1. Geoffrey Chaucer & The Canterbury Tales
Albert Linntam XIa

2. Short Biography Chaucer was born in 1344 Died on 25th October, 1400
Father was a wine merchant
Chaucer – chasseur (showmaker)
Served Edward III, Richard II

3. Travelling and family Was imprisoned in France (1359-60)
Spent 2 years in Italy ( )
Married Philippa Rouet in 1374
Had 4 children
Picardy, Milan, Genoa, Florence

4. Career Documented in detail First mentioned in 1357
Also served Countess of Ulster, Henry IV
Was a page, later a diplomat
Spent a year in Parliament (1386)
Was accused of raping

5. Major works The Canterbury Tales The Book of the Duchess
Translation of Boethius
Troilus and Criseyde
The Romaunt of the Rose (translation)
The Legend of Good Women

6. The Canterbury Tales Written in 1387-1400 Died before he could finish
2 parts in prose, 22 in verse
Written in Middle English (vernacular)
83 manuscripts
Chaucer’s best written work

7. Contents Pilgrimage to the tomb of Becket
Group of people near Tarbard Inn
Shopkeeper suggests a game
Had to comprise 30 characters
2 on the way to Canterbury – 2 on the way back
Free dinner for winner

8. Influence & Style Dekameron by Boccaccio Concept of pilgrimage
The Bible, Ovid, Dante, Petrarch
Every story has different style
Wycliffe, The Peasants’ Revolt
Vocabulary
Chaucer - father of English literature?

9. Thank you for attention!