Geoffrey Chaucer is known as the Father of English Literature. Learn about his life, works, Canterbury Tales, and his role in shaping English language.
Who Is Known As the Father of English Literature?
The title “Father of English Literature” is most commonly given to Geoffrey Chaucer. He is regarded as the foundational figure of English literature because he played a crucial role in shaping Middle English as a respected literary language and laid the groundwork for modern English writing.
This article explains who Geoffrey Chaucer was, why he is called the Father of English Literature, his life, works, language, literary importance, and his lasting influence—in clear and easy-to-understand language.
Quick Answer
Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343–1400) is known as the Father of English Literature.
Why Is Geoffrey Chaucer Called the Father of English Literature?
Geoffrey Chaucer earned this title for several important reasons:
1. He Popularized English as a Literary Language
- Before Chaucer, Latin and French dominated literature in England.
- Chaucer wrote major literary works in Middle English, the language spoken by ordinary people.
- This made literature accessible to a wider audience.
2. He Created the First Major English Literary Masterpiece
- The Canterbury Tales is one of the earliest and greatest works in English literature.
- It shows advanced storytelling, humor, realism, and poetic skill.
3. He Shaped English Poetry
- Introduced new poetic forms such as iambic pentameter, which later became the standard in English poetry.
- Influenced future writers like William Shakespeare and John Milton.
Who Was Geoffrey Chaucer?
Early Life
- Born around 1343 in London, England
- Came from a middle-class family
- Received good education in literature, philosophy, and languages
Career
Chaucer worked in many important roles:
- Court official
- Diplomat
- Customs officer
- Civil servant under English kings
His travels to France and Italy exposed him to great European writers like Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio, which strongly influenced his writing.
Death
- Died in 1400
- Buried in Westminster Abbey, London
- His burial place later became known as Poets’ Corner
Major Works of Geoffrey Chaucer
1. The Canterbury Tales
- A collection of stories told by pilgrims traveling to Canterbury
- Each tale reflects different social classes: knight, merchant, miller, nun, etc.
- Famous for humor, satire, and realistic characters
2. Troilus and Criseyde
- A tragic love story
- Inspired by classical and Italian sources
- Considered Chaucer’s finest poetic achievement
3. The Book of the Duchess
- One of Chaucer’s earliest poems
- An elegy written to mourn the death of a noblewoman
4. The House of Fame
- A dream poem
- Explores themes of fame, truth, and rumor
Language Used by Geoffrey Chaucer
Middle English
- Bridge between Old English and Modern English
- Easier to understand than Old English but still different from today’s English
Example from The Canterbury Tales:
“Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote
The droghte of March hath perced to the roote”
This shows how Chaucer helped English evolve into its modern form.
Literary Features of Chaucer’s Writing
Realism
- Characters feel like real people
- Describes everyday life, professions, and human behavior
Humor and Satire
- Uses irony to criticize social corruption and hypocrisy
- Makes literature entertaining and meaningful
Strong Characterization
- Each character has a unique voice and personality
- A new concept in English writing at that time
Chaucer’s Influence on English Literature
Chaucer’s impact is vast and long-lasting:
- Inspired Renaissance writers
- Established English as a language for serious literature
- Influenced poetic style, storytelling, and character development
- Helped standardize English spelling and grammar
Many scholars believe without Chaucer, modern English literature would not exist in its current form.
Was Anyone Else Called the Father of English Literature?
Some confusion exists, but:
- Geoffrey Chaucer → Father of English Literature
- William Shakespeare → Father of Modern English Drama
- Edmund Spenser → Important Renaissance poet, not the “father”
Chaucer holds the original and most widely accepted title.
Why Is Chaucer Still Studied Today?
- His themes—love, greed, faith, power—are universal
- His storytelling style feels modern
- His work helps us understand the development of English language and society
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Father of English Literature |
| Name | Geoffrey Chaucer |
| Born | c. 1343 |
| Died | 1400 |
| Famous Work | The Canterbury Tales |
| Language | Middle English |
| Contribution | Made English a literary language |
Conclusion
Geoffrey Chaucer is rightly known as the Father of English Literature because he transformed English from a common spoken language into a powerful medium for art, poetry, and storytelling. His works shaped the future of English writing and continue to inspire readers and writers even after more than 600 years.