Biography of Geoffrey Chaucer by Lisa Abraham, Professor of English at Brunel University.
Geoffrey Chaucer, often regarded as the father of English literature, lived during a period of great political, social, and cultural change. Born around 1343 in London, Chaucer’s life and work would shape the future of English writing. His most famous work, The Canterbury Tales, remains a cornerstone of English literary tradition and continues to be studied and celebrated today.
But who was Geoffrey Chaucer? How did he rise from modest beginnings to become one of the most important literary figures of the Middle Ages? This biography will explore his life, his works, and his lasting legacy.
Early Life and Background
Geoffrey Chaucer was born into a family of wine merchants. His father, John Chaucer, was a successful businessman who supplied wine to the royal court. Though not nobility, the family was well-connected and had enough wealth to give Chaucer access to education and opportunity.
Little is known about Chaucer’s early years, but it is believed that he received a good education, possibly attending the prestigious St. Paul’s Cathedral School in London. There, he would have learned Latin, which was the language of law, government, and the Church during that time.
At a young age, Chaucer was introduced to royal service. He served as a page in the household of Elizabeth de Burgh, the Countess of Ulster, in the 1350s. This position provided Chaucer with connections to the royal family and other influential people, helping him to secure further roles in the service of the crown throughout his life.
Life at Court and Diplomatic Service
Chaucer’s career at court was varied and distinguished. By the mid-1360s, he had become a trusted member of the king’s household, serving as a diplomat, civil servant, and even a soldier. In 1368, Chaucer married Philippa de Roet, a lady-in-waiting to the queen, further cementing his position within royal circles.
His diplomatic missions took him across Europe, giving him exposure to the broader cultural and intellectual currents of the time. These experiences were crucial in shaping his literary career. He visited Italy, where he encountered the works of writers like Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio, all of whom would have a profound influence on his own writings.
In his early 30s, Chaucer’s literary career began to blossom. His diplomatic trips to Italy introduced him to the vibrant literary culture of the Renaissance, and he became familiar with works such as Dante’s Divine Comedy and Boccaccio’s Decameron. These Italian writers’ approaches to storytelling and their exploration of human nature would inspire Chaucer’s own work.
The Influence of Italy and Early Works
Chaucer’s early poetic works were deeply influenced by his travels and the cultural exchanges he experienced. His first major poem, The Book of the Duchess, written in the early 1370s, was an elegy mourning the death of Blanche of Lancaster, the wife of John of Gaunt, one of Chaucer’s patrons. The poem was a blend of classical and French poetic traditions, showcasing Chaucer’s growing mastery of different literary forms.
During this period, Chaucer began to write more extensively in English. At the time, most poetry was written in Latin or French, the languages of the educated elite. By choosing to write in English, Chaucer helped elevate the language to a new level of literary respectability. His decision to use the vernacular was groundbreaking and set the stage for the development of English as a major literary language.
His works continued to evolve, and by the 1380s, he was creating more ambitious pieces such as Troilus and Criseyde. This narrative poem, based on the Trojan War, blended tragedy, romance, and medieval chivalry. It is considered one of Chaucer’s finest works, showcasing his understanding of human emotions, relationships, and the complexities of love.
The Canterbury Tales: A Masterpiece of English Literature
Chaucer’s crowning achievement came in the form of The Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories that remains one of the most important works in English literature. Written in the late 1380s and early 1390s, The Canterbury Tales was a bold and innovative exploration of medieval society. It presented a series of tales told by a group of pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury.
The structure of the work allowed Chaucer to experiment with different voices and genres. Each pilgrim, representing a different social class or occupation, tells a story that reflects their personality, profession, and worldview. The range of tales includes everything from chivalric romance to bawdy comedy, giving readers a rich tapestry of medieval life.
What makes The Canterbury Tales particularly remarkable is Chaucer’s ability to capture the complexity of human nature. His characters are not simple stereotypes; they are fully realized individuals with their own quirks, desires, and flaws. Whether it’s the noble Knight, the greedy Pardoner, or the worldly Wife of Bath, each character has a unique voice that speaks to the diversity of human experience.
Chaucer’s decision to write The Canterbury Tales in Middle English, rather than Latin or French, was a bold move. English was not considered a prestigious literary language at the time, but Chaucer’s masterful use of it helped to elevate its status. The work’s use of vernacular allowed it to be more accessible to a broader audience, making it a crucial step in the development of English literature.
Chaucer’s Other Works and Contributions
Though The Canterbury Tales is Chaucer’s most famous work, it is by no means his only significant contribution to literature. His earlier works, such as The House of Fame and Parliament of Fowls, display his wit and keen observations of both human nature and society. These poems explore themes such as the fickleness of fame, the complexities of love, and the workings of political power.
Chaucer was also a translator, and his translation of The Romance of the Rose, a popular French poem, brought French literary themes into English. His exposure to different cultures and literary traditions allowed him to blend the best of various traditions into his own unique style.
His writing reflected the changing world in which he lived, bridging the medieval and Renaissance periods. His work introduced new ideas about individualism, secularism, and the roles of men and women in society.
Legacy and Influence
Geoffrey Chaucer died in 1400, leaving The Canterbury Tales unfinished. However, the work remains a seminal piece of English literature, and its influence can be seen in many later writers. Chaucer’s unique blend of wit, realism, and social commentary inspired authors such as William Shakespeare and John Milton.
Chaucer’s legacy is not just literary. He played a key role in shaping the English language itself. At a time when English was still developing as a literary medium, Chaucer’s works helped to standardize its usage. His decision to write in English, rather than in the more prestigious languages of Latin and French, contributed significantly to the development of English as a literary language.
Today, Chaucer is regarded as a foundational figure in English literature. His works continue to be studied and enjoyed, and his influence is still felt in modern writing. The Canterbury Tales remains a timeless exploration of human nature, with its themes of love, greed, ambition, and folly as relevant now as they were in the 14th century.
Conclusion
Geoffrey Chaucer was more than just a poet; he was a pioneer. His decision to write in English, his keen observations of society, and his masterful storytelling have earned him a place among the greatest writers in history. His works capture the richness of human experience, blending humor, tragedy, and wisdom in a way that still resonates with readers today.
Chaucer’s life and career were marked by his service to the crown, his travels, and his deep engagement with the literary and intellectual culture of his time. His legacy as the father of English literature is secure, and his works remain an essential part of the English literary canon.
Chaucer’s world may have been different from ours, but his insights into human nature are universal. His characters, with their virtues and vices, their joys and sorrows, speak to us across the centuries, reminding us that while the world may change, the human experience remains fundamentally the same.
Biography of Geoffrey Chaucer by Lisa Abraham, Professor of English at Brunel University.
