Biography
1. Born and died in London. He was the first poet and commoner buried in Westminster Abby's Poets‟ Corner.
2. He was trusted and aide by three successive kings: Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV.
3. The name of Chaucer is derived from French word Chaussier meaning the maker of footwear.
4. His family's financial success derived from wine and leather
5. His father was an important London vintner and a deputy to the King's butler.
6. Chaucer knew four languages: Middle English, French, Latin, and Italian.
7. Chaucer first appeared in records in 1357 as member of household of Elizabeth, countess of Ulster and wife of Lionel, third son of Edward III.
8. By 1359 Chaucer was the member of Edward III‟s army in France and was captured during the unsuccessful siege of Reims. (Hundred's Year War 1337-1453)
9. He was fined for beating a Franciscan friar in a London Street.
10. On February 22, 1366 the king of Navarre issued a certificate of safe-conduct for Chaucer, three companions and their servants to enter Spain.
11. By 1366 Chaucer had married and probably his wife was Philippa Pan.
12. Chaucer's favorite Roman poet was Ovid.
13. In a deed of May 1, 1380, one Cecily Champaign released Chaucer from legal action “both of my rape (raptus) and of any other matter or cause”.
14. He was the first to be buried Poets‟ Corner at Westminster Abbey, a signal honor for a commoner.
15. Chaucer had 2 sons and 2 daughters.
16. He is the father of English literature and father of English Poetry.
17. He is also called the English Homer.
Major Works
Chaucer's work falls into three different periods.
1. French Models
a. The Romaunt of the Rose
b. The Book of the Duchess
c. Complaint unto Pity
2. Under the Influence of the Italian Literature
a. The Parliament of Fowls
b. Troilus and Criseyde
c. The Story of Griselda
d. The House of Fame
3. English Work
a. The Legend of Good Women
b. The Canterbury Tales
Magnum Opus
Canterbury Tales (1387-1400)
1. It is a frame story and framing is pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury, Kent.
2. It has a general prologue.
3. 29 pilgrims, a narrator, a host and later joining Canon‟s Yeomen. Total travelers 32.
4. 30 pilgrims, including narrator, gather at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, across the Thames from
London.
5. All pilgrims agree to engage in a storytelling contest.
6. Harry Bailly, host of Tabard, serves as the master of the ceremonies for the contest.
7. 24 tales.
8. Tales are links, short dramatic scenes.
9. Return journey is not included and some of the pilgrims don‟t tell stories.
10. 10 syllables line with altering accent and regular end rhyme is used by Chaucer in this work.
Now, as you have studied this, you may take a Quiz on Chaucer
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