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Chaucer
The Life Of
And His Contribution To

English Literatute
GROUP 1
Geoffrey Chaucer (1340-1400)
He was born in the reign of Edward III, lived through that
Richard II and died the year after Henry IV ascended the throne.
He was an English poet and author. Widely considered the
greatest English poet of the Middle Ages, he is best known for
The Canterbury Tales.
He has been called the "father of English literature".
He was the first writer to be buried in what has since come to be
called Poets' Corner, in Westminster Abbey.
Chaucer also gained fame as a philosopher and astronomer,
composing the scientific.
He maintained a career in the civil service as a bureaucrat,
courtier, diplomat, and member of parliament.
Life of Geoffrey Chaucer
Early Life and Background
Personal Life
Chaucer was born in London around 1342/1343 into a family of
vintners (wine merchants). This middle-class background Chaucer married Philippa Roet, who was the sister-in-law of his
allowed him access to education and connections with the royal major patron, John of Gaunt, and a lady-in-waiting to the queen.
court. This marriage further strengthened his connections with the
As a young man, Chaucer was a page in the household of court and helped him maintain a stable position within the royal
Elizabeth de Burgh, Countess of Ulster, and later served as a valet circle.
to the king. This role gave him exposure to aristocratic culture
and further opportunities for advancement.
Later Years and Death
Chaucer advanced in rank, becoming Comptroller of customs and
Career and Public Service subsidies in 1374, then Comptroller of petty customs. In 1385, he
Chaucer had a varied career, serving as a soldier during was appointed Justice of the Peace for Kent and became a
the Hundred Years' War, a diplomat, a royal official, and a Knight of the Shire for Kent in 1386.
member of Parliament. He undertook diplomatic missions In his later years, Chaucer’s financial situation became strained,
to Italy and France. He was soon captured by the French though he continued to write. He died in 1400 and was buried in
near Rheims, but in 1360, King Edward III, the Countess of Westminster Abbey, a testament to his significance. He was the
Ulster’s father-in-law, paid his ransom. first poet interred in what would become Poets’ Corner.
The Age of Chaucer
(1340-1400)
The 14th century is known as the age of Chaucer.
It was the age of transition, a transformation of medieval to
the modern times.
The great age of Enlightenment and Prosperity.
Literary Features of the Age
The Standardizing
of English A curious “modern”
Middle English began to establish itself as
the primary literary language in England. note begans to be
Before this period, Latin and Anglo-
Norman (French) were dominant in
apparent in this period
literature, government, and legal texts. The A "modern" note in Chaucer’s age can be
works of Chaucer and his contemporaries seen in the growing attention to realism,
played a critical role in shaping Middle individual experience, and psychological
English as a standardized language for depth. Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales is a
literature. prime example, with its vivid and diverse
portrayal of ordinary people from various
walks of life.
Literary Features of the Age
Prose
Scottish Literature
While poetry was still the dominant literary
form, prose writing began to develop in the
Age of Chaucer. Prose was primarily used
Chaucer’s influence extended beyond
for religious and instructional texts, as well
England into Scotland, where writers like
as translations of classical works.
John Barbour and Robert Henryson were
inspired by his works. Scottish literature of
this period often borrowed from the
narrative style, themes, and verse forms
popularized by Chaucer.
Chaucer’s Major Works
The Canterbury Tales
Chaucer’s most famous work, an unfinished collection of stories told by a diverse group of
pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. The stories range from chivalric romance and fabliaux to
sermons and allegories, showcasing his mastery of different genres.
Troilus and Criseyde

A tragic romance set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. It’s regarded as one of the greatest
love poems in the English language and is a key example of Chaucer’s narrative skill and
psychological insight.
The Book of the Duchess, The House of Fame, The

Parliament of Fowls, and The Legend of Good Women
These are other significant works that display his range and originality.
Conclusions
Chaucer's influence on English literature is immense.
His decision to write in English, at a time when many writers
chose Latin or French, played a crucial role in shaping English
into a respected language for literature.
Geoffrey Chaucer’s life and works symbolize a key moment in
the history of English literature, bridging the medieval and the
modern worlds.
Thank You!
Members:
Jesel Ann Duterte
Abigail Escobio
Devine Garganera
Aliza Marie Gementiza
Daniella Joy Go
Arlene Lambucan
Cedrick Evan Teson

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Chaucer

And His Contribution To

Troilus and Criseyde

The Book of the Duchess, The House of Fame, The

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