Chaucer (c ) Geoffrey Chaucer is considered to be England’s first great literary genius. Copyright Peter S. Willis

The “Calamitous” 14th Century  The 14 th Century was a time of great unrest and upheaval –Political unrest –England loses domains in France (Hundred Years’ War) –The Plague –Peasants’ Revolt 1381

Chaucer & the English Kings Richard II Deposed Chaucer--Helped arrange marriage Controller of Wool Trade, Clerk of Works Justice of Peace and Knight for Kent Edward The Black Prince Fought in France Died 1372 Chaucer Captured Lionel Duke of Clarence Chaucer a Page Henry IV Powerful Chaucer continued offices John of Gaunt Most Powerful Figure Chaucer marries John's sister-in-law Edward III Chaucer a Valet Negotiated Trade Treaty with Naples

London in 14 th Century  50,000 pop.  Center of politics, commerce  Home to a rising, independent middle class

Chaucer’s Background  Father was a wine merchant –Solidly middle class –Still close to the royal court  Royal connections from early on  Chaucer’s life is well- documented because he served in so many public offices

Chaucer’s Major Public Offices  Comptroller of the Customs for the Port of London  Clerk of the King’s Works  Commissioner of the Peace and Knight of the Shire for Kent

French Period (?-1372)  Works –Roman de la Rose –Book of the Duchess  Influences –French romances –Latin classics Ovid and Boethius (Consolations of Philosophy)

Italian Period ( )  Works –Troilus and Criseyde  Influences –Dante –Petrarch and Boccaccio (Decameron)

English Period  Works –The Canterbury Tales  Influences –Italian Boccaccio’s interest in “ordinary” people –Growing interest in English “ordinary” –Are the characters in The Canterbury Tales based on people Chaucer actually knew?

Chaucer’s Language – Middle English  Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales in Middle English.  Middle English is the basis for our Modern English of today.

Elements of Style and Plot Overview  Chaucer uses certain elements of style, such as characterization, ironic tone, and sensory language, to enhance his work.  Each of the tales in his work are part of a larger story, known as a frame story.  The Host to the people on the pilgrimage connects each story together.  The context for having so many tales is a contest to see who can tell the best story during the characters’ pilgrimage to Canterbury.

Character Overview  There are many characters in Chaucer’s work.  The characters are introduced in the General Prologue by a brief but telling description of their appearances and their personalities.  The characters range from noble, honest characters to much more wicked characters.  Chaucer uses each character to present a commentary on the society in which he lived.

The Canterbury Tales Character Example: The Pardoner – He is Not What He Seems to Be  The Pardoner is supposedly a holy man who helps people in their everyday lives through spirituality.  BUT the Pardoner uses his position to exploit innocent, poor people by promising them great things in return for donations.

The Canterbury Tales Anticipation Questions  Keep in mind the personalities (characterization) of the different people Chaucer describes. –What do the characters look like? –What do they say, think, or do?  Watch for ironic tone. (Chaucer’s opinion of the characters is opposite of what he seems to say about them in his descriptions.)