, Troilus and Criseyde, and The Canterbury Tales. Humorous and profound, his writings show him to be an acute observer of his time with a deft command of many literary genres.
Why Chaucer is famous in the current century?
One of the reasons Chaucer is so important is that he made the decision to write in English and not French. In the centuries following the Norman invasion, French was the language spoken by those in power. The Canterbury Tales was one of the first major works in literature written in English.
Who did Geoffrey Chaucer inspire?
Chaucer’s poetry influenced and inspired many of Great Britain’s authors, poets, and playwrights who followed him, including William Shakespeare. Shakespeare borrowed some of his stories from Chaucer’s poetry. In particular, Shakespeare drew heavily on Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde for his play, Troilus and Cressida.
Why was Chaucer significant in the medieval era of English literature?
English. Chaucer is sometimes considered the source of the English vernacular tradition. His achievement for the language can be seen as part of a general historical trend towards the creation of a vernacular literature, after the example of Dante, in many parts of Europe.
What do you think Geoffrey Chaucer’s purpose was for writing the General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales?
“The General Prologue” to The Canterbury Tales serves two main functions: to offer context for the text to follow and to introduce all of the pilgrims. In fulfilling both of these purposes, Chaucer also inserts subtle criticism of certain characters and satirizes aspects of life in the Middle Ages.
What happened to Chaucer’s father?
In 1324, his father John Chaucer was kidnapped by an aunt in the hope of marrying the 12-year-old to her daughter in an attempt to keep property in Ipswich. The aunt was imprisoned and fined £250, now equivalent to about £200,000, which suggests that the family was financially secure.
Who were Chaucer’s forebears?
Chaucer’s forebears for at least four generations were middle-class English people whose connection with London and the court had steadily increased.
How is Chaucer’s Black Death relevant today?
When Chaucer was about six years old, the Black Death hit. Of course, thinking about plagues feels horribly relevant right now, although the plague was far worse than what we’re experiencing. It caused enormous social change – and not necessarily the kinds of change you might expect.
What are the characteristics of Chaucer’s works?
Photos.com/Jupiterimages Perhaps the chief characteristics of Chaucer’s works are their variety in subject matter, genre, tone, and style and in the complexities presented concerning the human pursuit of a sensible existence.