Concetti Chiave
- Geoffrey Chaucer was born around 1343 in London to a wealthy merchant family and became involved in politics and military service.
- He traveled to Italy between 1368 and 1378, where he studied the works of Boccaccio, Dante, and Petrarch, influencing his literary style.
- Chaucer's works are divided into three periods: French, Italian, and English, each marked by distinct thematic and stylistic influences.
- The Italian period of Chaucer's work reflects a mature vision, incorporating medieval literature, comic fantasy, and themes of love and suffering.
- The English period, highlighted by the "Canterbury Tales," showcases Chaucer's realistic portrayal of society and solidified his status as the father of English literature.
What was Geoffrey Chaucer's early life like?
Geoffrey Chaucer was born about 1343 from a rich merchant in London. He took part in a war in France with Edward III’s son so he was taken prisoner and then he was ransomed by a king in 1360.
He was a trusty man of the king. Between 1368 and 1378 he went in Italy where he studied Boccaccio, Dante and Petrarca in Latin of Virgil. In 1374 was nominated to the Office of Controller of Customs on Wool and Hides in Part of London also he was a Member of Parliament and he brought a substantial income when he married a wealthy lady.
1386 was a difficult year for him, he lose a lots of money because he was dismissed from all his office and function. During this period he became to write the Canterbury tales.
In 1389 he became a Clerk of king’s works at Westminster Abbey and when he died he was buried(as fist poet) in Poets’ corner in Westminster Abbey .
Chaucer's literary contributions
Chaucer was considered the father of English literature. His language(the “dialect”) became the standard English and take the basis of modern English. His poem is divided into 3 period: French, Italian and English.
French Period are characterized by a poems inspired by a French romance style and subjects:
• the Romaunt of the Rose: talks about a courtly love in medieval court;
• the Boke of the Duchesse: in first person talks about a fear (grief) to a loss of his wife and generally about the grief of all man for the death of a wife;
Italian period of Chaucer's work
Italian period shows a new vision of perception more mature:
• the parliament of Foules (medieval literature, ballad)
• the house of fame, comic fantasy (contemplation of the vanity of the human wishes)
• the legend of good women: woman who suffered for a love
• troylus and Criseyde: a long poem inspirited by Decameron of Boccaccio.
English period are characterized by a marked realism that includes his masterpiece: Canterbury Tales.
Domande da interrogazione
- What were some significant events in Geoffrey Chaucer's early life?
- How did Chaucer's career and financial situation change in 1386?
- How did Chaucer contribute to the development of the English language and literature?
Geoffrey Chaucer was born around 1343 to a wealthy merchant family in London. He participated in a war in France, was captured, and later ransomed by the king in 1360. He was a trusted man of the king and held various positions, including the Office of Controller of Customs on Wool and Hides in London, and was a Member of Parliament.
In 1386, Chaucer faced financial difficulties as he was dismissed from all his offices and functions, losing a significant amount of money. During this challenging period, he began writing "The Canterbury Tales."
Chaucer is considered the father of English literature, with his language becoming the standard English and forming the basis of modern English. His work is divided into three periods: French, Italian, and English, with "The Canterbury Tales" being his masterpiece, characterized by marked realism.
Accedi a tutti gli appunti
Tutor AI: studia meglio e in meno tempo
