Letteratura inglese - Geoffry Chauce:, life and works

Geoffry Chaucer: life and works

Geoffrey Chaucer was born in London, the son of a wine merchant, and very little is known about his early life. In 1357 he became a page to the countess of Ulster and in 1359, during the Hundred Years' War, he fought in France, was taken prisoner, but was rescued in 1360. Once home he entered the king's service and married into the family of his patron, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Chaucer led a very active political life. He was sent abroad on several missions: to Flanders, France and Italy where he may have met Petrarch. In England, Chaucer held several important posts: he was appointed controller of customs in the port of London, a justice of the peace in Kent and a representative of Kent in Parliament. Chaucer's fortunes, however, fluctuated during the last period of his life: his appointments were taken from him for various reasons, leaving him in distress. He regained the favor of the court in 1399 when Henry, the son of John of Gaunt, became King as Henry IV and he was therefore able to spend his last months in comfort. Chaucer died in 1400 and was buried in Westminster Abbey, in that part which has since been called the "Poets' Corner".

Education and influences

We know nothing about Chaucer's formal education, but he must have read many romances and chronicles and learnt a lot about the aristocracy through his contacts with the court. He must also have studied the literature, art and science of France and Italy during his journeys to these countries.

Chaucer's literary periods

Chaucer's works are generally divided into three periods: French, Italian and English. Two of his works belong to the first period. They are written in octosyllabic couplets and show the influence of French into English of Le Roman de la Rose by...