Geoffrey Chaucer

About Chaucer
Chaucer was a big writer. Some scientist thought that English
literature was start in his age. He was born in (1340) circa London in
England and he died in 1400. Too much be on the land of England in
his age. The war (hundred years war between France and England)
was to being when he born. This war to being until 116 years (not
continue). Chaucer arrested by franc army due to participation in this
war (1399). Edward loved with Chaucer therefore, he bailed of
Chaucer in the result of 16 pounds. It was a huge amount in 14
century. Chaucer often went to diplomatic mission due to
attachment with court. He can explain many cultures because he was
fond of travelling. He was influence with Italy culture and
renaissance (this period also renaissance but low level because he
was not too famous).

Chaucer’s life events

There were many events happens in his life. The events were
happening in his life are following.

1. Hundred years war

2. Black death
3. Peasant rebellion / Tyler’s Rebellion
1. Hundred years of war (116)
why this war start?
In 1066 AD the William Conquer (the king of franc and England).
The name of France king was Charles 4 which died in 1328. Now,
there was no king in France due to not having son of Charles.
Not; according to France rule “One become king only
through their father’s line not through their mother
line”.
On the other hand, the Edward 3 was the king of England which
was only 15 years old. Isabella was the mother of Edward 3 and
also the sister of Charles (the king of France). She thoughts that
why not the Edward 3 make the king of France. When this report
reached France, this report angered the France people and war
start.

2. Black death (plague) (1348 to 1349)

It was cureless disease at this time. It was one year. in this result,
round about 30% to 60% population of England were died.it was
reappeared in 1362,1367,1370.

3. Peasant rebellion / Tyler’s rebellion

It was held in 1981

Chaucer writing
Chaucer wrote in three languages. There are followings.

1) French
2) Italian
3) English
1. French
 Chaucer starts his writing in French. He wrote three poems
in Frenches which are following.

i. Translate of Roman de la Rasa’

ii. The book of duchess also known

the deth of Blaunche

iii. Abc a prayer to the virgin

2. Italian

Chaucer influenced with three poets of Italy which names are

bocaccio, Petrarch and renaissance (because he was famous in Italy).
These are following books which he wrote In Italy.

I. The house of fame

II. The parliament of fowls
III. Troilus and Criseyde
 English period
Canterbury Tales (it is the famous book of Chaucer)

Other poets in Chaucer age

1) John Gower (1322 to 1408)

It’s way of writing was too different with Chaucer. It is the age of
frequent and severe criticism of clergy because the Church were
more power in this age. In this age no body can criticized about
clergy but john Gower do it. Chaucer also wrote about clergy but
little.

2) Wyclif’s bible
Wyclif’s translate bible from Latin to English. It is very effective
because it was not in English firstly in this result religion were more
spread in people because it was not read due to Latin and people
were not known about this. So, Wyclif’s have significant in Chaucer
age.